Retail deliveries don't always coincide with fashion weeks -or the weather---which partially explains why we saw plenty of sunglasses and hats at the Fall shows last February-but a surprising lack of these accessory eye protector-head covering musts-during the most recent Spring shows.
And so many designers license out their names for these high margin items too. Hmm.
Other observations-of course, well crafted accessories are year round wearable...and some are available year round too.
AND-less hype on one kind of wearable= the wearable techy 'stuff'-vs last season's shows...maybe the Apple watches-FitBits already garnered so much attention...the focus on the wrists seemed to us-to be on luxury watches that take oh-1450+hours via hand wrought-highly skilled craftspeople-- to make--- vs 2 days for a smart watch via highly automated machine.
OR think of it this way-a collectible piece vs replaceable one that needs an upgrade about a week after purchase.
Some Highlights:
Gorgeous-handsome-substantial-these time pieces by Perrelet 1777- honor its founder's innovation- the self-winding movement-with all facets of the highly skilled watchmaking art, under a single roof (in-house).
Amazingly-Perrelet produces its own escapements-including the balance spring....which impresses us way more than say, someone developing an app for an iWatch something...
Limited editions...
www.perrelet.com
Jewelry:
We have written up the multi-generational, family owned Mastoloni "The Most Beautiful Pearls In The World™" company before---and still ---every time we see some of their baubles in person-it is like we are seeing them for the first time-all over again. Breathtaking-beautiful---lustrous pearls---never 'get old'--and are appropriate to wear, day or night.
Mother -Daughter design team E. Shaw Jewels offer literally hundreds of one of a kind, contemporary jewelry pieces using precious + semi-precious stones, metals-from the high end 18k gold-to allergy- free stainless steel...best seen as a whole- at their jewel of a boutique in SOHO-NYC (107 Sullivan Street).
Handbags-Totes
Proving that art and commerce do mix...these exotic Fish Skin clutches by Allison Mitchell were presented in midtown's Lilac Gallery.
Sunglasses:
The shapes of the sunglasses previewed are by and large classics-round, cat's eye, pilot, and square(ish)----it's the lense colors and components- and materials of the frames that are very 21st century.
And so many designers license out their names for these high margin items too. Hmm.
Other observations-of course, well crafted accessories are year round wearable...and some are available year round too.
AND-less hype on one kind of wearable= the wearable techy 'stuff'-vs last season's shows...maybe the Apple watches-FitBits already garnered so much attention...the focus on the wrists seemed to us-to be on luxury watches that take oh-1450+hours via hand wrought-highly skilled craftspeople-- to make--- vs 2 days for a smart watch via highly automated machine.
OR think of it this way-a collectible piece vs replaceable one that needs an upgrade about a week after purchase.
Some Highlights:
Gorgeous-handsome-substantial-these time pieces by Perrelet 1777- honor its founder's innovation- the self-winding movement-with all facets of the highly skilled watchmaking art, under a single roof (in-house).Amazingly-Perrelet produces its own escapements-including the balance spring....which impresses us way more than say, someone developing an app for an iWatch something...
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| Turbine Chromo-Automatic movement, P-361/ Perrelet exclusive chronograph-central hands indicating hours, minutes and chronograph seconds. Sapphire central 60-minute chronograph center date at 6o'clock, Pin buckle. Stainless steel case with black PVD coating. Rose gold (18CTS, 4N) Turbine, Center and Bezel ing, Ø 47.00MM. Back rubber strap. |
Limited editions...
