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Archive for the ‘Jewelry’ Category

September 12, 2011, 4:09 pm

By ERIC WILSON

Fast Fashion

Eric Wilson’s posts on the runway shows.

Just a quick dispatch about Donna Karan on a busy Monday afternoon of back-to-back shows. Ms. Karan held her show in a gallery in far-off Chelsea, where Wyclef Jean showed up in a cute straw ball cap and rhinestone studded jeans. Ms. Karan said she has been traveling to Haiti over the last year and plans to have a party tonight celebrating a group of Haitian artists.

There was a drumbeat on the soundtrack during her entire show, which featured mostly sexy, slinky dresses with tribal prints, and full circle skirts painted with tribal masks. People were raving about the necklaces, made of wood shards and Lucite piled up on necklaces and wristlets.

September 12, 2011, 1:02 pm

By ERIC WILSON

Fast Fashion

Eric Wilson’s posts on the runway shows.

A sociologist looking to understand the vast diversity of species that cohabitate the fashion kingdom would do well to observe the audience at a Carolina Herrera show.

At Mrs. Herrera’s show on Monday morning in Lincoln Center, there was Renée Zellweger in a gray form-fitting dress with her legs side-crossed in such a manner as to suggest she was performing a new form of yoga in her seat. On the other end of the spectrum was Nicki Minaj, wearing a tunic made of hundreds of neon puffballs that made her look like a large gumball machine. Compounding the absurdity of this image was the fact that Ms. Minaj was seated between Stefano Tonchi and Anna Wintour.

Susan Tabak, a sort of perennial presence in fashion, though I’ve never really understood her precise role (socialite? blogger?), stopped by to ask if I’d heard that she now has her own perfume. Of course I had, since she and her publicists had sent me at least three e-mails. It is called Sortir le Soir, which I would loosely translate as I Go Out a Lot at Night. But I was more fascinated by her fake eyelashes, which appeared to be an inch long, and her dress, vintage Ungaro, though sadly not from the Lindsay Lohan collection.

“Ungaro,” she said. “E-man-uel Ungaro.”

Mrs. Herrera, meanwhile, was also thinking of rare birds for her spring collection, which included some pretty, pretty prints of sparrows in canary yellow and robin red, and dresses with embroideries that appeared sometimes as squiggle marks, sometimes in grids or stripes that with their silvery palette looked a little Art Deco.

In an unrelated note, and maybe the pace of Fashion Week is getting to me, but on my way out of the show, I would swear I heard a young woman ask the security guard, “Could you tell me how to get to Eileen Fisher Hall?”

September 12, 2011, 1:55 pm

By RUTH LA FERLA

Trendspotting

Ruth La Ferla reports on emerging trends from the shows to the streets.

As the has week progressed, a handful of designers turned their backs on hard-edged urbanity in favor of a style as pale and wraithlike as Ophelia. Their fabrics, which sometimes drifted in sheer panels to the floor, lent their collections an air of fragile dishabille.

Embracing a trend that ran counter to the starchier, shrilly colorful looks making news elsewhere, were Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen of The Row, whose unstructured white dresses were veiled in tender blush or mint; Tess Giberson, who layered sheer tanks over liquid trousers, and Nicole and Michael Colovos of Helmut Lang, who showed a succession of multipaneled dresses in incandescent white. Scott Sternberg, whose Band of Outsiders collection was positively pastoral, was inspired, he said, by the eerie atmospherics of Peter Weir’s cult classic “Picnic at Hanging Rock.” The look: a little ghostly, perhaps, but eye-catching just the same.

James Kaliardos, the makeup artist who led the MAC Pro team for Diane Von Furstenberg’s spring 2012 collection, took a few minutes backstage at the designer’s show on Sunday to talk about trends, and to explain the look he created. One of his inspirations, he said, was “an African face,” because “African women have found this way to look absolutely stunning no matter what the situation is.” So he wanted to use makeup strategically to give the models’ natural features more impact.

Beauty Spots

Backstage beauty coverage.

Taking a palette of MAC’s Cream Colour (yes, it’s spelled the British way) and bases of army green, tan, peach, rust and cocoa, he sculptured and highlighted the face to make some features appear prominent and others recede, almost like a relief out of a museum. Army green may sound like a bit much for a face, but, he explained, “If I were to paint a face like a painter, I would use a lot of colors, not just a foundation color.”

