Designer History: Lia Sophia

worthpoint.com tells us: "Lia Sophia was a Chicago-based fashion jewelry brand marketed by sales “advisors” at home party settings. The business was founded in the mid-1980s and renamed Lia Sophia in the early 2000s. Designs included both classic costume jewelry styles and pieces that were on-trend during their production period.
"The jewelry company that was eventually called Lia Sophia was started in 1986 by entrepreneur Victor Kiam, who owned Remington Products. He purchased a jewelry company called Act II and renamed it “Lady Remington.” After Kiam died, his son Victor “Tory” Kiam III overhauled the firm in 2004. He also renamed the direct-selling business after his daughters, Lia and Sophia. 
"The company utilized sales representatives called advisors who presented Lia Sophia jewelry lines directly to consumers at home parties. Each year, two published catalogs featured Lia Sophia jewelry at price points ranging from $20 to over $100, with some unique Kiam Family Collection pieces selling for slightly more. Around thirty thousand independent representatives were moving Lia Sophia designs at the company’s peak. 
"Higher-end pieces were marketed as part of the “Red Carpet Collection,” selling from $125 to $1,000. Nylon magazine’s then-style director, Dani Stahl, designed the line. The company promoted Red Carpet pieces at exclusive Hollywood parties and other high-profile locales. Some pieces were given to celebrities to encourage wear and promotion at events or in publications. For instance, Oprah wore a pair of Lia Sophia earrings on the cover of O, The Oprah Magazine in 2011, which resulted in a sharp rise in sales. 
"The company ceased operation in 2015. Its remaining inventory was largely liquidated through offerings to Lia Sophia advisors for half its original price."