Neil Blumenthal & Rachel Leigh

Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Warby Parker; Founder & Designer, Rachel Leigh Jewelry. New York

Happy 2012 boys and girls! It’s a new year with a new start. And, with that, we’re pumped as ever to bring you more clothes, more handbags, more destinations, and more locations for you to spend the next 365 days gawking over. So, let’s kick it off on the right foot. Cute couple alert. Swoon! Today, we bring you inside the pad of Rachel Leigh and Neil Blumenthal, a rad entrepreneurial couple with some credibility to boot. Rachel Leigh launched her namesake line of jewelry in 2004 and sells her goodies to over 500 stores worldwide. A former publicist for Yves Saint Laurent, Leigh has collaborated with brands like L’Oreal Paris, Swarovski, Madewell, American Eagle, and Susan G. Komen and has been featured inside the pages of Vogue, W, Harper’s Bazaar, Women’s Wear Daily and more. She’s credited with producing vintage-inspired pieces that are on-trend and timeless, but above all, her mantra is keepsake-meets-contemporary. Her hubby is Neil Blumenthal, co-founder of Warby Parker, a line of vintage-inspired frames and prescription lenses for $95.00, and for every product sold, a pair is given to someone in need. A graduate from Wharton, his one-for-one business model has caught on not only due to its mission of giving back, but his shades really are stellar. Together, they occupy a quaint NYC apartment, where they were recently forced to turn Rachel’s shoe and bag emporium into a bedroom to accompany the arrival of their little boy Griffin (he also has a pair of lenses named after him). Their apartment is full of deer bookends, vintage Visionaire publications, ornate giraffe statues (which were purchased after a trip to South Africa), and a slew of custom wallpapers that are at the top of our list for our 2012 purchases. But most importantly, we should take a page from this duo's book and spend a little bit more time giving back. And with Blumenthal’s ‘do good’ concept and Leigh’s collection of collectables, 2012 looks like it’s going to be a damn good year!

Digital Inspiration

Behind the scenes Comments

Clothes| Shoes| Accessories| All

This is by far one of my favorite pieces and fully embodies my aesthetic – feminine and girly with the pearls and crystals yet such a refined and classic silhouette, the collar fe... Jacket, Valentino; Shoes, Yves Saint Laurent; Sunglasses, Warby Parker

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>This is by far one of my favorite pieces and fully embodies my
aesthetic – feminine and girly with the pearls and crystals yet such a
refined and classic silhouette, the collar feels very Jackie O. I purchased it at Adresse (Philadelphia’s chicest boutique) when Neil was at Wharton (I guess not the most “student budget friendly” piece but it was one of those pieces I knew I would always regret not purchasing). I usually wear it with skinny jeans and heels because I love the unexpected mix of such an over-the-top
jacket with casual bottoms – plus the silhouette warrants a skinny bottom to balance the proportions. The camo green ribbon heels remind me of a ballerina and are part of my YSL arsenal. – Rachel
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We’ve always loved SUNO prints and thought it would be fun to incorporate them into eyewear. We used proprietary technology to create custom acetate featuring their prints.
It was a perfect fit given our shared commitment to merging fashion and social good. And, it allowed us to play with color and patterns outside of our traditional aesthetic.- Neil
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Jacket, Valentino; Shoes, Yves Saint Laurent; Sunglasses, Warby Parker
</span>#inline_01

The Balenciagas were purchased at Bergdorf and I thought for sure Neil would think they were beyond sexy. Neil has more of a classic point of view so he didn’t appreciate these as muc... Shoes, Balenciaga; Glasses, Warby Parker

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>The Balenciagas were purchased at Bergdorf and I thought for sure Neil would think they were beyond sexy. Neil has more of a classic point of view so he didn’t appreciate these as much as I do but black Balenciaga is always a classic in my mind. – Rachel
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We’re constantly throwing frames in shadow boxes for fun as you would jewelry or watches. I love glasses and think they’re the ultimate accessory. We started Warby Parker to provide people with frames to better reflect one’s personality and mood each day. – Neil
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Shoes, Balenciaga; Glasses, Warby Parker </span>#inline_02

We created Warby Parker to radically transform the optical industry and demonstrate that companies and fashion brands can “do good” in the world. We design and sell vintage-inspired... Glasses, Warby Parker

