JEWELRY: THE BODY TRANSFORMED @MET MUSEUM

Necklace elements (found near Bérchules, Alpujarra late 15th -16th century), part of Jewelry: The Body Transformed @METMuseum

Pretty and purposeful, "jewelry is defined primarily through its connection to and interaction with the body--extending it, amplifying it, accentuating it, distorting it, concealing it, or transforming it" [foreword to Jewelry: The Body Transformed]. No matter material or medium, sentiment is embodied in adornment. Opening November 12th, the MET Museum's Jewelry: The Body Transformed dissects the bejeweled significance of history, function, conviction and design in relation to ornamental pieces. Keep reading to see snaps from Monday's press preview...

LAUREN KALMAN: BUT IF THE CRIME IS BEAUTIFUL...

Front Installation view of Lauren Kalman: But If the Crime is Beautiful ( #LaurenKalmanPOV ) +MadMuseum OpenStudios 

Over 2,000 brass Kudzu leaves snake along stark showcases like an uncontrollable ivy at the Musem of Arts and Design (MAD) Tiffany & Co. Foundation Jewelry Gallery. In direct defiance of Adolf Loos' 1908 essay, Ornament and Crime, metalsmith and performance artist Lauren Kalman commits a noble "crime" by upending minimalism. The second in a series of 6 MAD Transformation Point of View ("POV") exhibits, Lauren Kalman: But If The Crime Is Beautiful focuses on 60 gold pieces from the Museum's permanent collection framed by metallic adornment. Keep reading for a closer look... 

COMPLETE PARTS @DRAFTspace

Complete Parts presented by DRAFTspace

Jewelry, like a cake topper, can complete a "look" and powerfully elevate sophistication. Amenable to its sartorial counterparts--clothes, shoes and bags-- jewelry appeals to varied tastes through color, material and innovation. Though a cautious consumer of accessories, I've learned to appreciate the artistic implications and arduous craftsmanship captured in many fine art and costume pieces. Of the roster of periodic fashion exhibits, DRAFTspace typically presents a consistently creative and well-curated jewelry showcase. This edition (June 10-14th), Complete Parts, features unique jewelry from 40 designers, globally, and photography by Natalie Conn. Located at the Highline Loft (508 W 26th St.), white space is subtly pierced by floating displays of modern jewelry. Keep reading for a look inside...

DELICIOUS OBJECTS @ DRAFTspace

 Delicious Objects exhibit presented by DRAFTspace at the Highline Loft features 27 International designers

The tables are set at the Highline Loft and for 3 days--from November 13-15--guests are invited to feast their eyes on Delicious Objects, an exhibit of closely curated jewelry and handbags. Spread across two dining areas, drool-worthy accessories from 27 top emerging designers are splayed on plates, spilling from glasses and speared by silverware. Presented by DRAFTspace the exhibit was "conceived not only as a feast for the senses, but as a way to challenge conventional perceptions of fashion and style" according to Joseph Pastrana, the event's publicist. Keep reading for details...

REMARKABLE CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY @ MONTREAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

Remarkable Contermporary Jewellery at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

As a visitor, one of the best ways to acquaint myself with a city's history--other than its restaurants--is through its museums. Truth be told, most history isn't supremely appealing and art is only subjectively inviting. Where possible, fashion-related exhibits become a browse-worthy break between coffee stops and outdoor adventures. On a recent weekend day-cation in Montreal, my honey and I stop at the Museum of Fine Arts--partly because of the downpour and partly because we had time to pass before dinner at Joe Beef. Initially interested in the Fabergé exhibit, the experience quickly expands to include Remarkable Contemporary Jewellery. Keep reading for a peek inside… 

LOOT 2014 @ MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN NYC

"Come in--the water is lovely" ring by Helen Noakes

Finding 'unique' in an endless selection of jewelry purveyors has become the proverbial diamond in the rough. This week, at the discriminant palette of curator Byrna Pomp, strands of brightly colored felt legoes meet wire-form flowers and laser-cut leather in a tightly curated showcase of unconventional ingenuity. Running from October 6-10, LOOT 2014 at the Museum of Arts & Design (MAD) features 50 jewelry designers representing 23 countries in a weeklong exhibition and sale. Keep reading to see some stand-outs... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Lord & Taylor 5th Ave at 39th St.

Starting the year off with satirical simplicity, Lord & Taylor's transition windows ease us into embracing 2014. In contrast to the MET Museum's Jewels by Jar exhibit, Lord & Taylor's plain white backdrop, painted eggshells and wooden figurines to put a playful spin on sparkling silver and strands of pearls. The pulled, poised and poured jewelry emphasize that pearls and silver aren't so stuffy after all! Have you made any resolutions for this year? With the help of Lord and Taylor's mannequins, have a look at a few of mine...

FASHION JEWELRY : THE COLLECTION OF BARBARA BERGER at the MAD

The back room gallery space on the 2nd floor of the MAD

Set in a fantasy world of bountiful bijoux, visitors are struck with bejewled brilliance as they enter the second floor gallery space of the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD). With the opening of Fashion Jewelry: The Collection of Barbara Berger, the MAD has on display nearly 500 pieces from Berger's personal collection spanning from vintage 1920's to modern day and representing both contemporary and established designers. With over 4,000 pieces in her personal collection, Berger comments "It's a LOT of work to put together a show--each piece is hand-picked!"