Jada Loveless reminds me of a ballerina. She moves with grace and refinement through the world. While others stomp through life in loud, wood-heeled boots, she seems to quietly pirouette her way through the crowds. She’s a modern-day Audrey Hepburn, only a smidge taller with long raven hair. The Southern-bred luxury handbag designer always exudes refinement and elegance. The same goes for her gorgeous luxury handbags. Moreover, they are on the arm of every socialite and fashionista from Palm Beach to Aspen to Nantucket.
Born and raised in a small town in Tennessee, Loveless grew up with a mother who appreciated fashion and a sense of Southern hospitality. So it’s no wonder Loveless is a graduate of both The University of Georgia and Parsons School of Design. She has lived in Atlanta for decades, and often spends the summer in Nantucket.
During her storied career, Loveless worked for Neiman Marcus and Celine before launching her eponymous line. Loveless’ handbags are often found at Saks Fifth Avenue and have been featured in magazines such as Town & Country, Veranda, WWD and Atlanta magazine as well as websites such as BagSnob.com.
A Jada Loveless handbag is an investment piece that can be passed down from generation to generation. Her petite exotic clutch in lizard or python might start at $2,500 and a tote in Himalayan Nile Crocodile with white gold and diamond pave studs sells for $35,000. The prices go up depending on how rare the leathers are and how precious the stones used in the hardware.
Himalayan Nile Crocodile with white gold and diamond pave studs
Her pop-up shops in Nantucket and Aspen are beloved every season by the well-heeled fashion lovers who frequent the toniest of towns. What I love most about Loveless is that she always keeps her Southern charm and graciousness. However, she has all her pieces made in New York City. How Two-Sided Southern.
Photo credit: Sara Hanna
In exciting new news, fans can find Jada Loveless pieces in Marissa Collections in Naples this fall. And, her works will be sold at the new Marissa Collections opening late fall in Palm Beach. Expect a fall palette in a vibrant mix of jewel tone colors such as amethyst, dark pink and Loveless’ signature red. All her totes and clutches were inspired by the classic day bags from the 1950s and 60s.
On the eve of her fall collection debuting, she answered a few questions for us about what it was like growing up in the South, moving to New York City, then London and Austin, Texas. Most of all, how all these places combined together to inform her appreciation for the finer things in life.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in small town outside of Chattanooga.
Where do you live now?
I have been in Atlanta for the past 20 years. Obviously, Atlanta is a much larger city, but it is also a wonderful community that has a warm, small-town feel.
Did you live anywhere else in between that informed who you are?
After college, I moved to London and then to Austin, Texas—both unique places with unique aesthetics. I went to graduate school in New York City and it is still my favorite city in the world that I’ve been to.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a designer.
When you were younger, what did you want to be?
I’ve always loved fashion and interiors and I always wanted to be a designer.
Are there any Southern fashion or interior designers you admire, conspire with, adore?
I loved Wes Gordon’s collection for Carolina Herrera’s 40th anniversary, each piece was so beautiful. Suzanne Kasler designed my Nantucket store and I think she is incredibly talented. I have so many talented friends who are from the South; Danielle Rollins just launched a new jewelry collection for Judith Ripka and Liz McDermott is designing some incredible interiors in Palm Beach and Nantucket.
Let’s go back to your childhood… What is something your parents would do that you have great memories around?
My parents loved to entertain when I was growing up and they still do. My parents always said, “hospitality is the easiest dish to serve.” I think that is very true.
Favorite high-end southern dish you love: Sea Scallops in Black Tie
Best down-home southern dish: You can’t beat a shrimp boil.
Favorite high-end, hoity toity dessert/sweet: I love a souffle.
Best low-brow dessert/sweet: Krispy Kreme glazed donut
Top high-brow restaurant in the South: There are so many. Aria and Bacchanalia are long-time favorites in Atlanta, I love Hot and Hot Fish Club and Highland Bar and Grill in Birmingham, Ala. St. John’s in Chattanooga is wonderful. I’ve had so many great meals at Jeffrey’s in Austin, Cat Bird Seat in Nashville is really good, and I had one of the most amazing meals ever at Husk in Savannah. New Orleans is the king of Southern food, in my opinion. And there are too many restaurants to mention, but if I had to pick just one it would be August.
Go-to low-brow restaurant in the South: Nothing like a Krystal burger, it is a hometown favorite.
Favorite high-end fashion store: I have wonderful memories of going to Neiman Marcus and Saks in Atlanta with my mother when I was young.
Southern dish you always serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas? Oyster Dressing
Favorite low-brow fashion store: I don’t think you would call it low-brow, but I love going to Allen’s Boots in Austin.
Sports teams you root for: I went to UGA for undergrad, but I’ve really come to appreciate Alabama football because of my husband. And I love Nick Saban!
Go-to drink at a tailgate: Bloody Mary or Lillet cocktail
Are you a theater or concert person? I’m probably more of a theater person and I’ve missed it, but I also really enjoy live music. Living in Austin was eye-opening and a great music learning experience. I always loved music, but I was exposed to so much more. I knew country, but I wasn’t familiar with the Western and Americana, particularly the Texas artists like Lyle Lovett and Townes Van Zandt. We saw French Jazz, Tejano and Texas swing artists and we would go to gospel brunch on Sundays. There was so much music, it was live and all great.
What are some misconceptions you’ve encountered about people from the south?
One thing I have heard people say that move to the south, they are generally surprised by how warm and welcoming people are. I find that very comforting.
Portraits photographed by Nathan Coe
