Alexis Bittar was the CEO of his jewelry company which was credited for reviving art costume jewelry movement in the 1990s. Bittar sold his entire company to Brooks Brothers in 2015 and parted ways with the business. In 2004 Bittar was named “Rising Star of the Year” at the Ace Awards, in 2010 he won the CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year award, in November 2014 he received the Brand of the year from ACE.
Using Lucite and semi-precious stones and metals, Bittar began selling handmade pieces on the streets of Soho. Dawn Mello, the fashion director of Bergdorf Goodman, discovered his work in 1992 and agreed to carry his designs, followed by Saks Fifth Avenue, the Museum of Modern Art, Harrods, and Isetan in Japan.
In 1996 he designed a limited edition set of home wares for Barneys New York and Takashimaya, and a collection of Lucite and steel furniture for The Cooper Hewitt Museum.
In 1998, Bittar launched the first of what would become many designer collaborations, working with Burberry, the British luxury fashion house. Bittar designed Burberry’s first Ready-to-wear jewelry collection, interpreting their trademark plaid onto Lucite. Subsequent collaborations include legendary stylist and costume designer Patricia Field for Sex and the City, the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, Estee Lauder, Michael Kors, Jason Wu, Jeremy Scott, Michael Angel, and Phillip Lim.
In 1999 he designed the first Burberry´s first Ready-to-Wear jewelry collection.
Michelle Obama regularly chose to wear Alexis Bittar pieces. Other celebrities who have been seen wearing the brand are: Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Solange Knowles, Nina Dobrev, Shailene Woodley, Cameron Diaz, Alicia Keys, and Christina Aguilera. In 2004, Alexis opened his first boutique on Broome St. and went on to open a total of 9 stores in the US.