Fink's Jewelers

ACCENT The Magazine of Life’s Celebrations • F all/W inter 2015/16

HAUTE LOOKS FROM THE RED CARPET

BRILLIANT MUST-HAVES

SUBTLE SENSUALITY

OYSTER PERPETUAL SUBMARINER DATE

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oyster perpetual and submariner are

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trademarks.

CONTENTS 33 FINKS.COM

Fall/Winter 2015/16

FEATURES

CHAIRMAN & CEO

6 Fink’s Family Profile: Adriane Karlinski

MARC FINK

7 Fink’s Family Profile: Inna Voronina EVP & CFO

8 Love Stories

WALT GAYNOR

10 Recognition of Loyalty

V P O P E R AT I O N S MARK BAIR

12 What’s New: Here We Grow Again

V P I N F O R M AT I O N T E C H N O L O G I E S

14 Events: See and Be Seen

TODD STAFFORD

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DIRECTOR OF MARKETING LINDSEY SINOZICH

P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E B J I FA S H I O N G R O U P

16 Brilliant Must-Haves 26 Designers: Marco Bicego 28 Spotted: As Seen On… 30 Scene: Haute Looks on the Red Carpet

PUBLISHER

32 Trends: Subtly Sensual

STU NIFOUSSI

34 Pearls: Timeless & Trendy

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

37 Timepieces: Breitling

DESIGN DIRECTOR

38 Timepieces: Films to Watch

HANS GSCHLIESSER

42 Profile: Shinola

INTERIM MANAGING EDITOR BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON

54 Interiors: Wall Streak

PROJECT MANAGER

56 Gadgets: Gifting 2.0

LISA MONTEMORRA

58 Perfect Gems

DESIGNER

60 Spirits: The Fame Game

JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI PRODUCTION MANAGER

BRIDAL SECTION

PEG EADIE

44 Jewelry: Symbol Pleasures

PRESIDENT AND CEO BRITTON JONES

46 Planning: Modern Love

CHAIRMAN AND COO

48 Interview: Family Affair

MAC BRIGHTON

52 Registry: The Perfect Present Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. Copyright 2015.

Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550, Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175; Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018, 212686-4412 • Fax: 212-686-6821; All Rights Reserved. The publishers accept no responsibilities for advertisers’ claims, unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers. Volume 13, Issue 2. Accent® is a trademark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Printed In The U.S.A.

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ON OUR COVER: 18K gold diamond stud earrings, price upon request. 14K gold Riviera diamond necklace, $12,900. Platinum Ritani Masterwork mounting with cushion-cut diamond, $79,500.

18K gold diamond prong band, $3,600. Diamond tennis bracelets (in 14K gold except where noted) from top: 2ctw $4,395, 5ctw $9,895, 13.97ctw 18K gold $56,500, 3ctw $5,950, 4ctw $7,100.

Cover image and Gift Guide photographed at The Maridor in Roanoke, Virginia.

VIRGINIA Roanoke 419 at Colonial Avenue .................................................540.342.2991 Valley View Mall.............................................................. 540.362.3779 Lynchburg 16960 Forest Road ......................................................... 434.237.6301 Charlottesville Barracks Road Shopping Center ............................434.284.4060 Richmond Chesterfield Towne Center .......................................... 804.379.7171 Short Pump Town Center ........................................... 804.377.8589 Fredericksburg The Village at Spotsylvania Towne Centre ...........540.736.1290 Dulles Dulles Town Center ........................................................571.434.6540 Norfolk MacArthur Center ............................................................. 757.640.1132

NORTH CAROLINA Greensboro 1951 Battleground Avenue...........................................336.292.8355 Charlotte SouthPark ..........................................................................704.366.3120 Huntersville Birkdale Village.......................................................Opening Fall 2015 Raleigh North Hills........................................................................... 919.881.8247

Durham The Streets at Southpoint ............................................ 919.281.8407

www.finks.com facebook.com/FinksJewelers | twitter.com/FinksJewelers pinterest.com/FinksJewelers | instagram.com/FinksJewelers FinksJewelers.polyvore.com

FINK’S FAMILY PROFILES

C ADRIANE KARLINSKI

Sales Associate North Hills Raleigh, North Carolina

amp counselor, paper boy, babysitter: Not many people can say they made a lifelong career out of their first job as a teenager, but Adriane Karlinski is one of the lucky few who found her passion early in life.

