While the rumor mill is buzzing about the guest list (Elton John and the Becks made the cut), the dress designer (Kate, herself, is now in the running) and the honeymoon spot (Lizard Island, Australia) - my heart belongs to the jewelry buzz - of course.
One tear-jerker of a jewelry morsel I uncovered was news that Princess Diana's sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, will wear the late princess's wedding earrings to William and Kate’s big day. The royal stunners each feature a central pear-shaped diamond surrounded by almost 50 smaller diamonds.
According to Today Show blog, The Windsor Knot, the diamond drop earrings were the “something borrowed” worn by Diana to marry Charles and were seen in all their glory when the couple kissed on the Buckingham Palace balcony 30 years ago (they were owned by Diana's mother, Frances Shand Kydd, who died in 2004).
The priceless jewels were flown back from America, where they were featured in the exhibition Diana: A Celebration. Now at Union Station museum and gallery in Kansas City, the display also includes the late princess's wedding dress and other items from her life.
While all of the Spencer family, including Diana’s other sister Lady Jane Fellowes and brother Earl Spencer, will be attending - royal watchers were shocked to learn that none of them will play a visible role in the ceremony.
A snub of royal porportions? Or a tasteful way to make the day just about William and Kate? I'm going with the latter. Let's not rub salt in old wounds.
Diamond jewelry was the big hit on the Grammy Awards red carpet last night, with lots of pendant earrings, icy studs, cuffs and a few statement necklaces thrown in for good measure.
Gone are the colorful gems of the Globes and SAGs - which should come as no surprise since the music industry is more bling-obsessed than the thespian set. And while there were some stunning looks to applaud, there were a few fashion missteps from some of the red carpet's most reliable stars.
Taylor Swift (despite her unimpressive duet with icon, Stevie Nicks) looked lovely in 12 carat diamond pendant earrings from Lorraine Schwartz. And Pink one-upped her teen competition with, oh, a mere $2.5 mil worth of ice from Neil Lane.
The statement necklace brigade was represented by Shawn Colvin. And simple diamond studs made Rihanna's unfortunate gown choice a little less, um, poofy?
Speaking of poof, Jersey Shore's Snookie showed up in basic hoops (sans the hair bump) and a Seaside-inspired mini that outclassed Britney Spears' unfortunate frock choice with what appears to be fishnet overlay. Oh, sister.
The biggest disappointment for me was the night's big winner, Beyonce, in these gaudy, oversized, yellow gold Lorraine Schwartz earrings and nude Stephane Rolland frock. Not a good color combo and a she crossed the glam line to gaudy. Agree?
And of course, Lady Gaga, in a category all her own - didn't disappoint with her fashion statement or her performance. The show could only go downhill after her incredible opening number with Elton John and the red carpet suffered the same 'gasp' vacuum as well at the end of the day.
What do you guys think? Are you as gaga for Gaga as I am? Are you thumbs up with the Beyonce choice? Weigh in!
It’s my favorite jewelry fashion time of year – the Paris Haute Couture Shows. And while this go-round has not delivered the Christian Lacroix craziness that lit up the runways last year, there are some serious statements worth coveting.
Dior did diamonds in flowers and bows, and pearls in both black and white and ‘bigger means better’ silhouettes.
Armani kept the statement necklace trend going strong with grey, metallic, chunky looks that must have weighed more than a newborn.
Valentino used headpieces as his accessory du jour, with stunning lace looks that oozed style and sophistication.
And gold kept glittering at the Givency and Christian Lacroix shows (a sad showing since this will be his last Couture collection due to financial issues).
And Fashion Week isn’t over yet! The stars are still arriving and the catwalks still cracking with fashion that you can’t even afford in your dreams. But what’s a jewelry fantasy without a dash of inaccessibility, right?
Stay tuned for more couture coverage, and check out a complete album of stunning jewelry looks fresh from Paris on Jewelry.com’s Facebook page.
I’ve heard of non-traditional engagement rings, but this is a first. Comedy star, Jason Biggs, threw convention out the window when he proposed to his girlfriend last year by presenting her not with a diamond for her ring finger, but with – an earring for her, um, lobe?
"I proposed twice," he told People.com. "We were in St Martin. I just bought her these earrings and I took one out of her ear and proposed to her with it."
You have to give the guy credit for spontaneity.
Biggs followed the impromptu proposal with a more formal one a few months later along with the traditional jewelry garb for such a weighty occasion. But a part of me thinks they should have left it at that.
Who says we have to wear an engagement ring to signify our pending nuptials? If you want to go wtih a ring, many folks are going with colored stones instead of icy diamond looks to mix things up. And there are some lovebirds who pledge their love for one another without jewelry altogether (god forbid).
Have any of you been proposed to with anything but a diamond ring? I'd like to hear your stories. Weigh in - and have a great holiday weekend!
