……………………..The year 2000 was a monumental year for me…..but not for the only reason you may think…………….On February 3, 2000 Jac and I got married. I had known her since she was 17 years old……….a child………a beautiful child, but still a child……..We worked together for many many years, and became friends….then close friends. Our friendship grew until I realized that Jac was the one for me……..Jac had come to that conclusion way before I did, and she would happily tell you so……….The first day we met was in the Anne Klein model’s dressing room. She had been working in the show room modeling the collection for clients. It was at the end of the day about 6:30pm, and I needed a break from the windowless design room. I happened to wander into the model’s room, and there Jac was sitting at the long table with mirrors and lights. The last appointments of the day were leaving. We both said hello, and she introduced herself. There was a brief conversation about her name…..”Jac”….not Jack not Jacque. We talked and talked and then I had to leave for a date. I thought she was a beautiful, VERY young girl, and that was that. Her account of our first meeting was a little different. She said when she saw me she was smitten. She recalled that I was wearing a chambray blue button down with the sleeves rolled up, British khaki pants with the wide waist band and side buckles [I saved those pants, but couldn’t get one leg in them now!]. She said my long black hair kept falling in my face. I kept pushing it back, and she thought that was so adorable. She loved to imitate me doing it, and I loved watching her. She also said I was the one who talked and talked, and she missed her train to Larchmont NY where she lived with her Mother. She didn’t mind because she really didn’t want to leave. How could you not fall in love with a girl like that……..Years later she told me she normally wouldn’t take a job modeling in a show room, but she new I’d be there…………We lived together for many years. We decided to get married when very close friends of ours came in from Italy on their way to Las Vegas for an International Shoe show. The four of us went out for dinner and Andrea Pfister said, “why don’t you come to Vegas with us and get married. We will be your best men!” referring to him and Jean Pierre Dupre, his partner of many years. It didn’t take us long to decide. We had wanted to get married, and discussed it often, but how to do it was always the dilemma….So off we went and got married in the Little White Chapel along with scores of people who came before us. We had a great time…..a time I will never forget……………………………………………..That same year I was introduced to QVC. I really didn’t know what it was, and hadn’t heard of it or watched it. It was far from my world of fashion. I hadn’t been working for 3 months, the only 3 months in my entire career that I hadn’t worked. I met with the QVC people through a mutual friend, and that was that. They introduced me to three different manufacturers who could possibly produce the “Linea” line, and I chose Lai Apparel owned by Elaine Lai. She has been responsible for producing every single item of clothing over the past 20 years. We have seen a lot, and been through a lot together. We have seen many designers and many companies come……and go…..but we are still here. These past few months, with the challenges of the Corona Virus, have been the worst period of our long association………In May of 2000 my first live broadcast was from Paradise Island in the Bahamas!!! That was the trip when one of the models didn’t show up. I looked at Jac, who came with me, with pleading eyes never saying a word. Jac knew what I was saying without speaking, and hesitantly volunteered to take her place 5 minutes before the show was to start……The rest is history……..It’s hard to believe that was 20 years ago. Much has taken place during these past years……many “adventures” as Jac would say, many memories and many friendships established……..I can say there are very very few DESIGNERS in the apparel end that have reached this milestone at QVC, and this May I will be working as long at QVC as I did with Anne Klein……..Combined that’s 40 years and almost my entire career……………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………..To commemorate my anniversary the jewelry company TCJC, that I have worked with from the beginning of the Linea Jewelry Collection, has produced this pendant that I have designed. On one side is the SUN, with its’ far reaching rays, with all the signs of the Zodiac surrounding it. On the other side it says 20th Anniversary, and has my signature…..all in Russian Gold Ox, [ the gray photos are just a result of bad photography. It only comes in the one color]. There is a Russian Gold keeper that holds a thick black cord which goes around the neck and hooks in the back with a Lobster Claw…………….Why did I chose the symbol of the Sun as my message?…..for many reasons…….I’m a LEO, which is a sun sign. Many many years ago when I read what the characteristics of a Leo are they had me pegged pretty closely. I have been told, due to the hour and date of my birth the sun plays a major role in my horoscope. It’s supposed to be a good thing! I’m not too knowledgeable about these things, but what I do know is………the sun gives us warmth and gives life……It has existed since the beginning of time, and will be here until the end of time. I sometimes think of all the human beings, all the people who have lived before, and the famous people from history. All that have looked up and have seen the same sun we all look at, and take for granted. Thinking about it can be overwhelming….I think of all the times Jac and I enjoyed swimming and laying in the sun and feeling its’ healing warmth………..This Sun Anniversary Pendant has more meaning for me than you can know……………I couldn’t think of a better sign to represent my anniversary and my life……………………………..I hope you enjoy it……………………….much Love………………………Louis
Something so magical about your story. I’ve been wearing Linea for about 15 years. When my daughter sees me in an outfit she likes, she always asks, “Is that Linea?” Such a compliment to you. All the new items look wonderful. Hard to decide what to purchase.. but it will be fun watching.
