I’m thrilled to have Jennifer Bressie, a fellow image consultant and friend since kindergarten, as a guest blogger today. Enjoy her recap of her visit to the Atelier Swarovski villa at the Couture show!
So this is like that episode of Batman and Robin, where Robin takes over the hour. The last three years I have had so much fun attending the Couture show with Amy as her sidekick/assistant. I am there to take the cute photos of Amy with the designers; I shop for my clients (and myself . . .this blog has cost me a fortune!) and just generally provide comic relief when necessary. This past spring, after registering myself for the show, I received a lovely invitation to view the Atelier Swarovski line, which would be located in the Wynn Villas. As a lover of all things sparkle, of course I was interested in seeing this cool collection. Also, I love visiting the Villas at the Couture Show! Not only are they beautifully decorated, but the Villas feel so separate from the hustle and bustle of the showroom floor. I welcomed the opportunity to focus on the jewelry without distractions.
My morning in the land of sparkle was just as dazzling as expected, maybe a bit more so. Upon entry to the beautiful villa, the most beautiful crystal-encrusted flowers greeted me. I love flowers almost as much as jewelry, so to see this combination just thrilled me. The flowers, animals and bugs are sold exclusively through private sale with Bergdorf Goodman. These flowers would brighten any home!
Atelier Swarovski began in 2007, as a division of the famous crystal business, inspired to offer a fresh perspective to accessories. This luxury accessories line celebrates innovative design from the worlds of fashion, jewelry, architecture, stage and screen. Each fashion week, a new collaboration is unveiled. The first of such lines was a bold creation by award-winning designer Christopher Kane in 2007. Subsequent collaborations have included Viktor and Rolf, innovative architect Zaha Hadid, Joseph Altuzarra, Mary Katrantzou, New York costume designer, Zaldy, and Gossip Girl stylist, Eric Daman. I was able to view the Fall/Winter 2014 collaboration with Viktor and Rolf, British designer Emma Shipley and Chinese fashion designer Ye Mingzi. Below are a few photos of the latest collaboration with Viktor and Rolf; clean graphic shapes inspire the design. Each piece is set with jet and black diamond crystals lying in textured velvet. These pieces definitely have an edgy, rebellious feel! Check out this on-trend double ring.
I can’t decide which one of these cuffs I love more, too much to wear both?
In addition to the amazing collaborations, the line has recently released its Core Collection. Released for Spring/Summer 2014, the collection will continue to develop with new pieces being added each season. The color ways will evolve and change with the seasons, but the design aesthetic and quality will always embody the Atelier Swarovski brand. The collection is split into two stories. The first is the Pointiage, which uses Swarovski’s unique Pointiage technique, setting hundreds of crystals into ceramic. Check out this amazing necklace!
I thought these bracelets were very wearable, in fact maybe many at once!
The other story in their Core Collection is the Crystal Bead Story, which includes stackable designs and beautiful pieces for every day; it’s totally up my alley. Again, easy to wear one big statement piece or mix them to create a unique stack!
I thought these pieces were so unique and dramatic.
I should mention that most of the core pieces I have shown you come in a gold tone, a silver tone and gunmetal. As if it weren’t overwhelming enough! I thoroughly enjoyed my morning with the team from Atelier Swarovski. I tried things on and generally felt like a princess for over an hour. Please visit the Atelier Swarovski web site to see more of this vast and dazzling collection.
After getting to know Anne Sportun at the Couture show in 2013, I was eager to visit her booth and see what she’s been up to this past year. It was no surprise that she’s been very busy. Here’s some pieces that caught my eye. (and fingers, and wrists…and neck)
This is the first ring I tried on. It’s an uber-comfortable double finger ring accented with 9 diamonds, and it’s part of her stick collection.
Next I tried on this amazing ring which is part of the bamboo collection. I learned this group is an evolution from the stick collection, and it still has her signature stardust texture. While this ring, with its seven layers and 73 diamonds, looks like it might be too wide for some, the design is actually quite brilliant — there’s only one band on the backside, so it’s extremely comfortable.
Anne’s wrap bracelets are always a big hit, and she keeps adding more to the collection. This, in particular, made of rubies, diamonds and chain felt like fabric on my wrist.
She also dazzled me with this multi-layer ruby bracelet with a gold and diamond bar in the middle. Wow!