“I started working in jewelry at 16. I loved it so much I found a family-owned store where I could work part-time while I went to UNC-Wilmington,” she shares. After graduation, Adriane took what she thought would be a temporary job at Garibaldi and Bruns’; she ended up staying there over 10 years.

Adriane finally resigned in order to spend more time with her daughter, Ava, and then returned to the jewelry business at the Fink’s North Hills store in 2012, a mere three years later. “This business is in my blood and I missed it every minute I was away. I gladly accepted the offer!”

What does she love most about her work? “I love becoming a part of so many lives and watching relationships develop into engagements, weddings and families. It truly makes me happy to make my clients happy,” she notes.

Adriane especially enjoys selling (and wearing pieces from) the David Yurman collection. “It’s timeless. It’s easy to wear every day and there is always new product coming out to update your look,” she says. However, wedding rings are her personal favorite jewelry items, “not only because they are fabulous Fink’s diamonds, but because of what they represent.”

When she’s not wrapped up in work, Adriane enjoys spending time with her family, trying out new restaurants, and visiting relatives in Buffalo, New York. “We love spending time there; it gives us a chance to be together since we have such crazy schedules.”

If she hadn’t found her perfect profession in the jewelry industry, Adriane thinks she would be in event planning. “I love seeing an event come together. There is something about sitting back and watching a plan fall into place,” she explains.

But right now, she’s just where she wants to be, thanks to a strong support system. “I thank my parents for encouraging me to work at a young age and develop a strong work ethic, my sweet husband for being patient enough to deal with a full-time retail wife, and Fink’s for the opportunities it has given me over the years and the encouragement to always do better.”

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“This business is in my blood and I missed it every minute I was away.””

I

nna Voronina recently celebrated her fifth anniversary at Fink’s and has a total of over 17 years of experience in the jewelry business. Her first position was as a sales associate at French jewelry house Christian Bernard in 1998, where she quickly fell in love with the industry. “I enjoy the whole process of selling,” she explains. “From meeting customers and learning about their needs and preferences, to making special connections and successful working relationships that last for years, my goal with every client is to become their personal jeweler and friend.”

She has many favorites among Fink’s collection of world-class jewelry designers and says that each brand has unique characteristics that make it fun to sell.

What’s important, she emphasizes, is matching the best items to each individual customer. “I enjoy the process of finding the right jewelry piece to make my customer (and whomever they may be choosing a gift for) very happy. The ultimate reward is seeing the joy and satisfaction of a new purchase.”

Asked about the jewelry pieces that are perfect for her, Inna lists her engagement ring and Roberto Coin Cento stud earrings, and says she also likes to pair her Rolex timepiece with various Ippolita styles for a casual-yet-luxe look.

Before moving to the U.S. from Russia in 1993, Inna taught algebra and geometry. Though very different from her current career, she says her teaching background gave her the skills to think quickly on her feet. “This gives me an advantage since I can adapt to any conversation and connect with clients, inquire about their jewelry interests and ultimately become a good friend as well as their jeweler.” She also credits some of her success to being able to see failures as learning opportunities. “Not all customers will become regulars or even make a single purchase,” she admits.

“It’s important to understand not just why the sale did not occur, but also to not take it too personally. I try to stay motivated throughout each day.”

Inna’s perfect day would include selling a rare or exclusive jewelry item to a client that had been searching for it for a long time, and having an allaround fantastic sales day filled with meeting new clients. Outside of work, she stays active by swimming, traveling and reading. “I also enjoy coming home to family dinner,” she tells us, “when everybody comes over to our house and we share good food and good conversation.”

