A triple threat -talk about a quadruple threat. Lana Fertelmeister is definitely one of the raining queens of fashion, making her mark in the windy city. Her jewelry line Lana Jewelry has been featured on starlets like Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore and is available in top boutiques in L.A., Miami, Aspen, Las Vegas and Chicago. She is the president of the Chicago Fashion Foundation, a foundation that is bringing fashion to the forefront of Chicago. And, she instructs at her Alma Mater Columbia College – classes in fashion business. There’s not much this savvy entrepreneur hasn’t dabbled in when fashion is concerned. I caught up with Ms. Fertelmeister to discuss her new collection, her inspirations, what it was like to see Ms. Diaz appear countless times in her famous “3 Tear drop” earrings and the future growth of her business.

Factio Magazine: Tell me about your current collection.
Lana Fertelmeister: My current collection has a very star like paparazzi quality, and a “keep your eyes on me” feel to them. With names like “Triple Threat”, “The Star” and “Double Diamond”

FM: What were all of your inspirations (I know Rob was one)! Do you want to continue doing flat gold or do you want to keep exploring?
LF: My inspiration comes from anything that is appealing to the human eye. I know that sounds general, but beauty, love, sexuality, all play a part in the pieces I create. Yes, my boyfriend, (the true love of my life) has everything to do with my desire to create. If he doesn’t find the pieces sexy on me…well, then, they don’t make the cut.

Flat gold jewelry will always be a “Lana” classic, but the company is so much more than just its latest collection. The company grows as I grow and that means wherever I feel I can create something that is appealing, wearable and sellable, that is the route I will take. I am concentrating on a diamond collection and dreaming up several future luxury accessory lines…

FM: How do you work the philosophy of "never taking yourself too seriously" into your design philosophy?
LF: I am very serious about my business and my design and quality philosophy, but I want the client to feel free and at ease when they where my creations.

FM: What is it like to see the ultimate star Cameron Diaz sport your earrings - not to just one event - but several events all summer long!?! And, after the world caught a glimpse of these earrings, has it been hard to keep them in stock?
LF: For every designer there comes a point where they sit back and realize that all the blood, sweat and tears have really been all worth it, and seeing Ms. Diaz sport my 3Tear earrings was that moment! But truthfully, every time I see anyone, celebrity or not, dolled up in my creations, I get a thrill that is unexplainable and I know that will never change.

The 3 Tear earrings are a huge seller for us. They are a hot item right now in all of our stores and online at www.lanaunlimited.com and of course the celebrity aspect doesn’t hurt!

FM: What is the one decision that changed your life as far as your career goes?
LF: There has never been one…but a collaboration of many. To see my vision through to the very end, to give this collection and brand everything I have, because I believe it’s worth it. To compromise very little (most will respect you for it), and stand firmly behind your business, belief and product. I also have an unusual motto, I don’t do business with people I don’t have a connection with…money isn’t everything. I became an entrepreneur to make the right decisions for my way of living a healthy, good life.

FM: You've dabbled in just about every aspect of fashion there is from writing to designing to retail to marketing. How has knowing all of these different jobs helped you today?
LF: Being a part of every aspect of this industry has been instrumental in getting me to where I am today. I can honestly say I know a lot about the fashion industry. Since I know how every aspect works, it helps me to work better with everyone at every aspect.

FM: Do you plan on staying in Chicago and continue your hard work helping build the growing fashion community?
LF: Chicago is my home and where my boyfriend’s and my family resides, so this will always be a permanent and stable place for us, however, that does not mean we can’t have homes in other places that we love and visit often, right?

FM: What's next for you? What are your future goals? Where do you see yourself in five years, ten, etc.?
LF: Lana Jewely is in over 30 of the top fashion specialty stores and boutiques nationally in under one year, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more fabulous markets to conquer globally; there is the diamond collection and just designing and building the business. I am so excited because the business is becoming a family affair. With my father and my boyfriend getting more involved and becoming a part of the business, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world, having two of her favorite guys by her side! And two men who know a lot about running a successful business. In years to come, I hope to be running a successful international company and at the same time having a family and living life to its fullest. Isn’t that what it’s all about…

FM: What inspires you as a designer? Are you still designing clothes? Do you still have that boutique? If so, give me some information on that! Tell me about the Chicago Fashion Foundation and your future plans.
LF: Anything that catches my eye and my thought inspires me, whether it’s a song, or a movie or a beautiful person all collectively move me.

I am not currently designing clothes for the masses, just for me when I can, but that may change. I don’t have a boutique at this moment, but hopefully there will be a LANA boutique in the next few years selling the whole “Lana” collection.

The Chicago Fashion Foundation (CFF) www.chicagofashionfoundation.com is such an exciting venture for me and a huge passion of mine. I started the Not-For-Profit foundation in January 2003, concentrating on promoting the fashion industry here in Chicago as well as all the fashion talent that this city has to offer. CFF also donates, funding and clothing to surrounding local charities. CFF is made up of over 50 members and an incredible group of 10 founding board members who come from all areas of the fashion industry.

FM: How do you do it all and do it all well - teaching, designing, running CFF, your shop and have time for your personal life?
LF: I have always been a type A personality. I thrive on chaos and multi tasking. Most people who know me have never seen me chill, (I am trying to work on that). So doing all of this and trying to do it well is a natural moving force for me. Being productive and finding my creativity makes me want to do more and more. Well, as far as personal life goes, I am lucky to live with my boyfriend and him be a part of my business and we are quite inseparable. This business allows us to travel almost every month to beautiful and hip places together from New York to L.A. to Miami and Aspen…you can’t beat it. And another motto, I don’t work on Sundays…those days the computer and phone are turned off! It is family and friends day.

FM: How often do you get stopped on the street, in restaurants or just out on the town by people complimenting your jewelry?
LF: That is actually how the collection began. I was stopped in an elevator and took my first order for a necklace. My designs do get a lot of positive attention, and I am humbled by it and so grateful each and every day!!