The main thing is sculpturing out the eyes, he said, by using a “dark tone in the inner and outer corners, and then a white or yellow put in the center of the eye going up. So it kind of pops the eye out.” Next, a lighter color on the cheekbones and a slightly darker hue on the lower cheekbones.

Only sheer foundation and concealer were used, and the bare minimum around the mouth where there’s often discoloration, so cheeks still look and feel “like skin.” The lips, which were exfoliated, had nothing on them.

Asked whether this kind of natural minimalism was a trend this year, Mr. Kaliardos said: “If there’s a natural trend this season, it’s in a ’70s way, inspired by a Lauren Hutton or Beverly Johnson, or people like that who wore a lot of makeup in the ’70s.” Yet it was done “almost as a ‘no makeup’ makeup.” The effects were strong and dramatic, he said, adding “it deepens eye sockets and strengthens the lips.”

By contrast, “when we say ‘no makeup’ makeup, it’s like no makeup.” He laughed and said, “It looks great, but it looks raw.”

What you may ask are the Primetime Creative Arts Emmys?  Well this is the description given on the Emmys website:

The Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, traditionally held the weekend before the live Primetime Emmys telecast, are largely dedicated to key technical disciplines and behind-the-scenes crafts essential to television production: art direction, cinematography, hairstyling, makeup, music, picture editing, sound editing and mixing, special visual effects, stunts and more.

Awards are also handed out for animation, commercials, reality series and other programming, as well as some acting categories and special honors.

Stars were there decked out in some of the finest jewels the Industry could offer!   From Presenters to Actors & Actresses that were present to support the people who actively support them on a day-to-day basis.
Rebecca Romijn –  Rode the Color Wave in Neil Lane Jewelry Garnet, Diamond and Gold Chandelier Earrings, Garnet, Diamond and Gold Large Cocktail Ring and Garnet and Gold Bracelets.

Actress Alfre Woodard wore a pair of hoop earrings with colored diamonds by MICHAEL M. to the “2011 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards” in Los Angeles on September 10th.

About MICHAEL M.Founded in 2008, Michael M. is a uniquely modern diamond jewelry brand featuring one-of-a-kind creations. The collection is inspired by nature and consists of rough, natural colored diamonds in many motifs, including animal and floral representations. Every piece is handcrafted in the company’s Los Angeles design studio using the finest diamonds and metals including platinum and 18k white and yellow gold. 
Cara Buono – Pink Tourmaline, Diamond and Platinum Drop Earrings anda Pink Tourmaline, Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring.About the Neil Lane collectionThe Neil Lane collection features world-renowned, beautiful works of art that are a direct reflection of Neil Lane, both as a celebrated designer, and respected curator of important, period jewels. From trend-setting rough-cut diamond sautoirs that sparkle on the red carpet to the most elegant engagement and bridal rings, every piece of jewelry designed by Neil Lane is a stunning fashion statement. The Neil Lane collection also includes some of the finest period jewels and designs from all over the world. Unique historical pieces have been hand-selected from the magnificent houses of Cartier, Boucheron, Mauboussin, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co. and other manufacturers and exclusive sources worldwide. All of the glamorous one-of-a-kind Neil Lane designs, as well as the antique and estate jewels, are rare and rich with heritage.Just a taste to get you ready for the Primetime Emmys Show September 18th!

Update - The Legends Auction is pleased to feature a matched collection of gem quality emeralds worn by Angelina Jolie for the Kung Fu Panda 2 (Dreamworks Animation, 2011) photocall at Cannes Film Festival in May, 2011.  Both the emerald tablet bracelet and emerald cushion ring are accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity from Angelina Jolie and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each item will benefit children living in regions affected by conflict or the devastation of natural disasters.

Julien’s Auctions and The Ponte 16 Resort Presents the “Legends” Auction in Macau China, Saturday, October 22, 2011

Julien’s Auctions, the world’s premier entertainment auction house, announces their 2nd annual Legends Auction on Saturday, October 22, 2011 in Macau China at Ponte 16, a world-class entertainment resort.

The Legends Auction returns with a showcase of film and music memorabilia from some of the world’s most admired superstars including legendary film icon Marilyn Monroe and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.  Other iconic pieces to be offered include personal effects from Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Madonna, Her Royal Highness, Diana Princess of Wales and many others.

Marilyn Monroe seduced on-screen and film going audiences with her performance as Kay Weston in River of No Return.  Monroe conjured a saloon hall vixen to perform “I’m Gonna Stake My Claim.”  The provocative green gown she wore during this song and dance routine is offered for sale along with Monroe’s personal phone book, pearl necklace, medical prescription orders and a rare painting created by the iconic actress.