“The best advice I’ve ever gotten was that success consists of 10% talent and 90% hard work. I never forget that and it motivates me every day.”

INNA VORONINA

Sales Associate SouthPark Mall Charlotte, North Carolina

7

Love Stories

| Engagements and Weddings .................................................

Ben Silcox and Lauren Griggs

Jeff Davenport and Jessey Woodward

Roanoke, VA 路 Engaged: November 15, 2014

Virginia Beach, VA 路 Engaged: March 14, 2015

Geoffrey and Lauren Parks Charlottesville, VA 路 Married: October 3, 2014

Raymond and Stacey Ratcliffe Roanoke, VA 路 Married: October 11, 2014

Jonathan and Erica Davis Goldsboro, NC 5 Married: March 14, 201 Artby Ash Photography

Want to share your recent engagement or wedding pictures in Accent Magazine? Submit them to our marketing department by email at finks@finks.com or tag us using the hashtag #fjCOUPLES.

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Tyler Boothe and Madison Worley

Justin Bailey and Ashley Shaver

Roanoke, VA 路 Engaged: March 20, 2015

Roanoke, VA 路 Engaged: July 15, 2015

Paula Greenway Photography

Dennis and Carolyn Likosar

Winterville, NC 路 Married: May 20, 2015

Jacob and Sarah Rhine

Stafford, VA 路 Marrie d: May 22, 2015

Beck and Call Photog raphy

25_FINKS_Here we grow again.qxp:FINK_

9/8/15

10:19 AM

Page 12

what’s new

HERE WE GROWAGAIN Fink’s at Valley View Mall receives a facelift.

L

ast summer the Fink’s family completed work on a welcome update at our Valley View Mall store in Roanoke, Virginia. The newly remodeled interior has given our customers a bright, beautiful setting in which to view our stunning selection of jewelry and watches from around the world.

This overhaul was the first comprehensive renovation of the Valley View Mall location since the 1980s, reveals store manager Astra Houff. “We got rid of the dated decor and completely reconfigured the layout to allow for more display space and a better overall flow,” she explains. “Other changes included opening up the entryway and raising the ceiling, as well as installing sleek new glass cases and recessed LED lighting to really allow the jewelry to stand out.”

Now, customers will have an even better view of styles from our worldclass designers, including David Yurman, Mikimoto, John Hardy and Roberto

Coin, as well as Swiss timepieces from Tag Heuer and more popular brands.

The new space is also the perfect setting for an expanded selection of Superior Quality® Fink’s Diamonds, including even more engagement rings, bridal bands and wedding day jewelry from which to choose.

When taken together with our other recent remodeling efforts at the Chesterfield Towne Center and Short Pump Town Center locations, these changes have elevated the presence of Fink’s Jewelers across North Carolina and Virginia. We know our customers will appreciate the highquality selection they’ve come to expect from Fink’s even more when it is displayed in clean, modern settings that allow the jewelry to shine.

Visit any one of our 14 Fink’s locations to see firsthand why we’ve earned a reputation for unparalleled selection, quality and value in each of our markets. We look forward to serving you soon!

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FINK_P012.pdf

TAG HEUER CARRERA LADY DIAMONDS Cara Delevingne challenges rules. Being free-minded is her motto. Like TAG Heuer, she defies conventions and never cracks under pressure.

Fink’s Events

| See and Be Seen ....................................................................

ICING ON THE CAKE 1. A small group of Q94 listeners in Richmond, VA participated in the Ice in the Cake Event at Chesterfield Towne Center. The winner walked away with a pair of $5,000 diamond stud earrings from Fink’s.

EXPERIENCE THE ICON 2. During this year’s John Hardy focus month, we celebrated the iconic jewelry techniques that have been used by John Hardy for decades.

Customers visited our 419 at Colonial location in Roanoke, VA to view an exclusive trunk show.

#WEARYELLOWFORSETH 3. Our North Hills staff in Raleigh, NC supported Seth Lane, who won over the internet when he asked supporters to wear yellow as he underwent surgery in preparation for his bone marrow transplant.

