Nestled along a quintessential French Quarter thoroughfare, where antique shops reign supreme, Porter Lyons jewelry shop stands a modern contrast. While the exterior seamlessly blends with the historic architecture, the sleek interior design of the shop paints a younger, more contemporary picture. Likewise, with her new Egyptomania collection, founder Ashley Porter steeps herself in the past while infusing her designs with a distinctly modern edge. I got to chat with Ashley about the new collection and why she loves New Orleans.
How and why did you pick jewelry as your medium?
Jewelry allows such amazing storytelling. I’ve always been a bit unexpected with my style and I love how jewelry can give a look more meaning. It’s a layer of fashion that’s all your own and hard to replicate. I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between fashion and identity. Jewelry allows you to be more playful and artistic to tell your story visually.
Can you expand on the impetus and inspiration of your most recent collection, Egyptomania?
From the depths of my soul, I have always felt an undeniable connection to Ancient Egypt—a feeling as though I walked those sands, lived beneath the shadows of the pyramids, and gazed upon the Nile as it whispered its eternal secrets. This collection is the manifestation of that deep-rooted fascination, born not just from admiration, but from a past life I believe I lived long ago. The allure of Ancient Egypt for me lies in its mystery—a society so advanced, so beautifully intricate, that it remains a marvel to this day. Here, women held power, ascended thrones as pharaohs, and shaped history in ways that resonate across millennia. I dove into this world with tireless passion—researching, reading “Queen of the Nile” about the first female archaeologist, and studying Heka, the name the Egyptians gave to magic. Magic was not a fantastical idea to them, but a force woven into the fabric of life itself, much like it is within all my designs.
How do you want people to feel when wearing your jewelry?
Untouchable yet grounded, like they are wearing more than gold or gemstones but a talisman of their own spirit—a testament to their individuality, resilience, and dreams. My jewelry should inspire them to move through the world with confidence, as though they carry with them a spark of the divine, a piece of eternal artistry.
Do you have a favorite item in your personal jewelry collection?
That’s like asking me to pick my favorite child! I adore all of my creations, but I do love my Porter Lyons snake coil ring I wear on my pinkie. My pinkie is definitely my favorite finger to adorn.
What keeps you (and your business) in New Orleans?
New Orleans is a place that resonates deeply with my soul. This city is magical to me—a place where the haunted whispers of the bayou blend with the richness of the French Quarter and the sprawling beauty of live oak trees. It’s a place where unexpected festivals and celebrations of life happen around every corner, reminding me to embrace every moment. New Orleans isn’t just where I live—it’s where I feel alive, inspired, and truly connected to something greater.
