William de Lillo was known for its extravagant gold tones, glittering rhinestones and costume jewellery of epic proportions. The label was founded in New York in 1968 by Belgium-born William de Lillo and Robert F. Clark who refined their skills at Cartier, Harry Winston and Miriam Haskell. The brand was at the forefront of "gender bending" jewellery for men and part of a movement that called for ending the wearing of ties, though pieces also attracted the attention of Elizabeth Taylor and the Duchess of Windsor. Mostly created exclusively for wealthy private clients, William de Lillo ceased production of its jewellery line in 1976 and the pair moved to the South of France. From there, they freelanced for leading French fashion houses including Nina Ricci, Schiaparelli and Chanel.