A Decade of Distinction: How Marlo Laz Became the Jeweler of the Jet-Set
Founder Jesse Marlo Lazowski has taken her brand from a passion project to a cult favorite, worn by Hollywood’s A-listers and power players, all while keeping creativity and community at the forefront
Ten years after first launching her business, Jesse Marlo Lazowski has firmly established Marlo Laz as the go-to jewelry brand for international jet-setters and trailblazing women in Hollywood, politics, media and the arts. If you don’t already own a ‘Porte Bonheur’ necklace – the keystone design of Lazowski’s rich repertoire – we guarantee you’re going to want one.
Why? The ‘Porte Bonheur’ coin, intended as a good luck charm and inspired by the undulating lines of French designer Jean Royère, has become a stamp of distinction among stylish tastemakers. Over the past ten years, the design has achieved cult status – so much so that when Lazowski embarked on her first trip to Europe post-Covid-19, she spotted three different women wearing a ‘Porte Bonheur’ necklace on her flight. The brand has garnered myriad A-list fans, too. When And Just Like That first aired, Sarah Jessica Parker wore a Marlo Laz heart necklace that was dubbed ‘the new Carrie necklace’, while entrepreneur Whitney Wolfe appeared on the cover of Forbes magazine wearing Marlo Laz jewelry. On one occasion, while Lazowski was traveling in Marrakech, she casually received a phone call from the office of a former president, hoping to buy a piece for his wife – which he did. Lazowski’s creations are highly coveted by style connoisseurs the world over and have cemented Marlo Laz as one of the most in-demand brands in the business.
“I wanted pieces that blended art, history and individuality into something modern. Marlo Laz was born from that vision
”Jesse Marlo Lazowski
“Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Marlo Laz feels like the culmination of the most amazing journey,” says Lazowski. “When I started, I could never have imagined the joy and growth that would come with it; it’s a dream come true,” she muses. “Now, in my thirties, I’m deeply inspired by where the brand stands today. It’s been an incredible privilege to design treasures that tell stories and to build a world that feels both personal and shared.”
It was during her university years in Paris and time spent in Rajasthan, India, that Lazowski first felt the urge to bring her vision to life. “The jewelry I wanted to see in the world didn’t exist,” she says. “I wanted pieces that blended art, history and individuality into something modern. Marlo Laz was born from that vision – jewelry as an extension of identity, meant to be worn and treasured for a lifetime.” Lazowski had also attended boarding school in Switzerland, where she was “exposed to students from all over the world, from various cultures, speaking a multitude of languages,” she explains. “That experience inspired me to incorporate many languages into the collection. From Ti Voglio Bene – Italian for ‘I love you and wish you well’ – to Porte Fortuna, Buena Suerte, and En Route, which speaks to the journey of life and also gives a nod to my fellow globetrotters.”
Travel soon became an integral influence on Lazowski; the designer has now journeyed to more than 50 countries and her collections are sold on six continents. Lazowski designs each piece so that it may transport its wearer beyond borders, capturing the sense of wanderlust that has led her to venture across the rugged landscapes of the American West, take horseback rides through Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch, embark on gem-hunting missions in Tucson, and explore the sapphire mines of Montana. Often captivated by certain works of great artists, Lazowski has traversed the world to see pieces by James Turrell, sleeping at the House of Light in Tokamachi, Japan, and venturing to Varese, Italy; Zuoz, Switzerland; and Bentonville, Arkansas, all to see his works in situ – experiences that ultimately inspired the jewels of her Guiding Light, Starburst, and Sunburst collections.
“It’s a privilege to see three generations – grandmothers, daughters and granddaughters – all wearing Marlo Laz
”Jesse Marlo Lazowski
When it comes to the jewels themselves, they have an addictive quality – they’re unquestionably modern, yet it simultaneously feels like you’ve stumbled upon an antique heirloom, and there’s an intense urge to collect more. Indeed, for the New York-based designer, the ten-year milestone is not just about business success, but also about the vibrant community that has grown around the brand. “It’s a community of collectors, collaborators and partners who reflect the spirit of Marlo Laz – jewelry that brings out the wearer’s light, inspires individuality and promotes positivity,” she explains. “It’s a privilege to see three generations – grandmothers, daughters and granddaughters – all wearing Marlo Laz.” Lazowski was, in fact, recently honored in her hometown by the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, which ‘honors the achievements of women by celebrating their legacies and telling powerful stories, inspiring women and girls to realize their own limitless potential.’
As the brand enters its next decade, Lazowski’s vision remains clear. “My plans are simple – continue what we’re doing but on a larger scale,” she shares. “We’ll open more stores, expand our jewelry collections, and continue to grow our home goods and accessories lines. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.” Reflecting on the past ten years, her gratitude and passion for what she has created are palpable. “I’m just so thankful that I get to do this,” she says, a smile in her voice. “Each creation invites the wearer to strike up a conversation, share a story, or simply shine a little brighter. Jewelry is a way of connecting, telling stories, and bringing light into the world. And that’s what Marlo Laz will always be about.”
Discover Marlo Laz
6 items