Jewelry:
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| hand hammered silver cuff bracelet with exquisite gemstones-encased in 18k gold and diamond accents-made by NYC resident (Turkish born) Lika Behar -an artist inspired by ancient jewelry making techniques---meshed with the beauty of the modern feminine spirit. Exquisite. |
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| statement pendant-by Lika Behar-we think would look great with a glamorous evening gown or casual white v neck tee/denim attire. |
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| we are big fans of mixed metal jewelry-modern classics with substance-hand made by by Denver based John Atencio |
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| Tahitian pearls this magnitude are rare-in a strung multi-strand bracelet...other selections made from South Seas or Akoya pearls |
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| Innovative designs-brilliant cut white diamonds in 18k white gold -Tahitian pearl -or-white cultured pearl...fyi-there are options in the limited edition Collection pieces that are all timeless- with a contemporary feel...made of the finest quality pearls in rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, strands and pins. |
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| A raw textural piece and very eye catching in this silver setting-Geo Collection |
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| we love this unique ear cuff- as modeled by designer -with diamonds and garnet stones... |
Handbags-Totes
Proving that art and commerce do mix...these exotic Fish Skin clutches by Allison Mitchell were presented in midtown's Lilac Gallery.
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| minimalist chic in bold colors...no other details needed... ERIC JAVITS RESORT-SPRING Presentation was transporting ---hand crafted pieces-of finely woven materials...proved rafia- artistically-meticulously handled- is a luxurious textile. Details, details, details -handbags and hats (pictured below)...finished flawlessly---make a poolside staple into a fashionable urban statement. |
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| Found-the perfect "Peanut" beach tote and packable Tiki Visor-by Eric Javits . Inner compartments and zip closure...chic and very practical for off the beach too. |
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| inside-a plastic zip compartment for wet bathing suit---smart |
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| corals and pinks are Resort's staple colors---beautifully woven Leila Coral Mix handbag-with a 13" shoulder strap extends to a 25' cross body drop-Eric Javits |
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| Coral Mix in St. Barths (front), Squishi Capri in Spark with 13" shoulder drop extends to 25" cross body -big enough for iPad...and Ami gold bucket bag-10.5" shoulder drop extends to 21"cross body drop-also big enough iPad. Love shimmery metallic gold for summer. |
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| on the left-the Patina Gold Rio with Sea Horse (a detachable cross-body strap) a favorite handbag...love the color combinations and the trims of gold metal leather SO chic. |
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| Americans tend not to wear hats as stylish as these---the way women do elsewhere...but we strongly feel that a chic chapeau---can dress up any outfit...from casual to cocktail. Packable Havana hat...UPF50+---fashion+function. |
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| ---barely bigger than a baseball cap. So much nicer! Mondo cap |
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| Packable Gondolier -Natural/black |
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| Making a statement-Tiki Lantern Hat-packable and whimsical...visions of Audrey Hepburn attired in something like this. |
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| does this classic fedora silhouette ever go out of style-NO. Packable-Sun Crest -Peanut/White with grosgrain ribbon trim |
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| The dramatic shape of this sophisticated outfit's hat was really the focal point- and the first thing we (probably everyone) noticed on the model. Photographer:Eka Halim-Zang Toi 2015-the hat is by Eric Javits |
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| bold pops of color---can be inexpensive too---like these classic chain iPad size handbags and iPhone cases by Rolf Bleu Blue- we saw at a QVC holiday preview |
Sunglasses:
The shapes of the sunglasses previewed are by and large classics-round, cat's eye, pilot, and square(ish)----it's the lense colors and components- and materials of the frames that are very 21st century.
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| Sunskis...a company founded by 2 entrepreneurial guys-funded on Kickstarter--- already got on the cover of Outside magazine, Polarized lenses and 2oz frames-in a travel case+microfiber bag priced $48-$58. |
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| We still wear our classic Vuarnets we got in middle school days...and no surprise-they're back! Still made in France with their signature mineral lenses=high levels of optical quality+protection. FYI Jean Vuarnet- an Olympic Gold Medal skier and Roger Pouilloux -a French optician ski enthusiast-founded the brand |
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| Sanofli...one our fav styles we saw at a preview for Fall |
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| Carrera -another brand that was a very popular name---refreshes for 2015-16. Pictured-Carrera 5002/TX-Signature collection-contemporary feel+perfect fit. |