Finally, I really enjoyed seeing her new tassels, which can be added to a necklace or one of her wrap bracelets. The lightness and fluidity add movement and sparkle without weighing the pieces down.
To see more of Anne’s collection, enjoy looking through her beautiful website. Definitely let me know which pieces grab your attention!
Each year I attend the Couture show in Las Vegas, it becomes more and more exciting. Not only is it a blast meeting new designers and seeing their collections, but it’s also a real treat to visit designers I know and love and see how their line is expanding. While Katherine Jetter is certainly known for her opals, she definitely has branched out this year, and I’m thrilled to show you my favorite new pieces in her line (in no particular order).
Roman Perfume Bottle
This bottle is just heavenly — I would have it out on display while not wearing it, as it’s too beautiful to be tucked away inside a jewelry box. This Roman bottle dates from 1 AD, and has a 22K yellow gold and cognac diamond stopper. L-O-V-E!
Bronze and aquamarine ring
As part of her new bronze collection, this bronze ring which features a 9.29 ct aquamarine, is simply spectacular. The juxtaposition of elements is extremely creative.
Lava rock necklace
Never have lava rocks looked so chic! These beads are hand carved and inlaid with 18K gold bezel-set opals.
Pink diamond flower ring
While this design is quintessential Katherine, the new and striking component is the huge pink diamond in the center. She told me that in 2011, only 15 pink diamonds were found that were over a carat, and she was lucky enough to get one of them. Bling, bling!
Birdcage pendant
Who needs a bird in your cage when you can have a 369.55 gram boulder opal instead? I vote for the opal! This stunning gem is from Queensland and is displayed in a cage of 18K yellow gold.
Katherine, you blew me away, once again! If you’d like to find out more about Katherine and her line, then check out her website.
So does this photo get your mind going to sparkly places? I should imagine so, and this is the type of work that has made me a fan of Rebecca Overmann’s jewelry for years now. The uniquely shaped diamonds, the organic feel, and the warmth emanating from Rebecca herself on the handful of times I’ve met her in person just draw me in. Well lucky me, because I recently had the pleasure of taking a field trip to her studio in San Francisco.
Never having visited an actual jewelry studio before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But I finagled a great parking spot in her east Mission neighborhood, and I was ushered up quite a few flights of stairs to an expansive, well-lit space. I was in heaven!
At her Rebecca’s workbench
Rebecca has a solid reputation in the alternative bridal realm for both men and women.
Some selections for the gentlemen
More choices for the ladies
Wanting to know more about the whole jewelry making process, she took me through her education and procedures. She was going to school in Savannah and decided to take a jewelry making class as an elective. While I was there, she pulled out an old hat box filled with her school projects, showing me her early attempts in silver. One of which is this highly complicated Celtic necklace, which was her first carved piece ever. “I don’t know how I actually did this in such detail!” Well clearly she has an innate talent!!
Look at the intricacy of the design!
Though she did have a successful career in graphic design for an ad agency, the day after she was laid off she went out and bought her workbench, the same one shown in the photo above. She’s never looked back, and she’s been going full-time for 12 years now. (I just LOVE when people find their true calling!)
So back to her self-described “old school” process–she first carves her pieces in wax.
Rings carved in wax
Adding detail to her design
She can manipulate the wax perfectly to accommodate the stones she chooses, which she also carves to the exact shape she envisions. And BOY were there a lot of stones around!
Diamonds galore!
When the pieces are then cast in metal, she uses burs for setting the stones, and grinders and polishers for the final touches.
Burs for setting the stones
A plethora of grinders and polishers
With her talent, vision, and creativity, the finished product is always something so special. She designs for a total range of clients, but she told me they all want something with a hand-crafted look. During my visit, she was getting ready for the NY Now show, which runs August 16-20. While she traditionally has used diamonds in her designs, she’s now branching out a bit into the world of color. This came about when she met a sapphire dealer from Sri Lanka who had some stunning gems. There were some woven pieces being made while I was at the studio as well, and here’s a glimpse of some of her colored sapphire rings. Given the rising popularity of colored gemstones, I’m confident that these will be a big hit at the show.