Long lines and throngs of photogs waited in Soho today as the UK’s popular Topshop clothing chain opened its doors for the first time in the US.
Topshop, owned by British billionaire, Sir Philip Green, completely gutted an historic four-story building to create their New York flagship store, and by the looks of the crowds winding around the big city block they’ll have plenty of takers – despite the lingering recession.
“You’ve seen a few retailers collapse, but I think the big people will ride out the storm,” Green, 57, said in an interview while wandering the 25,000-square-foot New York store. “People haven’t stopped shopping. The young fashion market has still remained pretty resilient during these difficult times.”
Topshop is known for mixing designer duds with your run-of-the-mill ready-to-wear at price points we mere mortals can afford. Call it a step up from H & M, with Kate Moss as its Karl Lagerfeld or Stella McCartney.
The New York store has 32 changing rooms, a DJ booth, and a shoe lounge and stocks everything from cocktail dresses to $70 “skinny jeans” as well as jewelry and lingerie.
The divine Miss Moss made a brief appearance to christen the store today and celebrated with the city’s fashion elite last night at Soho’s signature hotspot, Balthazar.
Wearing pieces from her Topshop collection and a pair of chandelier diamond earrings, Moss rubbed elbows with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, who wore white with her Lorraine Schwartz diamond danglers, and singer Jennifer Hudson, who performed for the dinnergoers in a sequined Topshop number.
That Sir Philip doesn’t spare any expense. And it’s no wonder. He and his wife, based in Monaco, shared an estimated fortune of 4.3 billion pounds in 2007, according to the U.K.’s Sunday Times Rich List.
Bronx Mowgli's mom, Ashlee Simpson, brought out the bling at the MTV Australia Awards last night. Hubby Pete Wentz was also there as both a nominee and the show’s host, and the happy couple surprised the audience with a raunchy kiss after their onstage appearance.
"Sorry we haven't seen each other in a while," Simpson said. "So we're going to find a quiet place to go fornicate."
Poppa Simpson, cover your ears.
Ashlee’s red carpet uniform consisted of a basic black dress and a stunning pair of statement diamond earrings in a geometric design. Other red carpet winners included The Hills’ Audrina Partridge, who accessorized her blank stare with diamond drops to die for.
Singer, Duffy, made her own contribution to the little black frock brigade, but could have fared better with a little sparkle to liven things up. And Kylie sister, Dannii Minogue, proved the apple doesn’t fall far with a stunning silver J’Aton Couture dress with bejeweled fingerless gloves and peep toe pumps.
US band The Killers opened the awards show at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, followed by The Fray, Mauboy, Sia, Kaiser Chiefs, and Kings of Leon (via satellite).
And the highlight of the night? A surprise performance by none other than Vanilla Ice. Not the kind of ‘ice’ we jewelry hounds prefer, but I’m sure it was worth the cost of admission.
She acts, she models, she 'sings'…now the effervescent Scarlett Johansson can add “First Face of Champagne” to her glittering resume.
Last night London’s finest stepped out at the famous Blue Sky studio to celebrate Moet & Chandon’s “Tribute to Cinema” event, where they unveiled the first celebrity ambassador to the world of bubbly libations. Tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it.
"Moet and the movies both tell compelling stories and share authentic emotions with the world," explained the divine Miss Scarlett.
"I am honored to have been chosen as their ambassador and to make history with the brand, as the first celebrity face of champagne!"
The lady of the hour arrived looking VERY brunette in a lacy little black dress and stunning S-shaped diamond earrings. British celebs like Thandie Newton and Joseph Fiennes (where have you been?) made a red carpet appearance, and model Eva Herzigova dazzled in a diamond choker and a strapless red Dolce & Gabbana puff dress from their Spring 2009 collection.
Moet will launch an international advertising campaign starring Johansson, which was shot by renowned photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. The campaign will include print, outdoor and online advertising, featuring Moet and Scarlett as icons of celebration and reinforcing the brand as the champagne of cinema.
So you’re an 'icon of celebration'. You're drop-dead gorgeous. Ryan Reynolds is your husband. You can hand-pick your starring roles. AND you get a lifetime supply of Moet?
Julia Roberts is back on the red carpet promoting her film, Duplicity, after a long hiatus. And while it’s great to see the Pretty Woman back in action, the Hollywood A-lister is clearly not taking any big risks in the fashion department.
Roberts wore a (yawn) black pants suit with yellow gold hoops on the carpet in London and a Lanvin LBD with classic diamond drops in gay Paris. She looked stunning, of course, but here’s hoping she takes it up a notch once she makes it back states-side.
While Julia Roberts is arguably the most bankable leading lady working today, it took a bit of coaxing from co-star Clive Owen to get the mother-of-three out of semi-retirement.
