Natural Beauty

Natural_Beauty__01

Natural beauty comes in all forms, in the bareness of a woman’s face, the sweeping landscape of our earth’s vistas, the colors of a sunset and in a precious metal that came crashing down to earth 4 billion years ago: GOLD. We talk about gold jewelry here a lot from what it means to us to where we wear it. I’m always inspired by what designers do with these natural elements, how they create magic with something that traveled across the universe and existed here before mankind.

Modeled by my own natural beauty muse Alli Lanier here are 5 new jewelry designers I’m finding inspiring these days to watch~

Temple St. Clair

Temple St. Clair began, like many great works of art, in Florence, Italy in 1986. A city where the namesake designer still draws inspiration from stating, “Each object that I create carries the soul of the history of the artisans of Florence.” With her signature cocktail rings, rock crystal amulets and elegant gold work, this very chic woman has created a line of jewelry that is collected by in-the-know women that appreciate the balance of art, history and craftsmanship.

Above cover~ 18K Gold Classic Horizontal Oval Ring with Blue Sapphire & Diamond Granulation

Below~ Royal Blue Moonstone & Diamond 18K Gold Bella Bangle

Natural_Beauty__06Natural_Beauty__08

Below~ 18K Gold Owl Face Post Earring with Diamonds

Natural_Beauty__04

Continue reading “Natural Beauty”

The Golden Plumes of 1932

LoveGold_Chanel_Paris_02

Gabrielle Chanel believed jewelry had the power to transform oneself and to escape. When looking at these delicate 18K gold feathered pieces by CHANEL remade from her 1932 collection, I thought about those two words: Transform & Escape.

I thought about transforming oneself with our masks into good or evil, into the lightness or darkness, or escaping who we are in our day to day lives with jewelry being the stage we write our script to. Dancers have to be one of the most accomplished groups of people in the art of transforming and taking on roles. While in Paris I met one such dancer, Claire Camille, and wanted to bring this delicate collection of golden plumes, as imagined by Coco, to life and transform into characters so delicate you could imagine they’d simply float away together

Float away together I thought… I love the idea of escaping through jewelry. I have this beautiful gold globe designed by Monica Rich Kosann which I adore. When I wear this piece I escape on a million adventures around the world, discovering beauty beyond imagination and expanding on what limited time my eyes have left to see.

You can easily see how we define ourselves, where jewelry can take our imagination, something LoveGold showcases better than anyone. What does the jewelry you wear transform about you? When you truly want to escape, what pieces do you put on? Do you, too, play characters in the theater of life? On this early autumn day in Paris, here is where we drifted off to like a feather endlessly floating in golden light….

LoveGold_Chanel_Paris_03

CHANEL 1932 PLUME~

Earrings // Necklace // Bracelets // Ring

LoveGold_Chanel_Paris_04

Continue reading “The Golden Plumes of 1932”

#Wanderlust

Wanderlust_018

I‘ve always dreamed of traveling and I feel so very lucky that my job takes me around the world to be witness to and capture the wonder and beauty of different cultures, natural marvels, and lifestyles. One of our most recent journeys was to the island of Bali to shoot Cuyana’s summer campaign. We added a few days to the trip so we could truly experience the island, hosted by our friends and Bali natives at John Hardy who know the island so well. Staying at the Villa Campuhan was one of those pinch-me moments when your wanderlust dreams come true in the pure definition of paradise…we ate only the freshest food in an open air pavilion overlooking the Balinese ocean, we drank coffee with the sunrise and spent the hot afternoons swimming and reading. This special place fit right into LoveGold‘s summer of #wanderlust campaign… I can’t wait to see where other people travel to over the next few months and if they are lucky enough to be adorned in luxurious hand crafted gold like I was. Here is what I wore at the breathtaking Villa Campuhan…gold to match the sun, white to keep cool, anything to flow like the ocean and only bare feet ~

Wanderlust_001

Above & below John Hardy Bamboo Collection gold and diamond pave cuff and ring // MAIYET skirt & Ralph Lauren top

Continue reading “#Wanderlust”

The Parisian

The girls in Paris are special and unique / You see it in their eyes when they walk down the street / They sing a song my poor heart never can forget / This night I wish that I were still in Paris yet…