Colored sapphire rings
While I certainly appreciate the color, I had a few favorites from her various shades of neutral diamonds. She makes the most interesting and diverse collection of studs I’ve seen from one designer. (The photo below is a small snapshot.) I think the oval grey diamonds would make an outstanding addition to my jewelry collection, melding beautifully with many of my oxidized silver pieces…just sayin’.
I was also in love with her bangles, which were surprisingly comfortable on my wrist. You know how so many bangles are too heavy, or they slip down and catch uncomfortably on your wrist bones? These SO do not do that!
l.o.v.e.
My mind was whirling after our hour together, and I can’t wait to go visit again! Before leaving, she gifted me an autographed copy of Beth Bernstein’s Jewelry’s Shining Stars, which is a visual feast of a book featuring 38 jewelry designers who are really changing the face of jewelry today. No surprise that Rebecca is one of the featured designers.
Yes! I want your signature!
I can’t thank Rebecca enough for opening her studio to me and letting me pick her brain about it all. It was an amazing field trip! xo
How many of you have avoided getting one of those step/calorie/basically “your whole life’s data is gathered right here” gadgets because it doesn’t blend well with your jewelry and outfit? I know that I certainly fall into that camp! Tory Burch has come up with a fashionable solution for those looking to wear a Fitbit Flex in a more covert way. She has developed a necklace and two different bracelet styles in which you can insert the device, yet it’s totally camouflaged.
This solid brass hinged bracelet has Tory’s signature graphic design. ($195)
She also has two silicone bracelets (in fuchsia and navy) with a subtle print. ($38)
Finally, there’s a brass pendant necklace with the same fretwork. ($175)
These items are available for pre-order on her site, with an expected ship date of October 30th. Note that these pieces do not come with the Fitbit Flex device itself. That needs to be purchased separately for $99.95.
Now…if someone would just come up with something like this with diamonds… 😉
So…does this array of stunning gems get your mouth watering? I know it does for me! Given the choice, I don’t know which one I’d want to wear first! Well all of these lovelies are the creation of Malak Atut from her jewelry line, Zaiken. (I learned the name Zaiken is a combination of her two sons’ names.) I was very honored to spend some time with her at the Couture show, and get an inside look at her collection.
Malak and Amy
Malak’s line is based in Manhattan, and every piece is made there. (Woot!) She has two main looks in her line. The first is Throwing Stones, which the above photo shows. This is where she “bezel-sets eye-poppingly gorgeous gemstones atop other gemstones.” The result is truly unique and lovely. Here’s a closer look at a pair of rainbow moonstone earrings from the collection.
One of Malak’s specialties is using unexpected color combinations. These earrings, made with sapphires and adorned with paraiba and yellow diamonds, are case and point. They are simply works of art, don’t you think?!
With the tag line, “There’s more than one side to you,” you’ll understand her other main collection, Alter Ego. The pieces in this group have a geometric feature that flips over, revealing a whole new design. Because it’s true that we all have two sides to ourselves … maybe a little bit naughty and a little bit nice? I tried on one of the rings, which has diamonds on one side and enamel with diamonds on the flip side.
Two looks with one ring!
Here’s another clever example in the form of a necklace.
During our interview, I couldn’t help but notice her wrist, and the beaded bracelet that clearly was made by a much younger designer — a 4 year-old, in fact. Her son gave it to her when she was leaving for the show so that she’d have part of him with her while she was gone. How cute is that?!
Not only is Malak a talented designer and loving mom, but she also is involved with a special project in conjunction with Gemfields. Gemfields is the largest supplier of ethically mined stones in the world. You may have seen some of their press, with Mila Kunis as their ambassador. Malak has designed a capsule collection for them this year. This pair of gold and emerald studs and ring are part of the capsule. I think it’s fabulous to know the jewelry you wear has come from a good place, don’t you?
The passion and creativity were simply bursting from Malak while we spoke. I can tell that she has numerous designs in her head, and I can’t wait to see them come to fruition. I’ll be waiting and watching!
Fashion runways are an interesting phenomenon, and I’ve been privileged to be “in the tents” in NYC for the shows. For the fall 2014 shows, various designers had models sauntering down the runway in one earring, from Louis Vuitton to Celine.