Happy 20th Anniversary Louis and what a beautiful story…..it was truly moving to read. As soon as I saw this necklace I already saw myself wearing it with a pair of hoops. Looking forward to receiving this simple but so meaningful necklace.
Dearest Louis, this story just warms my heart. I saw that Linea was being presented and immediately came to your blog to make sure you were doing ok and I find this wonderful story. I too was married in the Little White Chapel in 2001, AT it actually as I didn’t even leave the car lol. So wonderful that you so graciously share your life experiences with us, and the love of your craft. I have loved clothes all my life for no apparent reason, and you are a true artist. So grateful for your blog here.
Happy 20th Anniversary, Louis! Your Tobacco sateen crops and jacket with the black poker chip buttons was my first Linea purchase. I still love and wear it. Thank you for many years of looking lovely by Louis Dell Olio.
Louis, I remember some of the items from your first shows at QVC. Especially the silk blouses. I thought of them as “racing silks” as they were color blocked in beautiful, vivid colors. And some linen pieces. I still have an olive linen skirt with a drawstring waist, with a coordinating tropical print jacket with silk cuffs. I added the tropical frond necklace and earrings when you offered them a few years later. The beautiful suedes and leathers! And remember the boiled wools with appliques? So many beauties. Hard to believe it is 20 years. You are an unbelievable talent and we are all so fortunate to be virtual friends with you (and Jac, when she was with us). Congratulations on your anniversary. I’d like to wish you 20 more years of design – but I doubt you want to work into your 90’s!! In the meantime we will keep enjoying your designs, your stories, and your friendship.
Dear Louis, congratulations on your 20th anniversary. Your beautiful story touched my heart. I remembered your first appearance on the Q. I also remembered how the phone lines were so busy and by the time I got through, the items would be sold out. Of course I would cry. I thought your line of clothing was so exquisite and I loved watching you and your beautiful wife Jac present the line. I still have everything I have purchased from your collection and it’s all still as beautiful now. Thank you, thank you Louis for being there for all the Linea ladies. We love you Louis.
Louis,
I remember your first broadcast from the Bahamas. I tuned in because if you. QVC advertised that you were appearing. I had been a fan of your Anne Klein Couture Collection. You presented a twin set with paillettes on it. Iight have been the TSV. I own a lot of Linea. Congratulations on 20 year anniversary!
Happy 20th anniversary! I always enjoy your stories. I’ve been a Linea Lady since 2007. Too bad that the pendant wasn’t created in a silvertone for the silver lovers. Many more years of success to you.
Happy 20th Anniversary Louis! You are certainly one of a kind. I feel honored to be wearing your fabulous designs, to be able to read your special sentimental stories and communicate with you asking for your fashion advice. I only wish I had discovered you sooner. I am looking forward to getting this memorable necklace.
Happy Anniversary to you, Louis,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Love Story.
I remember watching an interview with you, Jac and Lisa Robertson and Jac telling how your “once in a lifetime” romance started. Just beautiful and touching, it’s always a special treat to hear you speak of your dear Jac.
Looking forward to this week’s shows.
Thank you, Elaine
Dearest Louis,
Having read your posts for 10 years, I knew some of what you so movingly expressed in today’s autobiographical account. I must say, though, I was never so moved as I was today, reading about the very tender start of your grand romance with the incomparably lovely Jac. She had a certain gentleness and purity that was a perfect complement for your idealism, in my opinion. It certainly “had to be” Jac! Jac was “the one” for you. She was the other half of your orange, as my wonderful late husband used to say.
Happy 20th QVC Anniversary! May your creativity continue to thrive with a most unexpected outlet for your talents. You created a brilliant and symbolic expression of your sunny relationship with the firm.
By purchasing this necklace, I honor your long career and talent, as well as your memories which will be transferred to me with a story I will be able to repeat when someone tells me how beautiful it is.
Happy 20th anniversary!……may there be many more. Love your personal story and thank you for sharing it. This meaningful necklace is a MUST for me. Not only is it beautiful, but knowing what is behind its design makes it all the more so. Thank you. Be safe and healthy. Hugs
Lovely story, Louis, and eloquently told as always! Happy 20th Anniversary! Thank you for for sharing your talent, your stories and your love with all of us! We are all very blessed! Your beloved Jac would be so proud, and I am sure she is smiling today and always…
Oh, Louis, this brought me to tears. I wish you nothing but love, kindness and joy. I consider it a privilege to have you in my life as well as my closet! Happy Anniversary! oxoxoxox Cat
I love the story and the sentiment. Congratulations on an amazing career!