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>We created Warby Parker to radically transform the optical industry and demonstrate that companies and fashion brands can “do good” in the world. We design and sell vintage-inspired frames with prescription lenses for $95 whereas comparable quality glasses would cost over $500. Even at $95 though, there are hundreds of millions of people without access to glasses, so for every pair we sell, we distribute a pair to someone in need. </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Glasses, Warby Parker</span>#inline_03

Watching Neil and the boys conceptualize, launch and build Warby Parker has been thrilling. They have come a long way - from the first shipment of 900 boxes of glasses filling our apart... Top To Bottom: Vintage, Warby Parker, Vintage, Vintage

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>Watching Neil and the boys conceptualize, launch and build Warby Parker has been thrilling. They have come a long way - from the first shipment of 900 boxes of glasses filling our apartment living room to their new headquarters inside the Puck Building in Soho. My favorite part of their growth has been how thoughtful and creative they have been about every last detail from their employee’s titles to the
inner lining of their cases, which were inspired by a bird found in the Galapagos, a Blue Footed Booby.
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Top To Bottom: Vintage, Warby Parker, Vintage, Vintage </span>#inline_04

These entirely bedazzled YSL spectator heels are runway from Tom Ford’s Spring 2004 collection (one of his last for YSL). They are literally a work of art. I love the gradation in col... Shoes, Yves Saint Laurent

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>These entirely bedazzled YSL spectator heels are runway from Tom Ford’s Spring 2004 collection (one of his last for YSL). They are literally a work of art. I love the gradation in color. I have only worn them once – and only on carpet! Access to one-of-a-kind pieces like these were just one perk to my job in the PR department at YSL. Working for geniuses like Tom Ford and Stefano Pilati truly honed my eye for luxurious details. </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Shoes, Yves Saint Laurent </span>#inline_05

If you couldn’t tell, I’m a bow girl – I love bows and probably about 40% of my shoes have bows on them. The Louboutin’s were scored in the VIP sample closet while on a very spe... Shoes, Christian Louboutin, Valentino, Chanel; Bag, Lanvin; Bracelet, Chanel

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>If you couldn’t tell, I’m a bow girl – I love bows and probably about 40% of my shoes have bows on them. The Louboutin’s were scored in the VIP sample closet while on a very special visit with my friend Emmy. I love their tiny heel – they remind me of something my uber chic grandmother would have worn in the 50's but then they are offset by the rock 'n' roll metal bow. The red patent Valentino’s make me feel like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz and are perfect for the rain. And the Chanel’s … well they’re Chanel, need I say more?!
I love love love this Lanvin bag. Alber Elbaz is my god – he is a
genius. The grosgrain ribbon is what drew me to the bag, combined with the textured metal chain – it’s perfection. The charm bracelet is Chanel and the rug Jonathan Adler.
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Shoes, Christian Louboutin, Valentino, Chanel; Bag, Lanvin; Bracelet, Chanel </span>#inline_06

I typically hate men’s tuxedo shoes but when we found these Ferragamo’s with the grosgrain ribbon detail, they were it. Neil also loves any excuse to wear a tuxedo (I think because ... Tuxedo Shoes, Salvatore Ferragamo; Shoes, Manolo Blahnik

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>I typically hate men’s tuxedo shoes but when we found these Ferragamo’s with the grosgrain ribbon detail, they were it. Neil also loves any excuse to wear a tuxedo (I think because he’s an expert at tying a bow tie – we bought this one at Barneys for our wedding).
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I have been desperately searching all fall for an amazing pair of cage-
like booties but they were all so chunky and unrefined. When I found these Manolo’s at Barneys it was everything I had envisioned. I think women’s shoes are going to start moving in a more refined, feminine direction and Manolo is a classic.
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Tuxedo Shoes, Salvatore Ferragamo; Shoes, Manolo Blahnik </span>#inline_07

This is what happens when your apartment is invaded by a child – I had to transform my shoe and bag closet into Griffin’s room. I tried to hide most of the hideous primary colored t... Jacket, Moschino; T-Shirt and Shoes, Lanvin x H&M; Bags, Chanel; Sunglasses, Warby Parker

Giggle play mat meets Chanel! – this necklace is from runway Spring 2003 but I love it because the resin looks like vintage bakelite. While I’ll never turn down a piece of Chanel je... Necklaces, Chanel