STAR-STRUCK 4. Samba Lougheed was ecstatic when she met her favorite jewelry designer, David Yurman, at an event in Northern Virginia.

TEE TIME 5. Scott Crocker and his daughter were the lucky winners of the Fink’s giveaway from our Greensboro, NC location at the Alamance Country Club Member-Guest Golf Tournament.

JEWELRY FOR A CAUSE 6. Diane Krehmeyer and Sterling Frank, along with Fink’s Jewelers, hosted an exclusive Stephen Webster trunk show at Verulam Farm in Charlottesville, VA. The evening’s proceeds benefited the Boys and Girls Club of Central Virginia.

KICK-OFF 7. Our 419 at Colonial location in Roanoke, VA hosted a kick-off event for the Susan G. Komen Pink Promise Luncheon. Attendees were able to view an exclusive trunk of jewelry from Roberto Coin.

BEST WISHES 8. Our Short Pump Mall staff in Richmond, VA celebrated the retirement of Tim Slayton and his 20 wonderful years of service with Fink’s.

HOT YOGA 9. Part of the Fink’s team enjoyed some group bonding during a hot yoga session in Marc and Suzy Fink’s studio.

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PENNY PREVILLE Classic diamond infinity bangle, $6,185.

Classic thin pavé diamond bangles, each $4,600.

Lace flower petal necklace, 16”, $2,500 and matching dangle earrings, $2,535.

All in settings of 18K gold.

IT’S A FINK’S EXCLUSIVE A double halo of diamonds surround an oval sapphire in these stunning pieces that are set in 14K gold.

IT’S A FINK’S DIAMOND Earrings, $1,250.

Ring, $1,550.

Pendant, $1,150.

(Chain sold separately.)

Rings shown are available in a variety of carat weights and prices.

Let our diamond specialists help you find the perfect one for her today!

MIKIMOTO Morning Dew Akoya pearl and diamond earrings, $2,250.

Akoya Fusion pearl strand with diamonds, 18”, $7,700.

Akoya America 1927 pearl strand with diamond clasp, 27”, $9,600.

Akoya pearl strand, 32”, $6,400.

Akoya pearl and diamond ring, $2,700.

Akoya pearl bracelet, 7”, $1,610.

Akoya Fusion pearl bracelet, 7”, $3,720.

Akoya pearl bracelet, 7”, $1,330.

All in settings of 18K gold.

Clothing provided by Monkee’s Boutique: Dress by Yoana Baraschi

ROBERTO COIN Crafted in 18K gold, the Pois Moi collection features beautifully textured pieces that have a bold yet delicate look.

Square diamond earrings, $2,000.

Diamond chain link necklace, 17�, $12,600.

Yellow, white and rose gold single-row bangles, each $3,900.

Two-row diamond bangle, $7,500.

Diamond chain link ring, $3,000.

Bangle with diamond rectangle clasp, $2,640.

Diamond chain link bracelet, $6,100.

Clothing provided by Monkee’s Boutique: Red Dress by Amanda Uprichard

IT’S A FINK’S EXCLUSIVE A double halo of diamonds surround an oval ruby in these striking pieces that are set in 14K gold.

Earrings, $1,250.

Ring, $1,595.

Pendant, $1,295.

MARCO BICEGO Organic shapes and 18K hand engraved gold elements pair with shimmering diamonds in the new Lunaria Diamond collection.

Earrings, $3,470.

Necklace, $3,580.

Bracelet, $4,600.

Ring, $2,720.

IT’S A FINK’S EXCLUSIVE Set in 18K gold, varying shapes of diamonds are snugly nestled next to one another achieving the brilliance and beauty of a bigger diamond.

Mosaic earrings, $10,340 and matching ring, $8,650.

IT’S A FINK’S EXCLUSIVE Graduated diamond climber earrings, $2,195.

Inside-out diamond hoop earrings, $950.

Diamond “V” necklace, $750.

Three-row diamond huggie hoop earrings, $3,995.

