MELEE THE SHOW @HIGHLINE HOTEL

Roule & Co. jewelry at Melee the Show (Winter 2020) @ the High Line Hotel

Caged gems and sliced diamonds set the scene as Melee the Show returns to the High Line Hotel. Amid sweeping high ceilings and pastel dusted stained glass, 61 fine jewelry designers dazzle buyers and the press with unusual settings, contrasting proportions and bespoke design. Embracing new technology, sustainable sourcing and unconventional shapes, the "heart" of each designer is present their unique, hand-crafted pieces. Keep reading to see some of my favorites in the Winter 2020 Showcase...

NY BRIDAL WEEK: WONA BRIDAL

 Monica gown from Aurora Couture Collection at WONÀ Bridal

NY Bridal Week 2019 marks the end of an era for me. As tomorrow begins a new adventure, today, let me leave you with a couple photos from the WONÀ bridal showcase. Couture gowns with equal parts sheer and sparkle grace the WONÀ showroom. Keep reading to have a look inside...   

CLAIRE FLEURY @ BROOKLYN MUSEUM

Claire Fleury presents Hello I Live Here @Brooklyn Museum 

Friday night at the Brooklyn Museum is wrought with color and acceptance. Classical paintings take a front row as Claire Fleury presents Hello I Live Here (part of "Pursuit"--a showcase by DapperQ, sponsored by Tomboy X). Fleury's collection comprises 6 bespoke pieces crafted specially as "an ode to planet earth and the diversity of creatures the inhabit it." Click to see the looks...

NYFW 2019: MARK GONG S/S 2020 @SPRING STUDIOS

Mark Gong Gökotta Spring / Summer 2020 at Spring Studios

Parisian chic layered with backpacks and bungee make Gökotta Mark Gong's S/S 2020 show a NYFW phenomenon. Flanked by a fashion-forward front row, models rock the runway in silk, sheer, sheen, satin, feather and jacquard combinations. The mixed materials and moderately masculine texturing exude a feminine-yet-rugged feel. One of the youngest to show at NYFW at 21, Mark Gong's simple and sophisticated style lends to a pleasant premier day of NYFW 2019. Keep reading to see more looks... 

L'ECOLE, SCHOOL OF JEWELRY ARTS presented by VAN CLEEF & ARPLES

 Daniel Brush's Cuffs and Necks, Private Collection: Through the Eyes of a Collector and more at L'Ecole, School of Jewelry Arts

Winter weather has arrived. Halloween is on the horizon...and school is in session at Van Cleef and Arple's L'Ecole, School of Jewelry Arts. Nested in luxury on the Upper East Side, Van Cleef transforms Academy Mansion, hosting a series workshops, classes, panels and exhibits from October 25th to November 9th. Gemologists, jewelry enthusiasts and the general public alike have equal opportunity to catch a rare glimpse of Daniel Brush's "Cuffs and Necks," 20 replicas of extravagant diamonds owed by Louis XIV and 40 items from the private collection of a New York based collector. Keep reading to have a look inside...

#NYFW2018: SANIA STUDIO @INDUSTRIA STUDIOS

SANIA STUDIO NYFW presentation at Industria Studios as part of the CAAFD showcase Monday Night

Monday evening, Pakistani womenswear designer SANIA STUDIO drapes the runway with swaying silks and expertly tailored brocade. Known for innovative prints and artisan crafted fabrics, Sania Maskatiya channels a unique design ethos through an "interplay of colors, depicting imagery inspired by nature and her environment, often juxtaposed with a darker twist" (Sania). With expertly structured pieces and loose-fitting luxury, SANIA STUDIO presents the best of both worlds as one of four designers in the CAAFD's emerging designer showcase. Keep reading to see more...

#NYFW 2018: JUN JIE S/S 2019

Jun Jie at Pier 59 Studios

'Retrofuturisim' powered by colored furs and abstract prints dominate Jun Jie's 70's lounge at Pier 59 Studios Sunday afternoon. Rocking a retro vibe, the S/S 2019 collection combines Mod colors + patterns with candid, sci-fi silhouettes in a "modern interpretation of a retro trend" (Jun Jie). Wavy coifs, bags by CUTO and slick, square-toed chaussures complement the layered looks. Keep reading for look at the overall aesthetic...

