Stephanie Lake, Divine Curator and Artisan

"Oh my, how have we not been friends this whole time?"

I had been following Stephanie Lake on social media for years. We had exchanged pleasantries at fashion events and I always thought the world of her and her work, but it was not until I had the honor of being welcomed into her studio for a fascinator drop-off (for miniature horses!) that I started to grasp the magnitude of this multi-faceted woman.

Not only is Stephanie Lake the fifth scholar in the world granted a Ph.D. in Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture, but she also worked internationally as a decorative arts curator and Sotheby’s auction specialist before turning her attention to jewelry design in 2007, launching her firm that year. Her namesake jewelry salon is located within the Mona Williams boutique at the Mall of America.  Dr. Lake is also the author of the highly-acclaimed and definitive Cashin monograph, Bonnie Cashin: Chic is Where You Find It (Rizzoli) and the curator of the Bonnie Cashin Personal Archive, which houses some of the most impressive and diverse hats from around the world. I have to admit, I teared up a bit when I saw them. 

Every detail in her life is so well thought out, so intentional. Spending time with her has given me a new level of understanding of her artistry, and I always leave our conversations inspired to dedicate myself more deeply to my own work.

In love with her and her work as well? Stop by our Gray Matter Series event September 9-10 at the Hewing Hotel for her curated capsule collection, shop her site online at Stephanie Lake Design, or check out any of the additional things she has going on in September:

*Podcast, September 1st: Collecting Culture podcast on Bonnie Cashin and Stephanie's jewels live on iTunes with host Liz Logan. 

*Runway Show, September 8th: Fgi-Msp and FGI Presents Fall: Into Luxury, a runway presentation and reception at Morrie's Luxury Auto as part of Fashion Week MN. 

*Book Launch, September 14th: Photography icon TONY DURAN and Chicago's dana hotel and spa, are launching their new coffee table book, film, and campaign, highlighting her jewels.

*Magazine Editorial: Check the September issue of Minnesota Monthly for "Autumn in the Vineyard" editorial featuring her gorgeous jewelry and the work of many other Minnesota designers, on newsstands now.