Melissa Hebeler/E!Gone are days of basic, boring wristwatches.
For La Mer Collections, watches are more than just bland utilitarian accessories. They're statement-making pieces that instantly elevate any ensemble with their sharp design and meticulous attention to detail. And if you're unfamiliar with these wrist goodies—AnnaLynne McCord, Katie Cassidy and Anna Kendrick are all fans—then you're in for a treat.
Really, just take a look at them—these classic wrap designs solve all your bracelet-and-watch layering needs in one stylish swoop. And at the helm of it all is Martine Ilana, founder and president of La Mer Collections. From an early age, this self-made trendsetter knew she had to combine her passion for timepieces (spoiler alert: it all began with a Swatches collection!) with her business-minded drive. And that's exactly what she did.
No go on—scroll down to hear from Ilana herself!
What was your first job?
A watch designer for a large licensing firm in New York City.
How did you get started in your career?
I studied Industrial design at the University of Michigan and founded La Mer as an independent design project. I took my project to a company in New York the week after I graduated, to have custom watch faces made with La Mer Collections' logo printed on them, and they hired me as a designer on the spot! It was a life changing day.
What is a typical day like for you?
I wake and drink the strongest cup of coffee I can find. I spend the first few hours of the morning designing when my mind is clear before the craze of the day, and also catching up on emails from the night before. Because La Mer has a growing international business our clients are in opposite time zones (such as South Africa, Japan, UAE, Indonesia) our communication is 24-hours full force. Often I have meetings with designers, new photographers or vendors in the mornings as well. Then I take my Brussels Griffon puppy, Frank S. Capers for a walk and after that there is no typical day. I often speed into La Mer Collections' headquarters for busy afternoons of meetings, sample reviews, planning and problem solving. Once the day closes out I always head to the beach for a run, or do a yoga class before having dinner with my husband or friends.
Tell us about your office décor. When did you last give your office a makeover?
I moved La Mer's offices to Marina Del Rey in 2012 to increase our space and organization for maximum efficiency. It is striking when one walks in the door as we have a gorgeous custom built design studio/warehouse. We handle all logistics in-house so it's critical that we moved a larger space. The décor is Scandinavian-inspired with white walls, light wood furniture and clean lines. I wanted it to be very simple so that the watches' materials (i.e. brightly colored leathers, sparkling chain, watch faces) pop in color against the simple back drop. All of our furniture has been custom-made to fit the space so we can move pieces around as the company expands or adjusts the production line.
Do you have a workspace at home? How do they differ from your main office?
I do have a home office and it is my zen space. I live in Venice Beach so I can smell the Ocean from my home. The space itself is very simple but it's packed with books, souvenirs from my world travels, photos and design books.
What's the best part about your job?
I love that I am being creative and fulfilling my passion as a designer on the daily. La Mer Collections is one of the few domestically made watch brands, so we are working with so many inspiring companies in the USA. I love growing the business in a healthy direction while supporting a local economy. I also Love seeing the finished products ship and end up in the hands of our incredible customers worldwide.
How/when did you first start designing watches?
I have always loved watches because they combine art and design with form and function. Since I was 10 years old (maybe even 9!) I've collected Swatch Watches.
How did you come up with the idea for the wrap watch?
I wanted to create a watch style that had a strap that was unique, luxurious and very comfortable. Leather was a natural material and I loved the idea of having the leather also double a bracelet. Once I introduced the embellished portion of La Mer's watches I was able to tell a "story" with the charms, chains and colors for each style.
What are your biggest sources of design inspiration when designing your pieces?
Travel, travel, travel.
What are some tips you have for accessorizing watches?
La Mer Collections' watches are statement pieces and can stand on their own when it comes to accessorizing. Many of our customers tell us that they build their outfits around their watches! If you wear a non-embellished La Mer watch, then stacking with your favorite bracelet will highlight both the watch and personal jewelry.
What's the one item in your closet that you could never go without?
(Besides my La Mer Watch Collection!) it would be my Cream & Grey Doma Motor Leather Jacket.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Keep on moving forward. I have an arrow tattooed on my foot for this reason.
Who are some of your career heroes?
Diane Von Furstenberg, Donna Karen and Eva Zeisel—she was a famous ceramicist who worked until she was over 95!
What's the most daring career risk you've ever taken at work?
Every day I take risks! But the decision to invest my savings into an online store and quit my stable job at a large company in 2006 was hands down the first most daring career risk I took, and every day I'm so happy that I took the leap.
Finish the sentences below:
Today for lunch I had… almonds and coconut yogurt.
The first website I log onto every day is… does Instagram count? If not, the NY Times T Magazine
My usual Starbucks order is… double short Americano with room.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would… be a yoga instructor OR run a shipping logistics company.
My favorite place to visit is… Salina, Aeolian Islands, Sicily.
My first watch was… a Swatch Watch.
My favorite Instagram account is… these two are tied for my faves: @freepeopleaustralia and @patagonia.
The book I'm reading right now is… Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big by Bo Burlingham.