Bezel-set diamond tennis bracelet, $4,375.

Three-row orbit openwork diamond band, $2,495.

All in settings of 14K gold.

STEPHEN WEBSTER Deco earrings in black opalescent quartz with pavé black diamonds, $2,750.

Fly By Night necklace in pavé black diamonds, 15.5”, $1,950.

Deco spinner ring in pavé black diamond and reversible black opalescent quartz and hematite quartz, $5,500.

Deco pendant in black opalescent quartz with pavé black diamonds, 17”, $4,500.

Thorn stud earrings in pavé black diamonds, $1,250.

All in settings of sterling silver.

LONGINES Men’s HYDROCONQUEST selfwinding watch in steel with a black “sunray” dial on a matching bracelet with double security folding clasp and integrated diving extension, $1,275.

OMEGA Ladies’ CONSTELLATION quartz watch in steel and 18K gold with a white mother of pearl diamond dial on a matching steel and 18K yellow gold bracelet, $8,350.

Men’s SPEEDMASTER ‘57 Co-Axial chronograph watch in titanium with a lacquered white dial and a brushed bezel featuring a tachymeter scale on a matching brushed bracelet, $11,400.

IT’S A FINK’S EXCLUSIVE Pink opal earrings with black and white diamond accents, $21,360.

Fancy emerald earrings with diamond accents, $13,130.

Ruby earrings with white and grey diamond accents, $21.240.

All in settings of 18K gold.

HEATHER MOORE Featuring an assorted collection of charms in sterling silver, yellow, rose, white and green gold, each is individually designed and hand stamped giving it a unique personality that captures moments in time that truly reflect who you are.

TAG HEUER Ladies’ AQUARACER quartz watch in steel with a mother of pearl dial, $1,300.

Men’s CARRERA Calibre 5 day-date automatic watch in steel with a blue dial, $2,600.

Wide diamond framed round charm with date, $2,780.

Original framed ID tag featuring latitude and longitude coordinates and a raised gold compass with a 2mm white diamond, $3,180.

Oval initial charm, $555.

Swiss blue topaz Harriet stone charm, $1,950.

BREITLING Breitling EMERGENCY multifunctional electronic chronograph watch in titanium with a Cobra Yellow dial on a titanium Professional III bracelet. The world’s first wristwatch with a built-in dual frequency personal locator beacon, which serves both to issue alerts and to guide search and rescue missions, $16,475.

ALEX AND ANI Featuring an assorted collection of beaded and expandable wire charm bangles that are proudly designed and crafted in America.

Available in Rafaelian gold and silver finishes, prices starting at $28.

IT’S A FINK’S DIAMOND Diamond chandelier earrings, $7,595.

Diamond loop ring, $1,795.

Diamond wave band, $1,595.

Diamond openwork band, $1,395.

Diamond bar ring, $1,450.

Diamond necklace set in 18K gold, 38”, $30,000.

Double diamond bar ring, $1,650.

Diamond swirl ring, $3,650.

Crossover diamond ring, $1,395.

All in settings of 14K gold except where noted.

Clothing provided by Monkee’s Boutique: Black Jumpsuit by Badgley Mischka

DAVID YURMAN Tempo drop earrings with black spinels, $2,100.

Tempo pendant with white diamonds, $1,800.

Tempo 35mm bracelet with black spinels, $3,800.

Tempo 12mm bracelet with diamonds in 18K gold, $19,500.

Tempo narrow ring with white diamonds in 18K gold, $5,400.

Classic 34mm quartz watch with diamonds, $5,500.

All in settings of sterling silver except where noted.

IPPOLITA Rock Candy® stone and bead station necklace, $1,095.

Rock Candy® teardrop cascade earrings, $1,195.

Rock Candy® five-stone bangle bracelet, $395.

Lollipop® seven-stone mother of pearl bangle, $995.

Glamazon® thin five-station diamond bangle, $795.

Rock Candy® all around bangle bracelet, $1,095.

Glamazon® medium three-section bangle with diamonds, $995.

