Lois Sasson (April 28, 1940 – December 30, 2020) was an American jewelry designer, gay rights activist, and longtime partner of singer-songwriter Lesley Gore.
Early life and education
Lois Sasson was born Lois Diane Kahaner on April 28, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York. Sol, her father, imported fine lace, and Helen (Seiden) Kahaner, her mother, 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.
Career
Her career in jewelry design began to grow in the 1970s. Her work was featured in New York magazine. Sasson created high-end jewelry, sometimes designed in partnership with Geoffrey Thomas, sold in stores such as Bergdorf Goodman. She also had some of her work on display in art galleries. 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.
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.
Personal life
Her early marriage to Raymond Sasson ended in divorce. Lois lived with her partner, singer Lesley Gore ("It's My Party"), whom she started dating in the mid-1980s, for 33 years, until Gore's death in 2015.
Sasson died in New York City, at the age of 80, from the effects of COVID-19 on December 30, 2020. Her only surviving family member was her sister Susan Kahaner.
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Lesley Gore And Lois Sasson: Secret Lesbian History". The Inquisitr. 2017-11-07. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
- "Details, details, details". New York. New York Media, LLC. 1979-03-05.
- Demarco, Anthony (2013-11-25). "Jewelry News Network: Benefit for Nicole Porto". Jewelry News Network. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
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