MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Jennifer Creel, Fashion Consultant, Eyewear Designer, Actress and Model
Jennifer Creel, a native New Yorker and mother of three children, works as a Fashion Consultant, Eyewear Designer, Actress and Model. In her early career, 1986-1988, she worked for Ben Zuckers, the famous Gemologist, specializing in colored precious stones. Further, she broadened her skills while working as Interior Decorator for Pamela Banker. Inspired by her various achievements the next step in her career was a ten year employment as Designer for Polo Ralph Lauren, specializing in women’s active wear. From 2004 to 2006, Jennifer began a french soap and candle company called L'Atieler du Savon. All four of their fragrances available in candles in soaps all came from Marseilles and they sold at Bergdorf Goodman and many specialty stores throughout the USA in addition to a beautiful shop in the Mairie in Paris. The release of her eyewear collection, Modo for Jennifer Creel in May 2009, together with Modo Eyewear was a further highlight in her distinguished career. The line features 7 Styles of eco-friendly high fashionsummer eyewear with exclusively hand-figured leather and bamboo accents. Partnering with trees for the future, a tree will be planted for every frame sold. As you know, these were Whom You Know's sunglasses of the summer of 2009 (they are sold at Bergdorf Goodman) and Peachy Deegan really loves them: click here to see.
As she is really dedicated to charity, Jennifer is involved in various projects for The Museum of the City of New York, the publication New Yorker for Children, the Intrepid Fallen Hero’s and Head of Associates on the board of Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
Jennifer’s TV career started with a recurring role from 2005 – 2007 in “The Bold and The Beautiful” portraying Sophie Gage, a Fashion Reporter. In June 2009 she did an Ovation TV Special “Anatomy of a Closet”. On Plum TV, she was hosting Summer – Fall 2008 and 2009, “The Juice”, a special event and party guide for all Hamptons-lovers. Moreover, she did a documentary for Vogue TV 2008 and advised viewers where to get the best Christmas gifts in New York in a Christmas Shopping special.
As her talents show such a wide variety, her interests do so as well. Sport is very important to her. Horse-riding, skiing and running are only some of the sports she enjoys doing, and she ran the NY marathon on November 1st, where she joined Fred’s Team for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering. Spending summers in Europe or Long Island was always inspirational to her and she really enjoys traveling. Having time to spend with children and make them laugh is always important to her as well. Moreover, Jennifer’s enthusiasm for writing made her write a book which will be released soon, and we will of course tell you about.
Her inspiration is clearly marked by her parents influence: “My parents are where my inspiration for fashion, travel, and the arts originated.” In addition, Valentino always gave her guidance and motivation. “I loved Valentino growing up. Valentino was able to take an elegant timeless dress to another level because of his ability to create details with unbelievable craftsmanship which had given him a style that was always very recognizable.” We are so pleased to present her as our latest Mover and Shaker!!!
Peachy Deegan interviewed Jennifer Creel for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What is your first fashion memory?
Jennifer Creel: Going into my mothers closets and trying on all her beautiful dresses as well as watching her as a child getting ready to go out for lunches, dinner etc. She has impecable timeless classic style and taste.
What did you like most about working for Ralph Lauren?
Ralph Lauren gave me the design background I needed in fashion and in working for Ralph Lauren I learned how to create and express my own personal style.
Are your children into fashion?
All my children express themselves with their own sense of personal style. I let them chose pieces of clothing when we shop with limitations. My daughter definitely loves it the most and I enjoy watching her put clothing together; I always ask her advice about outfits I choose since she has a great sense of style, maybe better than mine.
Tell us more about the charity work you are involved with please.
I was raised to give back; my mother was always doing work for charitable causes. So, it was instilled in me at a very early age; I also try to do this with my children.
What was your inspiration for Modo for Jennifer Creel?