The many ways of dressing up gold… along with stylist Micaela Erlanger we are transforming our muse Devon into 5 different fall looks with amazing gold accessories each day this week. See previously our Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / The Bohemian / Power Player and today, quite fittingly as I am walking the streets of Paris, we end with:

The Parisian

There’s something about Paris – a city of love, of lights, and containing an unbearable amount of chic. My fashion-loving heart aches for Paris, for the women who glide by, looking effortlessly stylish. Here’s to Paris and all its joys, jewelries, and je ne sais quoi

above: Norman Norell Vintage maroon blazer, Norman Norell Vintage pencil skirt, Celine black classic box bag, Monica Rich Kosann and Jennifer Fisher bracelets

above: Miu Miu top, Chanel pleated mini-skirt, J Crew cardigan, Celine black leather bag, Celine Mary Jane pumps, Oliver People’s cat eye sunglasses, Zoe Chicco and Jennifer Fisher rings, Monica Rich Kosann, Jennifer Fisher and Borgioni bracelets (same as cover image)

above: vintage Stephen Sprouse velvet dress,  Zoe Chicco and Jennifer Fisher rings, Monica Rich Kosann, Jennifer Fisher and Borgioni bracelets, Zoe Chicco earrings

The Parisian for LoveGold starring Devon from Ford Models, Styled by Micaela Erlanger, Makeup by Bradford Knight, Hair by Ana Sicat, Shot at Cirque le Rouge

See the entire fall fashion series here or by girl:
Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / Bohemian Spirit / Power Chic / The Parisian

Power Player

Some find her too aggressive / she don’t know how to stop / cause she’s the kind that don’t look down until it’s from the top 

The many ways of dressing up gold… along with stylist Micaela Erlanger we are transforming our muse Devon into 5 different fall looks with amazing gold accessories each day this week. See previously, our Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / The Bohemian and today the:

Power Player

Show me the money! Power players don’t mess around when it comes to business or fashion. Strong lines, sharp tailoring, and her fierce stare stop us in our tracks, and her statement jewelry is just one more way she’s a sharp shooter.

above: Moschino striped double breasted jacket, Moschino slacks, Equipment button-down, Christian Louboutin shoes, Zoe Chicco earrings, David Yurman rings, Ana Khouri cuff, watch and brooch from Camilla Dietz Bergeron

above: Giorgio Armani white blazer, Giorgio Armani slacks, Stella McCartney tweed, Christian Louboutin black patent leather pumps, Zoe Chicco earrings, David Yurman ring, House of Waris cuffs

above: Salvatore Ferragamo black double breasted blazer with white pinstripe, black skirt with white pinstripes, black turtleneck, Ana Khouri earrings, collar and cuff, David Yurman rings, watch from Camilla Dietz Bergeron (same as cover image)

above: Moschino striped double breasted jacket, Moschino slacks, Equipment button-down, Christian Louboutin shoes, Zoe Chicco earrings, David Yurman rings, Ana Khouri cuff, watch and brooch from Camilla Dietz Bergeron

above: Giorgio Armani white blazer, Giorgio Armani slacks, Stella McCartney tweed, Christian Louboutin pumps,  Zoe Chicco earrings, David Yurman ring, House of Waris cuffs

Power Player for LoveGold starring Devon from Ford Models, Styled by Micaela Erlanger, Makeup by Bradford Knight, Hair by Ana Sicat, Shot on location in New York City’s Financial District

See the entire fall fashion series here or by girl:
Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / Bohemian Spirit / Power Chic / The Parisian

The Bohemian

Do you believe in magic, in a young girl’s heart?/ How the music can free her, whenever it starts…

The many ways of dressing up gold… along with stylist Micaela Erlanger we are transforming our muse Devon into 5 different fall looks with amazing gold accessories each day this week. See previously our Uptown Girl / Punk Princess and today she becomes..

