On Wednesday, October 17th, Saks Fifth Avenue hosted an exclusive event on behalf of Phillips House jewelry. Attendees gathered on the first floor of Saks’ accessories department to enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while shopping Phillips House’s latest collection featuring colorful gemstones and sophisticated designs. Designers Lisa and Danielle Frankel, a mother-daughter design team based in Miami, Florida, were on hand to mingle with their customers and showcase their brand.

Lisa Frankel, co-designer and  creator of Phillips House, is a creative force who has been artistic since she was young. “I have been designing for so long, which is ever since I can remember” she explains. “I’ve always been very creative and {jewelry design} felt very comfortable and natural for me, but I never really knew I was good at it because I thought everyone could do what I was doing and was interested in it. It took me a long time to realize that I actually did have a talent that other people appreciated.” After years of private high-end design, she enlisted daughter and co-designer Danielle Frankel as a partner in the burgeoning business. Now, the collection is featured at various Saks locations, with the line coming to several more around the country.

The Frankels’ designs are elegant, sophisticated, and very wearable. Their signature piece? The Love Alwaysbracelet. The piece features a signature “button” that pops the cuff open and closed and can be easily opened with one hand – a feat that bracelet-wearers have always struggled with.

The Love Always bracelets

The design came about when Lisa had trouble finding bracelets that fit. “My mom has thin wrists but larger hands,” Danielle says. “She couldn’t find a cuff that would fit over her hand, so she designed one that opens with a click and is very durable and wearable. It’s made so that, even when you’re at your desk, it’s comfortable on your hand.” The cuff comes in a variety of metals and is engraved on the inside with the words “Love Always”.

Those who made a Phillips House purchase on Wednesday will have 10% of their purchase price going to the non-profit organization Belmont Sprouts. The West Philadelphia-based cause promotes healthy eating and living habits to Belmont Academy students and the Belmont Community. “Supporting local charities is important to us,” says Lisa. Adds Danielle, “{Belmont Sprouts} helps those in the community who may not have the best eating habits, and educates them on a healthier lifestyle.” Their ties to Philly? “My brother goes to school here” explains Danielle (he attends the University of Pennsylvania).

The duo’s design philosophy of creating stunning designs that are wearable and timeless has earned them rave reviews across the country. Each of them brings a unique perspective to the design process and the brand. How do they feel about working with each other? Lisa explains, “We actually get along really well. We’re really good friends, and we love to design together.”

Written and photographed by Jenna Tripke

Jenna Tripke

Jenna has a proclivity for writing, adopting handicapped animals, eating spicy ethnic food, and collecting shoes. You can catch her at various events around Philly, taking copious notes and enjoying everything the city has to offer.

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