I decided to approach Modo eyewear after I was finishing a TV show and I knew the season was over and I needed a new job to work on. I obviously love fashion and I love sunglasses. I have been known for my sunglasses and I just thought its worked for me. I met Alessandro Lanaro the CEO of modo eyewear, 6 months before ironically at a private dinner. So, I went to him asking his opinion on a eco's line of sunglasses and how we could make this sunglass line as well as a giving back component. So, he loved my idea and we started right away, Its was all the right timing.
What television experiences have meant the most to you and why?
The TV work I have done has been amazing; I love being an actress and playing different characters as well as doing documentary and talk show hosts. Its a great learning curve as well as learning patience and constant changes and rejections.
How has Valentino influenced you?
Valentino is a huge influence on me; I always dreamt about meeting him and wearing his clothing as a child. My dream came true and more; he is a lovely talented man who is so into details and craftmanship. He made me realize the beauty and time that he put into each of his dresses. He showed me what it was to be a true genius in the Fashion World with his amazing gift for details and being so creative and passionate about every dress that walks down the runway every season. Valentino made me realize the beauty of everything that we are exposed to in our lives and how we can express it through many different kinds of mediums.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
My parents
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
Sant Ambroeus
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
Jennifer Creel: Going into my mothers closets and trying on all her beautiful dresses as well as watching her as a child getting ready to go out for lunches, dinner etc. She has impecable timeless classic style and taste.
What did you like most about working for Ralph Lauren?
Ralph Lauren gave me the design background I needed in fashion and in working for Ralph Lauren I learned how to create and express my own personal style.
Are your children into fashion?
All my children express themselves with their own sense of personal style. I let them chose pieces of clothing when we shop with limitations. My daughter definitely loves it the most and I enjoy watching her put clothing together; I always ask her advice about outfits I choose since she has a great sense of style, maybe better than mine.
Tell us more about the charity work you are involved with please.
I was raised to give back; my mother was always doing work for charitable causes. So, it was instilled in me at a very early age; I also try to do this with my children.
What was your inspiration for Modo for Jennifer Creel?
I decided to approach Modo eyewear after I was finishing a TV show and I knew the season was over and I needed a new job to work on. I obviously love fashion and I love sunglasses. I have been known for my sunglasses and I just thought its worked for me. I met Alessandro Lanaro the CEO of modo eyewear, 6 months before ironically at a private dinner. So, I went to him asking his opinion on a eco's line of sunglasses and how we could make this sunglass line as well as a giving back component. So, he loved my idea and we started right away, Its was all the right timing.
What television experiences have meant the most to you and why?
The TV work I have done has been amazing; I love being an actress and playing different characters as well as doing documentary and talk show hosts. Its a great learning curve as well as learning patience and constant changes and rejections.
How has Valentino influenced you?
Valentino is a huge influence on me; I always dreamt about meeting him and wearing his clothing as a child. My dream came true and more; he is a lovely talented man who is so into details and craftmanship. He made me realize the beauty and time that he put into each of his dresses. He showed me what it was to be a true genius in the Fashion World with his amazing gift for details and being so creative and passionate about every dress that walks down the runway every season. Valentino made me realize the beauty of everything that we are exposed to in our lives and how we can express it through many different kinds of mediums.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
My parents
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
Sant Ambroeus
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
Bergdorf Goodman
What is your favorite drink?
Champagne
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
La Grenouille
What is your favorite drink?
Champagne
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
La Grenouille
What is your favorite Manhattan book?
" The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Park Avenue Pot Luck Celebrations" See our review here; Jennifer is featured in the book along with our Mover and Shaker Courtney Moss
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
The New York Marathon on November 1, 2009
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
[Go to] Central Park
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
New York is the mecca for both Music and Art. We are able to see anything we want , that's whats makes New York so exciting!
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Overrated downtown; Underated - New Year's Eve
I love Take a Trip to Connecticut and Haute Hotels. Loved the recent review of The Surrey and hope to see more hotel reviews!
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
My children are the most important thing in my life, after them, my career.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
The Modo Facebook Page for Jennifer Creel