All in settings of sterling silver.

IT’S A FINK’S EXCLUSIVE White, black and brown pavé diamond earrings, $5,090.

Oval smokey quartz ring with brown pavé diamonds, $3,720.

Oval smokey quartz pendant with brown pavé diamonds, $3,120.

White, black and brown pavé diamond band, $3,920.

All in settings of 18K gold.

JOHN HARDY Naga black sapphire lava hoop earrings, $595.

Classic Chain Macan pendant with black sapphire, black spinel and swiss blue topaz eyes, $995.

Shown on Naga 4mm Figaro chain, $395.

Wide Bamboo ring with black sapphire, $395.

Classic Chain small Macan bracelet with pavé diamonds and swiss blue topaz eyes, $1,595.

Naga slim kick cuff, $495.

Naga slim flex cuff with black enamel, $895.

Wide Bamboo ring, $350.

Classic Chain Macan double head ring with pavé diamonds and swiss blue topaz eyes, $1,650.

Classic Chain medium chain bracelet with black sapphire clasp, $650.

Classic Chain medium chain bracelet with diamond clasp, $1,295.

All in settings of sterling silver.

Clothing provided by Monkee’s Boutique: Fur vest by Love Token

designers

EXQUISITE

elegance Marco Bicego delivers Italian style and craftsmanship.

BY BARBARA WHEAT

Left: Marco Bicego Paradise collection and Diamond Lunaria collection

T

here’s a reason that jewelry designer Marco Bicego embraces “Made in Italy” branding for his contemporary jewelry designs: his work is inspired by his Venetian origins and the area’s natural surroundings. Moreover, having grown up in his father’s atelier in Veneto, Italy, he understands the importance of old-world tradition and fine craftsmanship. No wonder Bicego is involved in every aspect of the production of his handmade creations.

At his state-of-the-art factory in Vicenza, the grated floor serves as a safety net for catching findings and other parts used in the making of his jewelry lines. (The grating is lifted twice a year in order to sweep the floor below, where all of the materials are reclaimed for use.) Inside the factory, the talented artisans who specialize in different areas of the production process carefully craft each component of Marco Bicego jewelry. Some fashion the intricate gold constructions, while others set the many colored stones and diamonds used in the designs. What they have in common is that they all feel the same passion for ensuring quality in every piece of jewelry.

In keeping with the designer’s passion for nature, the signature of his Goa collection is the use of swirling lines and curves combining 18K white or yellow gold with white diamonds. Bicego’s vision can also be seen in his latest collection of 18K gold jewelry and colored gemstones, aptly named Paradise: The New Color Explosion, which features fabulous styles in “sorbet colors.” Layered necklaces of gold chains and colored gemstone drops are the highlight of this grouping. Bracelets and earrings are similarly adorned and crafted with hand-engraved yellow gold elements.

Fanciers of Bicego’s work, notably those who are already familiar with his Lunaria collection of organically shaped gold leaves, will especially appreciate his newly launched Diamond Lunaria collection, featuring hand-set diamonds and bulino-technique hand-engraved links.

Many of these designs boast an exquisite texture, an effect that is achieved by extremely fine hand etching.

No matter which line you purchase, Marco Bicego brings exquisite elegance to every woman’s personal style.

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spotted

Dakota Johnson wore Forevermark at the 2015 Academy Awards.

Kristen Stewart wore Stephen Webster in the August 2015 issue of Marie Claire.

Our favorite stars share a love for our favorite brands!

BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

IMAGE BY TESH, STYLING BY ALISON EDMOND

As Seen On...

James Marsden wore David Yurman at the Met Gala.

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Allison Janney wore Ippolita at the U.K. premiere of Spy.

Meghan Trainor wore David Yurman on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Marisa Tomei wore Ippolita at the 2015 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Dascha Polanco wore Roberto Coin at the Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Kate Winslet wore Marco Bicego in the April 2015 issue of In Style.

