About Laurel DeWitt

Laurel DeWitt is an internationally celebrated designer renowned for her groundbreaking use of metal in fashion. Known as “The Queen of Chain & Metal,” she has redefined the boundaries between clothing and accessories.

A graduate of Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, DeWitt began her career designing handbags for global brands such as Kenneth Cole, Juicy Couture, and Target. This foundation in accessory design honed her technical skills and deepened her understanding of craftsmanship and branding. She later launched her own brand in New York City, where she quickly gained recognition for her theatrical shows at New York Fashion Week. Her intricate, avant-garde designs and commitment to diversity—featuring models of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds—set her apart long before inclusivity became mainstream.

Her brand is acclaimed for its unique creations, ranging from chic metal handbags to elaborate jewelry and body pieces. Her designs often incorporate crystals, chains, and custom hardware. She is particularly noted for her custom crowns and headpieces, including a standout piece worn by Taylor Swift in the “Karma” music video.

DeWitt has created numerous designs for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter and has dressed super stars like Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, Mary J. Blige, Katy Perry, Shakira, and Chaka Khan. Hip-hop legends Busta Rhymes and Lil’ Kim have embraced her bold designs, while her work has also adorned actresses like Salma Hayek and Natalie Portman. The iconic looks have even been immortalized by Madame Tussaud’s as wax figures of Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion, cementing her influence in both fashion and popular culture.
 
Laurel’s inventive approach has led to notable partnerships with major brands. She teamed up with e.l.f. Cosmetics and Caboodles to design a limited-edition evening ‘It Bag,’ featuring her signature metal hardware. For Burger King, she crafted a glam version of their custom crown for Latto’s VMAs appearance and a blinged-out Burger King bag for Steve Aoki, contributing to bold, memorable campaigns. Her work with Kylie Cosmetics resulted in a one-of-a-kind lip gloss necklace, which Kylie Jenner wore herself on the cover of CR Fashion Book.
In 2017, Laurel DeWitt relocated to Los Angeles, broadening her custom design work to encompass television and film. Her creations have been featured in Disney’s Black Is King, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Hustlers, Coming 2 America, and major award shows, including the Grammy Awards for artists like Lizzo and Dua Lipa, and the BET Awards for artists like GloRilla. She also designed pieces for Usher’s Super Bowl performance. Beyond entertainment, DeWitt has undertaken special projects with esteemed institutions such as The Brooklyn Museum, The Smithsonian Institute, and Macy’s Herald Square, further showcasing her versatility and artistic reach.

With a career spanning over two decades, Laurel DeWitt continues to elevate wearable art with her impeccable craftsmanship, innovative vision, and dedication to her craft, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the fashion world.