In 1985, Her Royal Highness Diana, Princess of Wales, was honored by the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers.  Diana wore a stunning gown of white taffeta and black velvet designed by Murray Arbeid, and this will also be offered in the Legends auction. This gown was previously auctioned at the “Dresses from The Collection of Diana, Princess of Wales” charity auction shortly before her tragic death.  The gown returns to the auction block as one of the few Diana dresses made available for public sale.

In 1987 Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor won nine Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Costume Design.  A selection of these award winning costumes are offered for sale.  The intricate costume pieces, some comprised of textiles that are over 100 years old, and are works of art in their own right. 

In the tradition of period films examining the relationships of Eastern and Western cultures, Julien’s offers ten costumes from the film The Last Samurai.   An impressive riding costume worn by the character Ujio as he rides into battle includes full body costume armor and stunt swords as seen in the film.  Battle costumes, stunt weaponry and ninja attire from the film are also offered for sale.

Science Fiction heroes and villains also share the spotlight in this very special auction.  The third incarnation of Batman in Batman & Robin pitted George Clooney’s Batman against Arnold Schwarzenegger’s evil Dr. Freeze. For the villainous, The Batman Return’s Red Triangle gang costumes, Neon Circus costumes and Jim Carrey’s Riddler bodysuit will be sold. Also to be offered are costumes from Dennis Hopper’s portrayal of Deacon in Waterworld, Alfred Molina’s wayward tentacle as Doctor Octopus from Spiderman 2 and a nefarious Thuggee costume from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom blockbuster.

Julien’s Auctions will also offer an extraordinary opportunity to own some very special pieces that pay tribute to Elvis Presley. On March 19, 1955 Elvis Presley’s first live performance was recorded at The Eagle’s Hall in Houston Texas.  The recording master’s and the copyright to market and reproduce this recording are offered for auction for the first time.  Along with the five song recording is a seven-minute interview with the young Presley from 1956 and a 15-minute interview with guitarist Scotty Moore discussing his relationship with Elvis.

Other Elvis items featured in this auction are an acoustic guitar inscribed to one of his fan club presidents, a handwritten set list from an engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, a prop gun given to Presley for luck by MGM executives as he began his concert series in Las Vegas and a handwritten note from Presley to Col. Parker.

Among the unique Beatles memorabilia being offered is a note signed by John Lennon, a Paul McCartney signed Hofner bass, handwritten lyrics from the bands first bassist, Stuart Sutcliffe, and a rare 1963 Beatles concert poster.

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson will again take center stage at this highly anticipated global auction.  From early Jackson 5 photographs, career spanning “gold” and “platinum” record awards as well as stage worn clothing.  The Wiz offered a new way for Jackson to showcase his talents.  Not only a musical star, The Wiz made Jackson a film star as well.  Julien’s will auction a make-up model of Jackson from his role as The Scarecrow created by Stan Winston, used by the make-up crew to assure continuity.  Jackson again took on acting and complicated make-up as he starred in the video for his hit song “Thriller.”  In the beginning of the video, as Jackson played a high school student who morphs into a “Werecat” before his shocked girlfriend’s eyes, different latex masks were used to create the affect.  Three different masks and an unused latex mask formed to fit Jackson’s face will be sold.

Other Jackson items included are stage worn costume pieces from the Destiny tour of 1979-1980 and 1984’s Victory tour.  The bead work, mirrors and sequins on these costumes allowed the massive crowds to follow Jackson on stage, even from a distance.  Among the items are a red lame jacket with rhinestone covered collar, a white two-piece mirrored costume designed by Bill Whitten and a rhinestone belt worn by Jackson.

Other auction highlights include a Madonna signed “Sex” book,  a stage worn gold bustier from her Who’s That Girl tour, images of Madonna by Herb Ritz signed by the superstar, an early model headshot with information sheet, and a recording of Madonna singing “Simon Says” with her band The Emmy’s. 

The Legends Auction at Ponte 16 in Macau, China is expected to set a new worldwide record and will be a fitting tribute to the musical and entertainment icons who continue to play an important role in the lives of every fan. For more information on the Legends Auction in Macau China go to www.juliensauctions.com

ANNOUNCING: The Future of Design Business

Incubator Contest for Jewelry Designers

Produced by

Jeweler’s Resource Bureau & StrategyWerx

Are you the worlds next greatest jewelry design’preneur? For the first time, a competition evaluating both

your designs and business plan

offers you the opportunity to win a prize package valued at over $250K!