The Bohemian

There is a certain magic in bohemian chic – the tinkling of many bracelets, the flow of her long skirts, the knowing look in her eyes when she catches yours…bewitching and bewildering, the bohemian girl will forever captivate us.

above: Alberta Ferretti dress, Gianvito Rossi boots, Carolina BucciH. SternMe&RoMonica Rich KosannJennifer Fisher, Borgioni and LFrank bracelets, Me&Ro and Monica Rich Kosann necklaces, LFrank earrings, Me&Ro necklace worn as headpiece

above and below: Isabel Marant dress, Gianvito Rossi boots,  Carolina BucciH. SternMe&Ro, Monica Rich Kosann, Jennifer Fisher, Borgioni and LFrank bracelets, Me&Ro and Monica Rich Kosann necklaces, LFrank earrings

above and below: Cynthia Rowley blouse, Yves St. Laurent vintage purple skirt, Gianvito Rossi boots, Borgioni and Me&Ro rings, LFrank earrings, Monica Rich Kosann necklaces, bracelets, as before, Zoe Chicco hand bracelet

The Bohemian for LoveGold starring Devon from Ford Models, Styled by Micaela Erlanger, Flower Crowns by Celadon & Celery, Makeup by Bradford Knight, Hair by Ana Sicat, Shot at Ann Street Studio

See the entire fall fashion series here or by girl:
Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / Bohemian Spirit / Power Chic / The Parisian

PUNK.

I don’t give a damn ’bout my bad reputation / You’re living in the past it’s a new generation  / A girl can do what she wants to do and that’s  / What I’m gonna do

The many ways of dressing up gold… along with stylist Micaela Erlanger we are transforming our muse Devon into 5 different fall looks each day this week. See previously our Uptown Girl after feasting your eyes on this Punk Princess!

PUNK

Rules don’t apply for punk fashion – it’s an anything goes world and you just have to be badass enough to pull it off. There’s apathy and anarchy in their style, mixing ripped up t-shirts with spiky gold rings, edgy bangles and hand bracelets. You can think what you want, but you know she doesn’t give a damn…

above and below: Roland Mouret plaid dress, Alexander Birman black pumps, Haider Ackermann black leather belt, Jack Vartanian earrings, Janis SavittNicholas LiuJennifer Fisher and Borgioni bracelets, Borgioni hand bracelet, Nicholas Liu, Zoe Chicco and Jennifer Fisher rings

Obesity and Speed white sleeveless shirt with holes, Moschino plaid pants, Celine black moto jacket, Alexander Birman pumps, Jack Vartanian earrings, Janis Savitt, Nicholas Liu, Jennifer Fisher and Borgioni bracelets, Borgioni hand bracelet, Nicholas Liu, Zoe Chicco and Jennifer Fisher rings, Zoe Chicco necklace

Balenciaga black silk drapey top, Theory black leather leggings, Giuseppe Zanotti black booties, Yves St. Laurent vintage gold studded belt, Jack Vartanian earrings, Janis Savitt, Nicholas Liu, Jennifer Fisher and Borgioni bracelets, Borgioni hand bracelet, Nicholas Liu, Zoe Chicco and Jennifer Fisher rings

PUNK for LoveGold starring Devon from Ford Models, Styled by Micaela Erlanger, Makeup by Bradford Knight, Hair by Ana Sicat, Shot at Ann Street Studio

See the entire fall fashion series here or by girl:
Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / Bohemian Spirit / Power Chic / The Parisian

Uptown Girl

Uptown girl / She’s my uptown girl / You know I’m in love / With an uptown girl…

Fall Fashion is dripping in gold…we got together with LoveGold and stylist Micaela Erlanger to put together a story of 5 different women’s styles for our new fall season. Each day this week we will take our muse Devon and dress her in fall trends from uptown chic to downtown punk. I can’t wait to hear which golden girl style you loved best!

Uptown Girl

The Park Avenue princess, she keeps it ladylike with multiple gold chains. It’s hard not to watch her sweep down the sidewalks of Upper Manhattan, wondering where she’s going today…

above: Celine pink long sleeve blouse, Zac Posen deep purple wool blazer with ruffle, deep purple wool pencil skirt, Sermoneta pink leather gloves, Steven Alan earrings, Monica Rich Kosann bracelets, David Yurman necklaces and rings, watch from Camilla Dietz Bergeron

above & below: Moschino tweed jacket with black leather collar and frayed edges, same with skirt, Yves St Laurent red button down, vintage red leather Hermes Kelly bag, Steven Alan earrings, David Yurman necklaces

above & below: Yves St Laurent brown button down, L’wren Scott green wool pencil skirt, Vintage leopard beret, Max Mara black suede square handbag, Pollini yellow patent leather pumps, Lanvin leopard gloves, earrings, rings, necklaces and watch as before, David Yurman necklace worn as bracelet

