Lois Sasson was a trailblazing American jewelry designer and LGBTQ+ rights activist whose creations merged luxury, elegance, and purpose. Known for her timeless artistry and deep compassion, she transformed jewelry into a statement of empowerment. From her beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, to her rise as a respected designer in elite fashion circles, Sasson’s life was a blend of creativity, courage, and social change.
Beyond her glittering designs, Lois Sasson made a lasting impact through her activism for women’s and gay rights, proving that beauty can also be a tool for justice. Her pieces, often sold at prestigious stores like Bergdorf Goodman, were more than accessories—they were symbols of equality and strength. This biography explores her inspiring journey, her artistry, and the powerful legacy she left behind.
Who is Lois Sasson?
Lois Sasson was an American jewelry designer and gay rights activist known for blending luxury craftsmanship with social activism. Born Lois Diane Kahaner on April 28, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, she gained fame in the 1970s for creating high-end jewelry pieces featuring precious stones, cufflinks, and tuxedo accessories sold at prestigious stores like Bergdorf Goodman.
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Beyond her success in fashion, Lois Sasson was a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and LGBTQ+ rights. She used her art to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian causes, proving that design can be both beautiful and meaningful. Her life and career stand as a shining example of artistry with purpose and compassion.
Quick Info Table of Lois Sasson?
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name/Real Name | Lois Diane Kahaner |
| Birth Date | April 28, 1940 |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Age at Death | 80 (Died December 30, 2020) |
| Height | Not publicly available |
| Weight | Not publicly available |
| Early Life | Raised in Jamaica Estates, Queens, NY; daughter of Sol Kahaner, a lace importer, and homemaker Helen Seiden Kahaner |
| Family Background | Jewish heritage; sister Susan Kahaner |
| Relationship | Formerly married to Raymond Sasson (divorced); longtime partner of Lesley Gore (33 years) |
| Fame Reason | Renowned jewelry designer and gay/women’s rights activist |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Not publicly documented |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Body Measurement | Not publicly available |
| Education | Mount Ida Junior College; New York University |
| Career | Began jewelry design in 1970s; created luxury jewelry sold at Bergdorf Goodman; combined art with activism |
| Achievements | Pioneering elegant men’s jewelry; philanthropy through jewelry sales; supported feminist and LGBTQ+ causes |
| Notable Works | “The Ambassador Set” men’s jewelry; bracelets with inscriptions like “Sisterhood Is Global” |
| Awards | No specific awards documented |
| Future Plans | N/A – deceased |
| Legacy/Impact | Left a legacy as an influential jeweler and quiet force in gay and women’s rights activism |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life of Lois Sasson
Lois Sasson was born as Lois Diane Kahaner on April 28, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in the vibrant neighborhood of Jamaica Estates, Queens. Coming from a creative and business-minded family, she was the daughter of Sol Kahaner, an importer of fine lace, and Helen (Seiden) Kahaner, a devoted homemaker. Surrounded by art, culture, and craftsmanship, young Lois developed a deep appreciation for beauty, detail, and design—traits that later shaped her artistic journey.
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Her passion for creativity guided her academic path. Lois Sasson attended Mount Ida Junior College in Newton, Massachusetts, before continuing her studies at New York University, where her love for design and self-expression flourished. These formative years played a crucial role in building her foundation as an innovative jewelry designer and an advocate for social change, blending artistic brilliance with a purpose-driven vision.
Full Name/Real Name:
Lois Diane Kahaner.
Birth Date and Place:
April 28, 1940, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
Family Background:
Born to a family involved in fine lace import business; survived by her sister Susan Kahaner after her death.
Education:
Attended Mount Ida Junior College in Newton, Massachusetts, and later New York University.
Career Journey of Lois Sasson
Lois Sasson built her career on a powerful blend of artistry, elegance, and activism, redefining what jewelry could represent. Her journey from a passionate designer to a globally respected artist mirrors her belief that luxury should have purpose and that art can spark social change.
Breakthrough of Lois Sasson
The real breakthrough for Lois Sasson came in the 1970s, when she entered New York’s competitive jewelry design industry. Her unique vision—combining timeless craftsmanship with modern sophistication—quickly caught attention. Unlike traditional designers, she introduced handcrafted jewelry pieces that reflected both luxury and social awareness. Her early collections gained recognition among elite clientele, paving the way for her name to shine in prestigious stores like Bergdorf Goodman.
Peak Years of Lois Sasson
During her peak years, Lois Sasson became one of the most respected names in high-end jewelry design. Her exquisite cufflinks, tuxedo button covers, and precious stone creations became status symbols of elegance and individuality. What truly set her apart was her philanthropic approach—she used proceeds from her sales to support women’s advancement, medical causes, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her art became an expression of empathy and empowerment, turning jewelry into a form of activism.