"I [took] her out for lunch and told her that I'd read a script that was dynamite and it would be great for the two of us to do it," he said at the premiere. "She was actually pregnant, so I had to wait another year before she finally read it and said yes."
And even though the superstar made noise to red carpet reporters about wanting to work in the London theater, she isn’t making any big plans in the near future.
“I’d like to do it when by kids are a little bigger. It’s a big transplant to come over here, though, and it would take up a lot of time. But a girl can dream!”
Maybe she'll get used to the spotlight again and start taking more risks - in front of the cameras and in the fashion department (a girl can dream). But, for now, I'll take classic Julia while I can get it.
We all know by now that Jason Wu is the designer of Michelle Obama’s elegant Inaugural gown. He’s been interviewed by every news outlet, and will surely get a huge boost when his line debuts at Fashion Week next month. But what about the jewelry?
I’ve confirmed that - yet again - Michelle Obama chose designer to the stars, Loree Rodkin, for her diamond statement last night. The shoulder-length danglers are Rodkin’s white gold and triple rose-cut diamond earrings with garland diamond briolette drops.
So who is this diamond diva that has a virtual ice monopoly on the First Lady? Rodkin is an American designer who attracts a clientele that is strong, hard-working, feminine, independent, fearless and outspoken, according to a press release. She bedecked funky Oscar-winning writer, Diablo Cody, for the Oscars, as an example.
Mrs. Obama was introduced to the jewelry brand through Chicago's premier luxury boutique Ikram, where she has been a longstanding client.
"It's a privilege to be a part of history. Today the country has new hope," Loree Rodkin gushed. "The First Lady is a symbol of hope, courage and great style. I am honored that she has chosen my jewelry. Words cannot describe the emotions I feel that Michelle Obama has allowed me to be a part of this glorious moment."
"For three years I have ended all of my emails with, 'CHANGE is the only constant', it's fitting my designs are now associated with First Lady, Michelle Obama."
If you want a little Rodkin of your own, her collection is available nationwide at Neiman Marcus and at specialty stores in Hong Kong, France, Italy, Russia, London, Greece, Switzerland, St. Barts and free standing Loree Rodkin boutiques in Japan.
For additional store locations visit Loree Rodkin online at www.loreerodkin.com.
The question on everyone’s minds tonight is not how President Obama is going to solve the economic crisis or end the war(s) on foreign soil, or even spend his first day in office. Nope. It’s: What on earth is Michelle Obama going to wear to the 587 Inaugural Balls she has to attend tonight? And in jewelry hound circles: How much bling does she dare wear in these troubled times?
The answers are all here, my friends, (to channel our old pal, John McCain). The Divine Mrs. O chose a ‘safe’, white, off-one-shoulder gown by 26-year-old designer, Jason Wu. According to Wu’s website, the Taipei native moved to Vancouver when Wu was 9, where he began learning how to sew. He enrolled in the prestigious Parsons School of Design years later and interned with Narciso Rodriguez, who designed our First Lady’s Election Night frock and her camel suit for the 'We Are One' concert on Sunday.
Celebrity stylist, Robert Verdi, already weighed in on the choice on CNN earlier, lamenting that Obama played it a bit safe. And he rightly pointed out that Nancy Reagan wore a similar silhouette 'lo those many years ago. "Been there done that", doesn't really feel like an appropriate criticism today, though, Robert - especially when our first lady has arm tone that would make the likes of Madonna jealous.
No word yet on who designed the bling – and whether or not the baubles are on loan or are now permanent fixtures in the White House – but it’s clear Obama isn’t holding back on the shimmer factor tonight. A thick diamond cuff added sparkle to her wrist, and shoulder-length diamond drop earrings dangled in the light as she and our President ‘danced’ to a serenade from the ubiquitous Beyonce.
The song, At Last, sums up the day better than I ever could.
All eyes are going to be on the Obamas tomorrow, and in honor of the monumental occasion, I’ve taken a vow against ‘snarky" until after the Inauguration. Of course, there’s nothing like a good honest recounting of the fashion facts, right?
We’ve been waiting for months to see what the Divine Mrs. O will grace us with during the monumental festivities, and so far…well…so good.
Narcisco Rodriguez seems to be the belle of the ball in the fashion designer race to become the next “Oscar de la Renta” to the nation’s First Lady.
Mrs. O was bedecked in a camel and black N-Ro skirt and coat at the “We Are One” concert” on Sunday, and she accented the ensemble with something borrowed - namely a $17,000 pair of diamond earrings from designer, Loree Rodkin.
Both designers dressed the First Lady-Elect on Election Night, but will they win the golden Inaugural Ball ticket? Stay tuned….
In the meantime, waste time before you stream the Inauguration ceremony at work tomorrow taking the New York Times First Lady Fashion Quiz. I got 12 out of 15 - not too shabby for a jewelry hound, I suppose. I'm a little rusty on my Mamie Eisenhower trivia..