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>Giggle play mat meets Chanel! – this necklace is from runway Spring 2003 but I love it because the resin looks like vintage bakelite. While I’ll never turn down a piece of Chanel jewelry, I’m usually more drawn to less recognizable vintage pieces when drawing inspiration for Rachel Leigh. I have an endless collection of vintage jewelry that I revisit each season and there is never an end to purchasing more. I love all of the special details in vintage jewelry – from the unusual closures to the unexpected functions and the multi-prong settings. It’s always fun to hear the stories behind each piece from my dealer. </span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Necklaces, Chanel </span>

Neil bought me this little pouchette for Hanukkah last year. I like knotting the chain and wearing it messenger style. – Rachel

I’ve been sporting these ever... Bag, Chanel; Sunglasses Warby Parker

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>Neil bought me this little pouchette for Hanukkah last year. I like
knotting the chain and wearing it messenger style. – Rachel
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I’ve been sporting these everywhere. They’re from a soon-to-be released capsule collection: the Spencer in Black Matte and the Thatcher in Midnight Blue – both with a blue lens and slight flash mirror coating. – Neil
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Bag, Chanel; Sunglasses Warby Parker </span>#inline_09

I bought this bowtie during my first visit to Kentucky for the Derby. Tried to look the part, but still stuck out like a sore thumb – think the 10 mint juleps helped me fit in a bit b... Shoes, John Varvatos; Bowtie; Brooks Brothers; Glasses, Warby Parker

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>I bought this bowtie during my first visit to Kentucky for the Derby. Tried to look the part, but still stuck out like a sore thumb – think the 10 mint juleps helped me fit in a bit better though. <br /> <br />

I remember the sales guy at Varvatos in the former CBGB’s got me good. Walked in looking for a simple gray hoodie and walked out with seven articles of clothing, including these great brown lace-ups that I love.
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Shoes, John Varvatos; Bowtie; Brooks Brothers; Glasses, Warby Parker </span>#inline_10

In middle school, I disparately wanted these tennis pumps, but my parents were less enthused with the idea of spending a bunch of money on sneakers that I’d quickly outgrow. When I sa... Black and Blue Shoes, Nike; Green Shoes, Reebok

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>In middle school, I disparately wanted these tennis pumps, but my parents were less enthused with the idea of spending a bunch of money on sneakers that I’d quickly outgrow. When I saw these in the window of a random sports shop in Philly, I snagged them. I picked up the other two pairs during a recent trip to Tokyo.</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Black and Blue Shoes, Nike; Green Shoes, Reebok </span>

There is nothing more chic than navy and black. I needed shoes last minute for the Whitney Art Gala and had a bunch messengered over. These didn’t make the cut for the gala but I fell... Shoes, Miu Miu; Jewelry, Rachel Leigh & Vintage

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>There is nothing more chic than navy and black. I needed shoes last minute for the Whitney Art Gala and had a bunch messengered over. These didn’t make the cut for the gala but I fell in love with them. I have lived in them ever since – they are actually comfortable and elicit endless compliments.
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The tea set is from Anthropologie – they have the best dishes. Every time I’m there I want to buy a new set – too bad I don’t cook!
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Shoes, Miu Miu; Jewelry, Rachel Leigh & Vintage</span>#inline_11

Tokyo is one of my most favorite cities and this camo jacket is a memento from our trip two years ago. Rachel Leigh is sold in some of the best stores in Japan and I scored this jacket ... Shoes and Bag, Yves Saint Laurent

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>Tokyo is one of my most favorite cities and this camo jacket is a memento from our trip two years ago. Rachel Leigh is sold in some of the best stores in Japan and I scored this jacket at one of them – Restir. I love this jacket because of the contrast between the tomboy silhouette and the overt super girly pearls and crystals.
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The shoes are runway YSL from the Fall 2003 collection – they came down the runway with bright red rhinestone cherry shoe clips on them (as if the Lucite heel with floating oversized crystals wasn’t enough!).