#NYFW 2018: REBECCA JUSTH S/S 2019

Opening look at Rebecca Justh, presented by Art Hearts Fashion at the Angel Orensanz Event Space

Haute hats and metallic jacquard rock the runway at Rebecca Justh. Christened "Madam de Pompadour of the 21st Century" Justh's S/S 2019 collection boasts exaggerated asymmetry and curiously high necklines. Gold and platinum headwear paired with like-hued handbags complete the looks. Keep reading for more photos...

#NYFW 2018: SARENE FU S/S 2019

 Sarene Fu runway show at the Angel Orensanz Event Space in the Lower East Side

Belles in ballgowns magnify celestial grandeur as Taiwanese designer Sarene Fu's floral fantasy floats down the runway Friday evening. Part of the Art Hearts Fashion showcase at the Angel Orensanz event space, Fu launches her Ready To Wear line for S/S 2019. Having dabbled in bridal wear, Fu expands her vision through her first RTW evening collection. Keep reading to have a closer look...

BROOKS BROTHERS: 200 YEARS OF AMERICAN STYLE

Brooks Brothers: 200 Years of American Style at Grand Central

American style has come a long way since waistcoats and top hats; nautical stripes, seersucker and suiting have become classics in the repertoire of American design. As clothier to Abraham Lincoln and 40 (of 45) presidents, America's oldest brand--Brooks Brothers--celebrates a bi-centenniel year with an exhibit in Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall. Brooks Brothers: 200 Years of American Style features relics from the brand's archives that showcase the transformative journey of socio-political influences on American style. Keep reading for a closer look...

LOOT 2018 @ MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN NYC

 Neckpiece by Gian Luca Bartellone

Spotless glass cases carry the "loot" of 35 of the world's most innovative jewelry designers. Unlike the strands of sparkles at Cartier or Tiffany's, the spread at the Museum of Arts and Design's LOOT: MAD About Jewelry takes the conceptual "statement piece" on an artistic adventure. Representing 15 countries, this year's curated selection of contemporary art jewelry brings together an assorted aesthetic with emphasis on non-traditional materials (e.g. 3D printed nylon, safety pins, crocheted textiles, bicycle tires and more). Offering celebrated artists a "public platform for their creative practice" this is MAD's 18th year of being true to its commitment of presenting jewelry as an art form. Keep reading for a peek inside...

CHRISTIAN COWAN A/W 2018

Lights dimming, Pre-show at Christian Cowan, Spring Studios

It's LIT Saturday afternoon as party hats, neon lights and sassy, see-thru styles parade down Christian Cowan's runway. Saturating Spring Studios with bountiful bling, a steady stream of sparkle and shine ends a harrowing wait for elevator service (to enter the show). An assortment of casual wear, party wear and sportswear--interpreted with maximalist appeal--comprises Cowan's Fall/Winter 2018 collection. Keep reading for a look inside...

SNOW XUE GAO A/W 2018

 Snow Xue Gao 2018 A/W runway collection presented at Jing Fong 

Stylish suiting with juxtaposted jacquard are the featured special at Chinatown's Jing Fong  Thursday night. Every seat for Snow Xue Gao's  A/W runway presentation was "front row," with onlookers snaking around servings of tea and dim sum. Situated on the second floor of NYC's largest Chinese restaurant, Snow Xue Gao returns with a third showing at NYFW, with a wacky, non-traditional Mad-Men meets Picasso sequence. For A/W 2018, Gao fuses traditional tailoring with amplified proportions, crossing boundaries associated with gender-based fashion. Keep reading for a look inside...

L'ARCHE DE NOÉ (NOAH'S ARK COLLECTION) RACONTÉE PAR VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

Heron brooches  on display at Van Cleef & Arples' L'Arche de Noé

Digitized walls of simulated seas convene a tone of tranquility for L'Arche de Noé recontée par Van Clef & Arpels. Yet, contrary to the traditional treatment of Noah's Ark as centerpiece, atmospheric cues converge the eye toward hotly lit display cases--with a miss-able, skeletal vessel suspended towards the far wall. Unveiled in the the U.S. for the first time, Van Cleef's high jewels--inspired by Noah's Ark--features 60 handcrafted animal brooches enveloped in the artistic undertones of Robert Wilson's theatrical prowess. Keep reading for a look inside...