Notable Work of Lois Sasson
Among her most notable works, Lois Sasson introduced “The Ambassador Set”, a men’s luxury jewelry collection valued at $16,000, celebrated for its refined craftsmanship and bold design. She also created statement pieces engraved with empowering messages like “Sisterhood Is Global” and jewelry symbolizing AIDS awareness. These pieces not only defined her artistic legacy but also positioned her as a designer who used her platform for social change.
Fame Reason and Future Plans
Lois Sasson rose to fame not just as a luxury jewelry designer, but as a creative force for equality and empowerment. Her innovative approach to jewelry design combined timeless elegance with social consciousness, making her work stand out in the fashion world. Unlike many of her peers, Sasson used her art to raise awareness about women’s rights and LGBTQ+ issues, transforming beauty into a symbol of justice. Her collections sold at prestigious stores like Bergdorf Goodman became not only status symbols but also statements of compassion and strength.
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Her fame also grew through her philanthropic spirit and long-standing partnership with singer-songwriter Lesley Gore. Together, they championed causes promoting gender equality, compassion, and love, inspiring both the fashion and activist communities. Through her designs, Lois Sasson proved that jewelry could carry meaning far beyond aesthetics—it could tell a story of humanity and hope.
Although Lois Sasson passed away in 2020, her vision and future goals continue to inspire. She had aimed to expand her creative mission by supporting young designers, funding charitable art projects, and continuing her advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility. Her legacy remains alive through her art, reminding future generations that true fame comes from purpose, passion, and the courage to make a difference.
Physical Appearance of Lois Sasson
While Lois Sasson’s exact height, weight, and body measurements were not publicly disclosed, she was widely admired for her graceful presence and timeless elegance. Her personal style perfectly reflected her artistic vision—sophisticated, minimalistic, and refined, often accented by the jewelry pieces she designed herself. She carried a confident aura that mirrored her creativity and strength, leaving a lasting impression wherever she went.
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Known for her classic fashion sense and attention to detail, Lois Sasson often dressed in chic, understated attire that highlighted her exquisite craftsmanship. Her appearance and poise embodied the very essence of her jewelry—elegant, meaningful, and powerful—making her not only a respected designer but also a symbol of refined artistry and individuality in the world of luxury design.
Age at Death:
80 (died December 30, 2020).
Interesting Facts About Lois Sasson
- 💎 Lois Sasson began her jewelry career in the 1970s and quickly became known for her luxury handmade designs sold at Bergdorf Goodman.
- 🌈 She was a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and supported feminist movements through her jewelry and donations.
- 🖋️ Her signature pieces often carried powerful messages, including inscriptions like “Sisterhood Is Global” and AIDS awareness ribbons.
- 💍 She was in a 33-year relationship with iconic singer-songwriter Lesley Gore, sharing both love and activism.
- 🎨 Lois Sasson’s designs blended art, purpose, and compassion, turning jewelry into a symbol of empowerment and equality.
Hobbies of Lois Sasson
- Designing unique, handcrafted jewelry with meaningful messages
- Supporting LGBTQ+ and feminist causes through art and philanthropy
- Visiting art galleries and fashion exhibitions for creative inspiration
- Traveling to explore global jewelry trends and cultural designs
- Mentoring young artists and designers to promote creative empowerment
Conclusion
Lois Sasson will always be remembered as a visionary jewelry designer who transformed elegance into empowerment. Her ability to merge art, activism, and compassion set her apart from others in the luxury fashion world. Through her timeless creations and deep commitment to women’s rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy, she proved that jewelry could be more than an ornament—it could be a voice for change and equality. Her life’s work continues to inspire modern designers to infuse meaning into art and to use creativity as a force for good.
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Even after her passing in 2020, the legacy of Lois Sasson remains vibrant. Her name stands as a symbol of artistic integrity, social justice, and fearless individuality. From her elegant designs sold at Bergdorf Goodman to her tireless activism, she left behind a story of purpose and perseverance. Lois Sasson’s legacy reminds the world that true beauty lies not only in luxury but in the courage to create change through art.
FAQs About Lois Sasson
Q1: Who was Lois Sasson?
A: Lois Sasson was a renowned American jewelry designer and LGBTQ+ rights activist known for her elegant, meaningful creations.
Q2: What made Lois Sasson famous?
A: She gained fame for designing luxury handmade jewelry sold at Bergdorf Goodman and for using her art to promote equality and social justice.
Q3: Who was Lois Sasson’s partner?
A: Lois Sasson was the longtime partner of singer-songwriter Lesley Gore, and they were together for 33 years.
Q4: What were Lois Sasson’s major contributions?
A: She created high-end jewelry with empowering messages and supported women’s and LGBTQ+ causes through her philanthropic work.
Q5: When and how did Lois Sasson die?
A: Lois Sasson passed away on December 30, 2020, in Manhattan due to complications from COVID-19 at the age of 80.
