Have you ever seen an item of clothing, a piece of jewelry or art and thought, I" could make that"? Or maybe you have seen an idea brought to life and thought, "That was my idea ... I should have made it first." Many people have "shoulda, woulda, coulda" moments, yet they never seem to do anything about it.
Lauren Duff cringed when an ex-girlfriend showed him a simple pair of earrings that she purchased for $35. He thought, "I could make those." Instead of just thinking he could do better, he took action and proved that he could. Today he designs and sells his unique and eye-catching jewelry under the label L. Edgar Duff Design.
Duff spent numerous years just spoiling his friends with his creations for events and weddings; it was more of a hobby. He never really gave it consideration as a full-time job. He concentrated on working hard in the corporate world, gaining business savvy. When he was laid off, the timing was right and he looked at his hobby in a whole new light. Now Milwaukee is home to his creative business.
A Chicago native, a job move brought Duff to Milwaukee almost six years ago. When he started the business he contemplated moving back to Chicago. In addition, he knows that he will eventually need a presence in New York, but staying in Milwaukee just made sense.
"It is a good place to start a business. It is a smaller growing market with access to resources that help you get a business up and running," says Duff.
L. Edgar Duff Designs offers collections for both women and men, although currently 75 percent of customers are women. Pieces for women can be found locally at Lela in the Third Ward or in Beverly Hills at Tres Jolie. When Duff creates pieces for women he wants his work to give his customers confidence.
"It's important to give confidence, especially in Milwaukee. Some women are intimidated and think they can't wear certain pieces. If I can get them to try it on, then they begin to see themselves in a different way."
"He has a really unique way of interpreting the hottest trends," says Stephanie Sherman of Lela. "His look is high drama and he combines unexpected materials, which makes for some really interesting pieces."
The men's collection is available at Aala Reed on Brady Street.
"For men, I keep it simple, but give it the same attention as I do the women's pieces. I have only created necklaces so far with materials such as sterling silver, chain and leather cords as well as some stainless and gemstones."
Although Duff prefers not to classify his work, he says he's fashion focused and feels it could be described as "fashion jewelry.
"It is not necessarily trend jewelry as my goal is to make it timeless," Duff says.
As he creates and designs, he is inspired by colors, textures, shapes and the non-traditional use of items.
"When I look at something, I look at how I can use it differently," says Duff.
He is constantly learning new skills and evolving his work. Recently Duff has been studying Chinese knotting.
His work does not change drastically from season to season and customers will find tiger's eye a gemstone element he uses throughout his collections.
"I love the look and feel of tiger's eye," describes Duff. "It is timeless, and it has been well received."
Even though it is used throughout his collections, you will find it takes on a new look each season. Swarovski crystal is another signature element that he has used repeatedly.
From the concept stage to final production, maintaining control over the integrity of the design is important to Duff. He is even particular about the way the pieces are styled and modeled to insure that the effect of the work is communicated properly.
"Some of his pieces you can wear in many different ways," says Sherman. "It can be so extravagant that you can take a simple black dress and transform it with his work."
If you are looking for new holiday attire, then Duff's winter 2005 collection may be all you need for that perfect party outfit.
"This collection has a lot of glamorous stuff for the holidays," says Duff.
Long, beaded necklaces, crystal, feathers and fur are used to create pieces that Duff terms "Eclectic Elegance." Come spring 2006, Duff's collection will be a "Return to the Stone Age" and you'll find turquoise, rose quartz, jade and aventurine among the featured gemstones paired with sterling silver, wood and bone.
"I want to create a look that is natural and elegant, a celebration of nature and fashion," says Duff.
"Sowing Seeds of Kindness & Beauty" is a tag line for Duff's business. Even though he provides a decorative object, he hopes that it impacts his customers at a much deeper level.
"When I started the business, I had the experience of the corporate world but needed something to feed my spirit. The kindness of the human spirit creates beauty. I breathe spirit into my work, and I hope my customers can touch and feel that. I want people to have a beautiful experience."
Duff has used his creations to support organizations that help lift the spirit of many people in the community. The Task Force for Family Violence, Camp Heartland and the fight against breast cancer have been the recipients of some of his philanthropic efforts. As he continues to succeed, he hopes to contribute more.
Duff continues to explore new materials, techniques and design possibilities. He hopes to expand into other accessories such as handbags or even create a children's line. While his collections offer great variety, some clients may need him to create pieces for specific occasions or to complement specific fashions.
According to Sherman, "Everyone enjoys working with him. He is hard working, personable and really stylish. Whether you are working on a fashion show or a bride-to-be, he is a great person to work with."
The L. Edgar Duff Design Web site is ledgarduff.com or for a commissioned piece contact Lela in the Third Ward, (414) 727-4855, to set up an appointment with Duff.
