07/16/2025
I wanted to share this glorious creation designed by Robert Clark for the William de Lillo collection.
Years ago I was contacted by William when he read an article about me and my collection in the Los Angeles Times.
At the time, he and Robert were living nearby in Beverly Hills.
William called saying he had some of their samples to sell and asked if I was interested in seeing them.
To be honest, I didnāt know who he was and he was quite offended that I was a collector of costume jewelry yet I hadnāt heard of him?!
This was many years ago, maybe late 90ās.
I canāt remember exactly.
He proceeded to tell me that his partner both in business and in life, Robert Clark had been with Miriam Haskell for years and they also had some samples of hers.
So William came to my apartment in West Hollywood with a small group of lovely pieces which of course I bought!
They were Haskell and quite beautiful.
The next time he and Robert came together and brought more, some Haskell and also de Lillo.
One of the masterpieces was this pearl collar, and only one of a handful that I kept for my collection.
I had a wonderful relationship with both of them, visiting their home and being shown some of the most magnificent examples of Haskell Iād ever seen, huge intricate stunning pieces.
Most were not for sale because theyād planned to donate them to the Costume Council of the LA County Art Museum but they allowed me to sell many for them to my collector clients.
Soon after they moved to Arizona and opened some showcases in an antique mall there and then a gallery in Scottsdale.
They both actually were sculptors and artists if I remember correctly.
Iāve treasured this beauty for many years and found this photo taken for a magazine during Covid quarantine and thought you might enjoy seeing it!
sfashion
