The Icons Who Shaped Her

By Jennifer Creel

Style inspiration can be found anywhere, but numerous ladies in the public eye have had a real impact. Whether it’s Jackie O., Nan Kemper, or someone closer to home, finding that personal connection is what makes fashion truly memorable.

Growing up in New York City is a unique experience. It’s as beautiful as it is gritty, as glamorous as it is raw. Inspiration can be found at every street corner, in every Central Park cherry blossom, on every museum walk, and in the fashion choices of the endless sea of New Yorkers. As a child in the city, I was exposed to an extraordinary array of styles and creativity at its best. I had the privilege to be able to embrace not only some of the best designers of my generation but also to grow up with my own fashion icon: my mother, Suzanne Coleman.

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”—Coco Chanel

My mother was my first fashion inspiration. She had exceptional taste, carried herself with grace, and didn’t shy away from a bold pattern. She also had no idea that I borrowed her clothes and jewelry! Emulating her style, I grew into my own over the years.

I had other role models with seemingly effortless fashion sense and poise in the public eye and social circles—Jackie O., Nan Kempner, Deeda Blair, and Lynn Wyatt. I learned the importance of tailored, classic lines and how to accessorize in ways that complement without overpowering.

Shopping with my friends at Saks and Bergdorf was one of my favorite things to do. We’d make a day of it, stopping for lunch on the seventh floor. I’ve always admired the design houses of Gucci, Valentino, Chanel, and Yves St. Laurent.

And of course, there’s the jewelry. In my younger days it was Tiffany, followed by Schlumberger, Cartier, and Van Cleef, to name a few. I always wear necklaces. In my opinion, earrings are for “dress up,” and most days I can’t be bothered with them, but it’s so easy to throw on a necklace.

I leaned into my own “boho-chic” style. Flowy dresses or silk tops with pants and loafers are easy and versatile, though most days I’m running around in jeans and a T-shirt with sneakers and a blazer or cardigan. When the day calls for it, and for special events, I love to wear dresses and prefer ones that are classic, fitted, and feminine.

As I look back on my favorite and most influential style icons, and look ahead to find new inspiration wherever I go, I think fondly of my younger days in New York. My life, like countless others, was shaped by these larger-than-life figures, iconic each in their own way. Yet only one of them was uniquely my own: my mother.

It’s one thing to wear someone’s designer clothing or jewelry and emulate iconic fashion, but it’s the personal touches that make fashion truly represent the person, versus the other way around. It’s why all of jewelry that I make for my clients is bespoke, caters to their personalities, and tells their own stories. Important moments in their lives and memories are honored with monograms, dates, and birth month precious stones. The personal touch is what makes fashion truly iconic.