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...

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...

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...

LA FRONTERA: ENCOUNTERS ALONG THE BORDER @MAD MUSEUM

Son Necesarias las Fronteras (2013) by Iacov Azubel (Argentina)

Serving as a catalyst of socio-political conversation, the subject of the MAD's current jewelry exhibit fossilizes the hope and devastation that America's southern frontier represents. La Frontera: Encounters along the Border presents a view into the "complex physical, economic, cultural, social and emotional landscape of human interaction" [MAD Press Release] experienced at the most frequently crossed border in the world. Forty Eight artisans across the globe interpret the inspirations and aspirations of Mexicans, Central Americans and American citizens who interact with the Border between the U.S. and Mexico. Keep reading for a look inside...

SPECTACULAR : GEMS AND JEWELRY FROM THE MERRIWEATHER POST COLLECTION

"Marie Louise" diadem (1810) by Van Clef & Arpels, presented by Napoleon to his second wife; Altered 1954-56

Living up to its label, nothing short of "Spectacular" describes the jewelry commissioned and collected by Marjorie Merriweather Post. An exquisite assemblage at the Hillwood estate, Spectacular: Gems and Jewelry From the Merriweather Post Collection exhibits the extraordinary wealth and brilliant baubles of Post, who--at 27--reigned as the world's wealthiest woman. Housed inside Hillwood's rustic Adirondack Building, an impressive spread of 50+ gemological masterpieces from the world's premiere jewelers glitter in grandeur. 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...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Lord & Taylor 424 Fifth Ave.

Much is quiet, as New York Fashion Week ushers in with a whisper. Grey skies and intermittent drizzle set the tone for a muted, more casual start to the Spring/Summer 2018 shows. Here's to hoping the tempo picks up... In the mean time, have a look at this week's windows at Lord and Taylor, where accessories take center stage...

CACTUS DE CARTIER

 Beautiful Cactus de Cartier rooftop lounge at the Fifth Avenue Flagship (on a rainy day)

Opulent 'out-of-reach' luxury paired with tight security often marks Cartier as less inviting, when compared to Fifth Avenue counterparts. Yet since a dramatic re-opening of its Fifth Ave. flagship in September 2016, the fine jeweler has been strategically successful in connecting with new and diverse clientele. This month, Cartier invites the general public onto its rooftop for cocktails and to view a curated selection of its Cactus de Cartier collection. Keep reading for a look inside...

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... 

ETSY POPS UP @ MACY'S

 Etsy pops up at Macy's Herald Square, 34th Street NYC

To extend the scope and scale of homegrown talent, the wholesale handiwork of 8 Etsy artisans land 'IRL' (in real life) at Macy's One Below on January 27th. Past the food court and around the corner from junior's apparel, a selection of 57 traditionally 'online only' items pop up in an edited on-site endeavor between big box mega-retailer Macy's and out-of-box e-tailer Etsy. The fleeting, themed collaborative space is the newest addition to the year-old, radically transformed, 53,000-square-foot cellar at Macy's Herald Square flagship. New brands will rotate every 6-8 weeks as Macy's and Etsy consider a prolonged partnership. Keep reading for a look inside...

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Lord & Taylor

Awkward assurance is associated with performance reviews, unexpected revelations and airtight alibis. Words wane and wobble, awaiting action. As the holidays start their seasonal spread, consider your actions, the consequences and the conversations you won't need to have at the price of compromise. This week's windows at Lord and Taylor combine seasonal sentiments with sweets and style, culminating in articulate arrangements and moveable masterpieces. Keep reading to see the start of seasonal sights in the windows of Lord & Taylor...

BVLGARI & ROME: ETERNAL INSPIRATION

BVLGARI & Rome: Eternal Inspiration; an exhibit featuring the inspiration behind 

1884 Rome serves as the start of Sotirios Boulgaris' burgeoning business. Inspired by the architectural charm of the city's baroque buildings, familial fervor and the implications of the period's imperial currency, Bulgari has evolved into a world class brand, joining the fold of LVMH and entering the wardrobes of consumers globally. Celebrating over a century in business--and 40 years of watchmaking--Bulgari partners with the American Numismatic Society (ANS) to exhibit the basis of the brand. Keep reading for a look into Bvlgari & Rome: Eternal Inspiration, currently showing at the Fifth Avenue flagship (730 Fifth Ave.)...

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...

RALPH PUCCI: THE ART OF THE MANNEQUIN (PART 2)

Painted feather necklace on a mannequin form at the MAD's Tiffany Jewelry Gallery, part of the Ralph Pucci: The Art of the Mannequin exhibit

At the curatorial hand of Isabel and Ruben Toledo, a unique selection of accessories adorn busts,"Birdland" mannequin forms and assorted display pieces created in partnership with Ralph Pucci. An integral part of the Art of the Mannequin exhibit, the focus of the installation in the Tiffany Gallery turns to the jewelry, illustrating the utility of the showforms. A felt "moonscape" theme runs throughout the space, featuring abstract cut-outs. For a peek at the main mannequin exhibit, click here. Keep reading for more photos of the jewelry gallery... 

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...

TIFFANY T TRAIN @ DIA GALLERY CHELSEA

The Tiffany T Train, parked at DIA Chelsea gallery space

With a cabin full of precious cargo, the Tiffany T train rolls into DIA 545 gallery in Chelsea. A brief weekend stopover unveils the metallic splendor of Tiffany T, the premier compendium of Francesca Amfitheatrof, Tiffany & Co's first female design director. After boarding a full-sized train car, the public can preview the new collection and pretty up in true Tiffany style. Ranging from $350 metal rings to a $20,000 diamond bracelet, the architectural pieces embrace a subtle "T" smothered in rose gold, gold or silver. For purchase is the Tiffany T Square Bracelet; other pieces can be ordered for delivery via iPad. Keep reading for a look inside... 

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… 

MARYLAND TO MURANO : NECKPIECES AND SCULPTURES BY JOYCE J. SCOTT

Neckpieces & Scupltures by Joyce T. Scott @ Museum of Arts and Design, Lazy Girl Neckpiece (2007) [photo courtesy MAD]

At the masterfully accomplished hands of Baltimore native Joyce Scott, glass beads become a soapbox for cultural commentary. Scott builds dynamic neckpieces visualizing socio-political narratives of poverty, love, sex, stereotypes and African/American history. This Fall, the Museum of Arts and Design presents Maryland to Murano: Neckpieces and Sculptures by Joyce J. Scott featuring 34 neckpieces, 3 beaded wall-hangings and 13 Murano glass sculptures with beaded elements by the celebrated artist. The exhibit runs from September 30, 2014 to March 15, 2015. Keep reading for more on the exhibit and my conversation with Joyce Scott...

FABERGÉ : JEWELLER TO THE CZARS @ MONTREAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

 Fabergé Workshop, Henrik Wigstrom (workmaster), Imperial Cesarevich Easter Egg (1912)

My honey and I drove up to Montreal last weekend, to escape the stress and scenery of NYC… and in search of poutines. Though we missed out on the curd-and-gravy-smothered potatoes, the 7-hour trip amounted to a dinner at Joe Beef, Octoberfest tastings at Atwater Market and a visit to the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts for a fantastic Fabergé exhibit. The dinner was unparalleled, the market was refreshing and the exhibit--keep reading for a glimpse inside...