Uptown Girl for LoveGold starring Devon from Ford Models, Styled by Micaela Erlanger, Makeup by Bradford Knight, Hair by Ana Sicat, Animal Talent by Darryl, Shot on location in New York City

See the entire fall fashion series here or by girl:
Uptown Girl / Punk Princess / Bohemian Spirit / Power Chic / The Parisian

Hannah Bronfman

Josephine Baker (9)

Josephine Baker (8)

Here is what I know about Hannah Bronfman: she is a restaurateur, DJ, entrepreneur, lives in Soho with her gorgeous boyfriend, wears a powerful last name and I loved shooting her. “What’s my inspiration for this shot?” It played out more like a mini-movie than a photoshoot.

I don’t think Hannah can breathe and not create in the space around her. She curated the sounds that filled the studio on this day, matching the beat to the mood of each shot. She talked about her newest creation, an iPhone app called Beautified which allows you to book last minute open spa appointments.

We weren’t going to the spa this day but we still beautified the room with Hannah in gold jewelry designer pieces brought over by LoveGold to take us to a glamorous dream world. The inspiration for this shoot was the golden era of Hollywood and the history-making Dorothy Dandridge…and who better to tell the story anew than someone making her own way in modern times and looking so good while doing it?

Josephine Baker (7)

above: J. Mendel dress, Temple St. Clair amulet necklace, Slane necklace, Camilla Dietz Bergeron bracelet (right wrist), Camilla Dietz Bergeron bracelet & H Stern bracelet (left wrist), Temple St. Clair earrings

Josephine Baker (6)

above: Donna Karan dress, Camilla Dietz Bergeron choker, Camilla Dietz Bergeron earrings, Camilla Dietz Bergeron bracelet, Camilla Dietz Bergeron ring, Temple St. Clair ring on pinky (right hand), Camilla Dietz Bergeron ring (left hand)

Josephine Baker (5)

above: Maiyet dress, Slane tassels necklace, Slane tassels earrings, Temple St. Clair necklace, Temple St. Clair ring (right ring finger), Camilla Dietz Bergeron ring (right pinky), Camilla Dietz Bergeron ring (left index finger), Camilla Dietz Bergeron bracelets

Josephine Baker (4)

above: Talbot Runhof dress, Slane earrings, Slane necklace, Temple St. Clair amulet necklace, Slane ring, Camilla Dietz Bergeron bracelet

Josephine Baker (3)

above and cover image: Alberta Ferreti coat, Nonoo dress, Camilla Dietz Bergeron necklace, Camilla Dietz Bergeron brooch, Slane ring

Josephine Baker (2)

above and below: Talbot Runhof dress, Slane tassels necklace, Camilla Dietz Bergeron brooch, Camilla Dietz Bergeron ring (left hand), Slane ring (right hand)

Josephine Baker (1)

Hannah Bronfman, founder of GetBeautified / Styled by Kelly Framel / Hair by Francis Rodriguez / Makeup by Michelle Dittrich / Shot at Ann Street Studio

See more of our LoveGold collaborations from inspiring sisters to Hollywood gold and across the seas to Cannes HERE.

Danielle & Laura Kosann

Fashion Portrait (14)

Fashion Portrait (13)

Sisters. Businesswomen. Entrepreneurs. Manhattanites. The Kosann sisters are everything I love about young, smart women today. They can walk into a room, or in our case, our studio, and fill the air with conversations about their newly launched site, their inspiring mother, their favorite designers to wear and chef’s tables to dine at. We chatted endlessly about The New Potato, an online foodie destination the sisters launched this past May where they interview chefs, restaurateurs, celebrities, models, editors, personalities, you name it about something we all have in common – FOOD. Good food. All kinds of food.  My favorite feature of the site is the cityguide… curated by the people who know where to go. I think this is amazing and so useful!

They were on this day our muses.

Working with LoveGold we pulled amazing gold jewelry collections from designers like H Stern, Camilla Dietz Bergeron, Temple St. Clair and even their own mother, Monica Rich Kosann with her nostalgic jewelry designsHere is an intimate look at sisters carving a life into the new potato in black, white & GOLD.