THE COMPETITION:

Described as a game changer, the Future of Design Business competition seeks to discover, promote and catapult the next great jewelry designer into the market.

Applications begin Sept 7th and the winner will be selected during a “Shark Tank”-like live presentation at MJSA Expo New York in NYC on March 13, 2012. 

Submissions include our business plan-like application, marketing materials and visuals of your jewelry line. The application includes an in-depth questionnaire that teaches you about strategy and marketing planning along the way — and gives you plenty of time to compose your answers.

Applicants will be judged on their business concept, market feasibility, saleability and aesthetic impact. The winner will be the “total package” destined for greatness.

This is an unprecedented competition with a vast level of industry participation, unique judging process and a dream prize package.

Do you have what it takes?

Prizes:  

Every entrant gets feedback and advice from the judges

     Six semi-finalists win:a mentoring date (by phone if in-person isn’t possible) with one of our Dream Team designers
a feature on NationalJeweler.com
     Three finalists also win:trip to NYC to participate in the finale
The winner also receives: a year of manufacturing services by Fusion Jewelry
 a year of sales representation by Viewpoint
 sales training and retail introductions by Performance Concepts
 consulting on strategy, financials and technology by StrategyWerx
 a booth in globalDESIGN
 premium membership on JewelryDesignerFinder.com
 a suite of marketing products from Jeweler’s Resource
 a booth in the Designer Showcase at the JA NY Show
 an ad campaign in INDESIGN magazine
 photography and ad campaign creation by RSP Media
 inclusion in three celebrity award suites with Michael O’Connor
 mentorship by all the judges
 promotion and publicity throughout the process
 more prizes to be added as new sponsors are secured!

DATES:

Application process opens Wed. Sept. 7th
Application deadline is midnight PST Dec. 1st
You can work on your online application in a stop-and-start fashion till Dec. 1
Winner selected March 13, 2012
DETAILS:www.FutureofDesignContest.com 

It’s a business contest, not just a design contest
The application process walks you through critical business strategies
Every applicant gets a professional critique of/advice on his/her business plans
Winner gets more than $250,000 worth of goods and services
Six semi-finalists get prizes and mentoring with a Dream Team member
Three finalists are flown to New York for final judging
Live finale, “Shark Tank”-style, at MJSA Expo New York in NYC on March 13, 2012
All are welcome to attend by registering for an MJSA EXPO show badge

Business plan submitted as well as designs 
In-depth business questionnaire akin to a marketing plan 
Judges interview six semi-finalists live via conference video 
Three finalists make live pitch in front of judges & audience in NYC 
Vast level of industry participation, probably unprecedented

JUDGES:

Cindy Edelstein – Jewelers Resource Bureau /  cindy@jewelersresource.com
Andrea Hill – StrategyWerx /  andrea.hill@strategywerx.com
Kate Peterson – Performance Concepts
Mendel Rotenberg – Fusion Jewelry 
Jim DeMattei – ViewPoint  

Mentoring Dream Team are: 

Gurhan
 Erica Courtney
 Todd Reed
 Penny Preville
 Lisa Jenks
 Robert Lee Morris
Sponsors:  

•    Jeweler’s Resource Bureau•    StrategyWerx•    Performance Concepts•    Fusion Jewelry•    ViewPoint•    MJSA•    JA NY Show•    National Jeweler•    INDESIGN magazine•    RSP Media•    Michael O’Connor / Style&Substance

                                     …… and more coming!

See website for eligibility and to sign-up for future information from

The Future of Design

keep checking back to the site — and subscribe to our newsletter –

  for more advice, tips and possible prizes! 

September 11, 2011, 6:16 pm

By ERIC WILSON

And they were wearing almost the same thing.

It wasn’t quite a fashion faux pas. Oscar de la Renta, who serenaded shoppers last week during Fashion’s Night Out, wore a khaki suit with a nicely tailored blue shirt, open at the collar. Valentino, who brought down the house at Carine Roitfeld’s party last night with his renditions of “My Way” and “Unforgettable,” wore a taupe-ish suit with a blue shirt and tie.

Fast Fashion

Eric Wilson’s posts on the runway shows.

For a moment, some of us across the way were hoping that their coordinated outfits meant that they might be planning a duet on Ms. Von Furstenberg’s runway, or possibly forming a new boy band.

