Lois Sasson
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Lois Sasson (April 28, 1940 – December 30, 2020) was an American jewelry designer, gay rights activist, and longtime partner of late singer Lesley Gore.[1]
Early life and education[]
Lois Sasson was born Lois Diane Kahaner on April 28, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York.[1] Sol, her father, imported fine lace, and Helen (Seiden) Kahaner was a homemaker. Lois grew up in Jamaica Estates in Queens, New York. She went to Mount Ida Junior College in Newton, Massachusetts, and then New York University.[1]
Career[]
Her career in jewelry design began to grow in the 1970s.[2] Her work was featured in New York magazine.[3] Sasson created high-end jewelry, sometimes designed in partnership with Geoffrey Thomas, were sold in stores such as Bergdorf Goodman.[1] She also had some of her work on display in art galleries.[1] By 2015 Sasson became well known for her work with precious stones, encrusted cufflinks, and tuxedo button covers. On Valentine's Day that year a set of men's jewelry called "The Ambassador Set" went on sale for $16,000.[2]
Personal life[]
Early marriage with Raymond Sasson ended in divorce.[1] Lois lived with her partner Lesley Gore, whom she started dating in the mid-1980s, for 33 years,[2] until Gore's death in 2015.[1]
Philanthropy[]
Sasson designed and donated "Compassion" cufflinks in support of the Center for the Advancement of Women. She also donated 35% of jewelry sales received at a benefit for a woman with aplastic anemia in 2013.[4]
Death[]
Sasson died from COVID-19 on December 30, 2020.[1] Her only survivor was her sister Susan Kahaner.[1]
References[]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Genzlinger, Neil (2021-04-06). "Lois Sasson, Quiet Force in Gay and Women's Rights, Dies at 80". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
- ^ a b c "Lesley Gore And Lois Sasson: Secret Lesbian History". The Inquisitr. 2017-11-07. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
- ^ LLC, New York Media (1979-03-05). New York Magazine. New York Media, LLC.
- ^ Demarco, Anthony (2013-11-25). "Jewelry News Network: Benefit for Nicole Porto". Jewelry News Network. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
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- 1940 births
- 2020 deaths
- Deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state)
- American jewelry designers
- Lesbian artists
- LGBT rights activists from the United States
- LGBT artists from the United States
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