Louis Vuitton
Celine
And now that the pre-fall issues of all the fashion mags are hitting the stands (I know, while you are just breaking out your bikini and hitting the beach), it seems that the editorial staff is really promoting this look. While reading the July issue of Vogue, here are some of the images that were in their spread. (Definitely admire the quality of these photos that I took of the magazine pages–ha ha!)
So here’s the thing…just because we see something on the runway and in a fashion mag, does it mean that it’ll translate to the general public? And if so, will it be in such a dramatic fashion, or will the interpretation be more of a watered-down version, with a minimal earring worn on its own? I’d love to hear your opinions on the matter. Would you wear it? Do you see it as a viable trend this fall? And if so, will it be just a flash-in-the-pan? Spill.
Did you receive your August J.Crew catalogue in the mail today? I did, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that they’ve launched a fine jewelry collection! While I’ve been a long-time fan of their costume statement pieces, I think they’re very fashion-savvy to bring some fine jewelry into the mix. I mean let’s face it — that’s how most people dress, right? Mixing up the high and low?
I think they’ve done an excellent job curating a nice selection of 14K gold and precious gem jewelry which includes some of their own designs, as well as capsule collections by some pretty big names in the world of jewelry. Their own designs are very clean and classic, such as this rectangular signet ring and gold hinged bangle. Most of the items are perfect for engraving as well.
I think the ring I’d find most useful as an addition to my own collection is this slim gold and black diamond band by Gabriela Artigas. Can you believe that I don’t own any black diamonds at all? (yet!)
Catbird, one of the Brooklyn-based jewelry stores on my bucket list to visit, has some great items available. I think these “ballerina” earrings would be a cool look to wear in lieu of studs or small hoops.
From the look of things, it appears these baubles are only available online, but I can envision that changing if it becomes really popular. I wouldn’t be surprised, as just while writing this article, the signet ring sold out in sizes 6 & 7! Please let me know if you decide to made an addition to your jewelry box — would love to see what you choose!
Right now my mind is drifting to the beach (as it often does), and I’m picturing Jane Bohan out in the waves on Fire Island. I think this talented designer loves the beach as much as I do, and she often finds her inspiration there. In fact, a surfboard was the thought in the back of her mind when she designed this turquoise necklace!
These necklaces are part of her Barcelona collection, with inspiration coming from the famous Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi. Here’s an example of his architectural style.
Jane has done a fabulous job interpreting the line and design of his work into her jewelry.
I tried on one of her bracelets from this collection, which features three stations with green quartz and mixed metals.
Jane started her hand-fabricated line back in 1983, when she was working with mostly brass and sterling. She has now transitioned to gold and precious stones. She thrives on creativity, and ideas come to her when she’s out and about in her daily life. Clearly her time by the sea was inspiration for her opalescent waters collection. The depth of the labradorite in this ring summons a feeling of diving down into the sea.
Pearls are most definitely one of Jane’s signatures. While speaking with her at the Couture show, I was admiring this new bracelet, made of south sea pearls, and oxidized silver fishbone chain with 18K gold accents. Delicious!!
Jane described her line as, “…sensual, sophisticated, and feminine,” and I couldn’t agree more. There were so many soft blush-colored tones in her pieces, which would flatter a wide variety of skin tones. You’ll notice the texture on these rose gold and diamond earrings. Texture, is in fact, extremely important to her.
The junipers in her back yard were the impetus for the texture on these rings I tried on.
It was an absolute pleasure meeting Jane and trying on all her goodies! Her line is sold at various high-end retailers around the country, so you can go try on for yourself. (Click here for a complete list of stores.)
I knew that title would get your attention! So the other day I found myself with a little time to kill between appointments in Union Square. So what’s a jewelry blogger to do with this time? Well… I decided to visit Neiman’s and take myself on a virtual shopping spree, where I could pick out the top five pieces I’d like to own, and with an open-ended budget — the sky is the limit! (It’s a great fantasy, right?!) I was so happy that Lea Kushnir, my go-to sales associate, had some time open as well, and she loved my idea! So off we went, and here’s what I picked out. (in no particular order of preference, by the way)
Chocolate and black diamond ring by Bessa, $13,750
Diamond and sapphire earrings by Loree Rodkin, $12,900
Now, if I only had the $42,750 (plus tax) to make it a reality…well, a girl can dream, can’t she?! Thanks so much, Lea, for going along with my fantasy! xo