Alas, Mr. de la Renta said, no. He hadn’t even heard about Valentino’s performance.

“Where was this?” he asked.

Oh, well. Ms. Von Furstenberg’s collection included a lot of simple floral prints on all manner of sportswear, the color-saturated sort that recalled Warhol paintings and Scandinavian textiles. Some of her outfits had little belts with pockets attached; a couple of others came with matching backpacks. Early in the show, there were two brown tweed dresses, one simply cut with an aqua collar, the other nicely draped, both of which suggested that Ms. Von Furstenberg, if she had to, could make a burlap sack look good.

At the end of the show, she took her bow with the designer Yvan Mispelaere and a handful of American flags, which she distributed to familiar faces throughout the audience.

September 11, 2011, 3:25 pm

By RUTH LAFERLA

Designers casting about for a credibly American fashion identity could do worse than to mine the sports arena. An influential cohort did just that, drawing inspiration from the locker room, the racetrack, sand and surf.

Last season’s fascination with athleticism made itself felt in an outcropping of varsity jackets and ever-reliable hoodies.

Trendspotting

Ruth La Ferla reports on emerging trends from the shows to the streets.

This time, it took shape in leather mesh tees, jockey jerseys, channel-quilted moto jackets and stadium-worthy parkas.

Designers waving the sports flag included David Neville and Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone, whose runway show derived part of its sizzle from a series of electrically colorful ponchos. Joseph Altuzarra sent out techno fabric parkas and sporty windbreakers and a motocross jacket or two as well. Inspired by a summer in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Brian Wolk and Claude Morais of Ruffian saluted the racetrack with tank suits that were diagonally spliced with bands of pink, blue or green. Alexander Wang signaled his NASCAR inspiration with laser-cut mesh bombers and laser-sheared leather minis.

Even Jason Wu entered the game, albeit subtly, blending athletic mesh with, of all things, cloudlike drifts of sheer organza.

Okay, I didn’t see Valentino do his karaoke number at the Carine Roitfeld party tonight and maybe I’ll sleep better without that memory. Barneys gave the party, at a former strip club near the West Side Highway, across from Alexander Wang’s even bigger party at Pier 40. I got to the club right after the Joseph Altuzarra show and ran into Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty, the Suno designers. I knew Saturday would be a long day, and it was, starting at 9 a.m. with a tour of the hat exhibit that Stephen Jones has organized at the Bard Graduate Center on the Upper West Side. I saw a bunch of shows, had a good lunch with my friend Simon Ungless, dropped by to see Oscar de la Renta, who was watching the tennis match and casting models, and got locked out of the Christian Siriano show, though I managed to see the clothes backstage. That was around 5 p.m.

I beat it over to Mr. Wang’s show, which I found pretty interesting. He really didn’t mess around this season: athletic-influenced street clothes in mesh and chalky blue/black florals that might have started their journey to Pier 94 as Hawaiian prints. In my view, the best thing he did were loose, semi-transparent mini dresses that seemed based on athletic jerseys. And I had started the day by looking at Prince Albert’s enormous beaver top hat.

Anyhow, I stayed at the former strip club about an hour, or just long enough to see Ms. Roitfeld and Anna Dello Russo belt out a song, followed by Simon Doonan (in dark glasses) and then Pierre Casiraghi, who took the whole thing rather seriously considering it was a pantomime. Around 11 p.m., I went across the highway to the Wang party. A huge line of young people, mostly women, were waiting. Inside the pier, which was partly carpeted in moist Astroturf that squished under my feet, some of the models were chugging extra-large cans of beer. The dancing had started and people were waving glow sticks that said “M.A.C.” It got crowded pretty quickly. Some waiters were passing around trays of Jello shots, and I saw Mr. Wang grab a couple, down them and dance off. The shots looked like beef consommé. If there was a dominant look among the women it was shorts or some kind of a cut-out mini dress with chunky black booties.

Around midnight, I went back across the road and ran into Eric Wilson, who told me about Valentino. There were a lot of women in black mini dresses climbing out of taxis. Then we saw Mr. Altuzarra, who was heading to the Wang party. I told him I enjoyed his show. In fact, it was loaded with a lot of great pieces slightly suppressed under an air of toughness—padded black leather jackets, sleek white pants suits, electric surfer prints.

The next time I looked at my watch I was in a taxi flying up Eighth Avenue. It was Sept. 11, my birthday.