My second love to fashion is interiors. I located this mirrored banquet in Texas (it weighs 300 pounds and was a major
investment) but in some way I almost love the porcelain flowered lamps even more because I had envisioned them in my head and was trying to commission someone to make them when I literally found them for less than nothing at Home Goods on Cape Cod.
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The black velvet bag is a classic YSL Mombasa but
this one is one-of-a-kind runway with a metal and rhinestone handle.
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Shoes and Bag, Yves Saint Laurent </span>#inline_12

More bows and sparkle! This dress is Valentino and is the perfect party dress. Now I just have to find the right party to wear it to. I’m really good at buying pieces that inspire me,... Dress, Valentino; Tie, Brioni

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>More bows and sparkle! This dress is Valentino and is the perfect party dress. Now I just have to find the right party to wear it to. I’m really good at buying pieces that inspire me, letting them sit in my closet for awhile and then rediscovering them when the perfect opportunity to wear them arises.
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I am obsessed with this wallpaper – it is Trove, designed by a super
talented husband and wife team in NYC – every design feels like a painting. I didn’t exactly tell Neil we were going to have a bright pink entryway so I’m lucky he’s so easygoing because I love the pop of color in an otherwise neutral apartment.
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Dress, Valentino; Tie, Brioni</span>#inline_13

Another Lanvin for H&M treasure. I got these at the press preview when I was seriously pregnant so it was the only thing I could actually try on. I love the combination of the leopard, ... Shoes, Lanvin x H&M

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>Another Lanvin for H&M treasure. I got these at the press preview when I was seriously pregnant so it was the only thing I could actually try on. I love the combination of the leopard, crystals, lacquer and grosgrain ribbon. I intended to paint over the crystals with black nail polish but then I decided I liked them sparkly (at least for now).
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The hand-painted lace vase was designed by Robert Siegel – a super talented young designer in Los Angeles – I love the contrast of the white glaze on the raw porcelain combined with the feminine lace detail.
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Shoes, Lanvin x H&M </span>

I love designing pieces that are unexpected yet classic. This collar necklace looks like a piece of fine jewelry your 'Park Avenue Mother' would own but the stones are all metal, whic... Necklace, Rachel Leigh

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>I love designing pieces that are unexpected yet classic. This collar
necklace looks like a piece of fine jewelry your 'Park Avenue Mother' would own but the stones are all metal, which makes the piece more contemporary and playful.
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Necklace, Rachel Leigh </span>#inline_14

The tray is from the Missoni for Target press preview. I didn’t make it to the towels, but I did get some great dinnerware. The Chanel books are from Tokyo. The sales woman gave them ... Earrings, Rachel Leigh

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>The tray is from the Missoni for Target press preview. I didn’t make it to the towels, but I did get some great dinnerware. The Chanel books are from Tokyo. The sales woman gave them to me when I purchased a bag from Takashimaya. The earrings are from my Spring 2012 collection which was inspired by Tom Ford’s 'A Single Man.'</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Earrings, Rachel Leigh </span>#inline_15

The giraffe is vintage and was on my list of purchases after our safari in South Africa last summer. The giraffe was my favorite animal – so elegant and regal.

Th... Jewelry, Rachel Leigh

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>The giraffe is vintage and was on my list of purchases after our safari
in South Africa last summer. The giraffe was my favorite animal – so elegant and regal.
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The jewelry is from my Spring 2012 collection. I love color and I’m all about bringing back the oversized stud. I wear them everyday and get so many compliments. It’s always fun to change peoples’s perception of an older style of jewelry, making it new again.

</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Jewelry, Rachel Leigh </span>#inline_16

These Tycoon cuffs are a major statement. They have several vintage references, including the hidden closure and accordion function. I love how they look stacked together on one wrist... Cuffs, Rachel Leigh

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>These Tycoon cuffs are a major statement. They have several vintage
references, including the hidden closure and accordion function. I love how they look stacked together on one wrist.
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Cuffs, Rachel Leigh </span>#inline_17

I love these earrings. I wear both styles on repeat. They make me feel glamorous even when wearing a t-shirt. One of my greatest inspirations when designing is working with unexpected m... Shoes, Marc Jacobs; Earrings, Rachel Leigh

<span class='fancyPhotoDesc'>I love these earrings. I wear both styles on repeat. They make me feel glamorous even when wearing a t-shirt. One of my greatest inspirations when designing is working with unexpected materials. I work with a lot of custom resin and vintage Swarovski crystals – I love how the baguettes give these earrings such a deco feel.
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The shoes are Marc Jacobs bedazzledness. The settings for the crystals are really fun and reference the way they used to set crystals into t-shirts in the '80s.
</span><span class='fancyPhotoName'>Shoes, Marc Jacobs; Earrings, Rachel Leigh </span>#inline_18

My mom is an artist and does these amazing reverse transfer lithographs. I love the colour gradation they create and how the turquoise jewelry plays off the organic browns in the print.... Jewelry, Rachel Leigh