Fashion Portrait (12)

above and cover image: Danielle (left) wears LOLA hat, Donna Karan suit, Camilla Dietz Bergeron necklace, Slane ring; Laura wears Prabal Gurung dress, Temple St. Clair ring (index finger), H Stern Ring (middle finger), Camilla Dietz Bergeron earrings, Camilla Dietz Bergeron brooch

Fashion Portrait (11)

above: Laura wears Donna Karan blazer, Zac Posen skirt, Camilla Dietz Bergeron choker, Monica Rich Kosann necklaces

Continue reading “Danielle & Laura Kosann”

amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Cannes

Fashion Illustration

cover: Ana Khouri cuffs

Over the past few months, we’ve been swooning and sighing over some seriously gorgeous gold, thanks to our work with LoveGold, the organization that’s bringing gold jewelry back to the forefront of fashion.

In the spirit of instant information sharing in this digital age, they’re opening up the doors and allowing us live access to their exclusive gold-inspired runway show at amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Cannes. Curated by the one and only Carine Roitfeld, the show will feature a selection of gold dresses and high-carat gold jewelry from both legendary and emerging designers.

To celebrate this amazing sneak peek at some of the world’s most stunning gold pieces, we did a collaboration with fashion illustrator Katie Rodgers. The beautiful bracelets you see in the illustrations here are going to be part of the show on May 23, so make sure to log on and check it out with me and be gold with envy!

Continue reading “amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Cannes”

Hollywood Glamour

I know when you think of Hollywood you think of the silver screen, but on my most recent trip to LA for Oscars weekend, it was more of a golden moment. And who is Hollywood’s golden girl? Marilyn Monroe, of course.

Thanks to LoveGold we had the privilege of accessing Fred Leighton’s vintage collection of gold jewelry so we could be inspired by glamour through the ages. These one of a kind vintage pieces have been worn by Hollywood’s royalty such as Nicole Kidman, Tilda Swinton, and Amy Adams. Styled by Kelly Framel with the help of our beautiful muse, model and actress Estella Warren, we strived to recreate the feminine glamour and playfulness that is so classically Marilyn, so captivatingly Hollywood and made of gold.

Above: Fred Leighton 22K yellow gold flower brooch by Zolotas (previously owned by Jackie O!!), Pale Pink Cocktail Dress by Peter Som

Above & Below: Fred Leighton 18K yellow gold scaled hoops by Cartier, rock crystal and yellow gold cocktail ring by David Webb, White Angelic Top by Badgley Mischka

Above: Fred Leighton 18K yellow gold mesh sculpted swallow evening bag by LaCloche (worn by the lovely Amy Adams at the 80th Annual Academy Awards), Baby Blue Dress & Coat by Donna Karan

Above & Below: Fred Leighton yellow gold and diamond winged victory brooch by Gaucherand Paris, 18K yellow gold and diamond retro cuff bracelet (worn by Maggie Gyllenhaal at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards), White Winged Cocktail Dress by Prabal Gurung

Above & Below: Fred Leighton pair of Victorian yellow gold, blue enamel tracery flower motif bangles, Golden Goddess Gown by Marchesa

 

Shot on Oscar weekend at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood featuring Fred Leighton vintage jewelry, starring  the beautiful Estella Warren, Styled by Kelly Framel, Makeup by Patty Bunch for Benefit Cosmetics, Hair by Sam DiVine, Photography by yours truly~

Editorial made possible and very special thanks for our collaboration with LoveGoldan amazing organization that show cases incredible jewelry, designers and fashion all centered around this precious metal. Sign up to be a part of their golden world for more beauty and inspiration than imaginable!

In the Spirit

At the invitation of LoveGold, we attended the Film Independent Spirit Awards, a luncheon dedicated to celebrating the year’s achievements in independent films. Decked out in gold, surrounded by talented celebrities, and drinking champagne on the beach…sounds like my kind of party!

Congratulations to the many winners and especially to the talented cast and crew of The Silver Linings Playbook, which walked away with four major awards!
 
Here’s my question, what independent movies were your favorite from this year?

LoveGold dressed me in this stunning Munnu cuff previously worn by Jennifer Hudson. Kelly styled me in an amazing Alice + Olivia dress , Donna Karan heels and Khirma Eliazov clutch.

Continue reading “In the Spirit”