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The Daily Insight

What happened to Alexis Bittar?

Author

Sophia Hammond

Updated on March 01, 2026

What happened to Alexis Bittar?

2020: After a 5 year absence, Alexis Bittar reacquires the brand after Brooks Brothers files for bankruptcy. 2021: Alexis Bittar relaunches his namesake brand as a lifestyle brand with expanded product categories including accessories and home décor.

Who owns Alexis Bittar?

Brooks Brothers Group
No details were given about the transaction except that Brooks Brothers Group acquired Alexis Bittar through Carolee LLC, from the founding designer Alexis Bittar and TSG Consumer Partners LLC, which has owned 50% of the brand since 2012. Carolee’s current president Jill Maier will oversee this new group brand.

What is Alexis Bittar jewelry made of?

Inspired by his upbringing surrounded by antique jewelry, Bittar began to design his own line of jewelry in 1988. Using Lucite and semi-precious stones and metals, Bittar created two different collections and began selling his handmade pieces on the streets of Soho.

Did Carolee jewelry go out of business?

NEW YORK — Carolee Friedlander, founder of Carolee Designs and a very visible jewelry designer who often worked the selling floors of department stores across the country, is calling it quits after 30 years in business.

What is Lucite jewelry?

Lucite jewelry is a popular alternative to traditional, metal jewelry. Made from a hard, cast resin, this material looks and feels similar to ceramic. This style was particularly popular during the 1950s when lucite was newly available to the American public. These days, lucite is rarer than it was in the past.

What happened Carolee jewelry?

NEW YORK — In a surprise maneuver, Carolee Designs Inc., one of America’s premier jewelry and accessory brands, has been sold to retail Brand Alliance Group, a new company formerly called Casual Corner Group.

Is Lucite a collectible?

Vintage accessories made using Lucite® are considered collector’s items, comparable in demand to the bulkier Bakelite® pieces from the same era. Pieces made from Lucite® can be distinguished from other vintage plastics using a simple test. Dip the piece in hot, but not boiling, water.

Is Lucite jewelry worth anything?

Jewelry made of Lucite can be clear, translucent or opaque. It’s typically affordable and not of high value, although the material is highly versatile and can be used in a number of ways. Some vintage Lucite pieces can be found set in silver and gold tones, mimicking the look of more valuable designs.

Is Carolee jewelry still in business?

NEW YORK — Carolee Friedlander, founder of Carolee Designs and a very visible jewelry designer who often worked the selling floors of department stores across the country, is calling it quits after 30 years in business. “I love my business. I love my people and I love the industry.

Is Carol Lee jewelry still in business?

The Carolee label is now part of Deconic’s stable of high-performing private label and licensed jewelry brands, and Galotti has been tasked with refreshing its image and redefining its position in the marketplace. …

How can you tell vintage Lucite?

If you put it under hot water, rub it vigorously or poke a hot pin into it it will have no smell. Catalin, bakelite and celluloid have chemical smells and casein smells like burnt milk. If it’s transparent or transparent with objects embedded in it (plastic pieces, flowers, coins, etc) it’s lucite.

Is genuine Lucite worth anything?