CARTIER HAUTE JOAILLERIE EXHIBITION

Necklace, Cartier London special order (1932); sold to Lady Granard

A collective of the world's rarest, most unique gems congregates in an unprecedented public exhibition as The House of Cartier transforms into a larger-than-life treasure trove, brimming with optical opulence. One-of-a-kind high jewels from Cartier's Geneva archives mingle alongside reclaimed historic pieces (some from public sale) and 100 new designs from the Résonance collection in Cartier Haute Joaillerie Exhibition. Keep reading for a look inside...

BRIDAL FASHION : LIMOR BEN YOSEF

Leading Israeli bridal couture designer Limor Ben Yosef presents her newest collection at PureSpace Sunday

Strains of a fairytale romance materialize amid melodic sounds of a solo harp at PureSpace Sunday. Lovely ladies in light, airy dresses cascade across the sunlit space as designer Limor Ben Yosef and her team greet guests, offering strawberry cake and champagne. Hand-sewn sophistication adorns ornate, sparkle-infused looks with plunging necklines, open backs and illusion lace. Ben Yosef’s 2017 collection floats from the ceiling in elongated elegance, providing a sensual backdrop for the 2018 showcase. Keep reading to see stunning photos from the presentation...

#CREATEGOOD : A POP UP EXPERIENCE OF ALL THINGS GOOD

#CreateGood Simply with Erin Loechner at Brit + Co's #CreateGood popup at 427 Broadway

Popping up at American Apparel's former Soho outpost, all things Good aggregate at Brit + Co's temporary teaser. Over the course of 5 days, the lifestyle website brings some San Francisco sunshine to NYC with fun and festivities emphasizing the Good that women can incorporate in their lives--from good food to good style to good work and everything in between. Continuing the trend of militant millennial marketing, Brit + Co's colorful, hands-on, instal-worthy microcosm re-introduces brands to a newly interested audience. #CreateGood is free and open to the public from 11AM to 4PM daily; ticketed events, talks and workshops are scheduled each evening. Keep reading for a look inside...

THE REAL BUY @MILK GALLERY

 Milk Gallery and Trouble Andrew present The Real Buy @ 450 West 15th St.

Life is Gucci--slang for "Life is Good" rolls off the tongue of Trevor Andrew and onto tees and tiles that line the streets of NYC and beyond. Better known as "Trouble Andrew," the creator of GucciGhost (also a musician and former Olympic snowboarder) has "re-interpreted" the Gucci appeal with a sleek slogan and street-art spin on the classic double G's. Since being discovered by the brand in 2015, Trouble Andrew has been tapped to collaborate and proliferate his artwork, which has transformed from street art into swanky streetwear. Starting fashion week and spanning most of September, Milk Gallery hosts the Bed-Stuy based artist, as he brings his Brooklyn studio space to Manhattan. Keep reading to have a look inside... 

29 ROOMS: TURN IT INTO ART

Refinery29 presents #29Rooms // Room #6: The Beauty Carousel sponsored by Ulta Beauty

Delayed post--Better late than never!

Last week I join 20,000 others in a dark Brooklyn warehouse-- straddling a unicorn, bouncing into a blue foam block pit, shredding away insecurities and meditating in a makeshift womb. Invited to experience Refinery 29's 29 Rooms, I graciously indulge in an instagrammer's paradise. This year's theme, Turn it into art is partly inspired by the Carrie Fisher quote "Take your broken heart, make it into art" and looks to art to ignite conversation, cull concepts and be a catalyst for action. Keep reading for a look inside...

#NYFW 2017 : SHERRI HILL S/S 2018

Sherri Hill S/S 2018 at Gotham Hall NYC

Sequins and sparkles are in strong supply as Sherri Hill's princess-esque ballgowns cascade the catwalk at Gotham Hall Tuesday. Known as a purveyor of prom and pageant attire, Sherri Hill's strategically stacked sidelines complement the famous faces gracing her runway. Miss USA Kára McCullough, Miss Globe 2016 Corinne Foxx (a.k.a Jamie Foxx's daughter), Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere and child actress Alvia Alyn Lind exude confidence in the gowns they represent on the runway. Proud parents Jamie Foxx and Keenan Ivory Wayans support their daughters from the front row. Other notable names in the audience (many wearing Sherri Hill dresses) include supermodel Nikki Taylor, singer Jordan Jones, Fuller House actress Landry Bender and Kevin Can Wait actress Mary Charles Jones. Keep reading to see more looks from the collection...