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Brittany Snow

Jennifer Lopez

IMAGE COURTESY OF SUTRA

IMAGE COURTESY OF SUTRA

IMAGE COURTESY OF JACK VARTANIAN

scene

HAUTE LOOKS

on the

Christina Hendricks

R

TREND

Giuliana Rancic

IMAGE COURTESY OF HARRY KOTLAR

IMAGE COURTESY OF CASA REALE

Vanessa Hudgens

BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

IMAGE COURTESY OF JACK VARTANIAN

RED CARPET

Earring clusters and climbers give new meaning to the phrase “star studded.”

Kate Bosworth

trends

Subtly

sensual

Fall is a season of peek-a-boo metals, natural gem hues, and body-skimming shapes.

BY LORRAINE DEPASQUE

W

ith long, bodygliding necklaces and earrings, gems in nude and nature-inspired hues, and open-work metals that are tastefully suggestive, it’s a jewelry season that’s all about effortless elegance. There’s a sexiness, too, but it’s subtle. “Fashion right now is very focused on ethereal loveliness,” says David Wolfe, creative director of the international forecasting agency, the Doneger Group, in New York City. “We’re in a sort of backlash movement, with an almost refreshing return to innocence. Fashion and accessories have lots of lacy looks, pastryicing colors, and plenty of sweetness and light.”

Jewelry blogger Monica Stephenson of iDazzle has seen signs of this lighter mood since the beginning of the year, when she attended fine

jewelry’s VicenzaOro fair in Vicenza, Italy. As website editor of the Contemporary Jewelry Design Group (CJDG), she noted, “Many of the jewelry shapes are distilled down to their essence, simplified and stylized. There are lots of lyrical shapes, like scrolls, open-work, and lacy filigree.” As for the notable trending motifs, “Nature rules. Butterflies, flowers, and leaves,” she relates.

What else is new? Says Stephenson: “Negative space is everywhere, with cutouts and open-work in every conceivable pattern. So your skin becomes part of the design, revealed where the jewelry becomes undone.”

Consider adding a few of these contemporary “space-y” styles, starting with a bangle bracelet, ring, or collar necklace.

THAT 70s SHOW IS BACK Everything old is new again. For example, chokers certainly hark back to the 1970s, according to Wolfe. “We’re definitely revisiting the 1970s in fashion,” he notes. “There’s so much fringe—long, short, color, silk—any kind of fringe.” In stores this year, you’ve spotted it on many of those everyday cool-again hobo handbags, right? “Now, it’s hit the jewelry world in a big way, too,” says Edelstein. “There are sexy, swingy, fringy details in all kinds of designs, from simple earrings to major necklaces.

We’re talking tassels, full sweeps, and micro-drapes in metal and in stones. It’s fun and flirty, and the movement is eye-catching.”

Speaking of eye-catching, gems this season aren’t as bold and bright as in cool-weather months in the recent past. Nonetheless, they are a feast for the eyes, particularly because many of the on-trend hues also evoke that fashion-fun era of singers Stevie Nicks, Cher, and Donna Summer. “Lots of 1970s colors are being revived, like browns, yellows, caramels, and neutrals,” says Wolfe. “So, this fall and winter, the same neutrals that you saw in spring, which were light, have now gone dark.

They’re getting pops of color with sunshine yellows and all different blues.” In jewelry, lots of luxe brands have added brown diamonds to their designs and, as in clothing, there are often monochromatic mixes of cream, cognac, and champagne.

From top: Marco Bicego 18K gold Goa necklace; Penny Preville diamond and rose gold ring; Roberto Coin Tanaquilla gold earrings with brown diamonds

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With a soft color palette so in-vogue—one that Wolfe says is “like cupcake frosting—be sure to add something in opal to your jewelry wardrobe. The gem that exploded onto the fashion scene last year just keeps getting more popular. The whole spectrum of blues, in fact, is something to think about this season. In addition to opal, ask your jeweler to show you some new designs in blue chalcedony, labradorite, blue quartz, aquamarine, Larimar, blue zircon, tanzanite or blue sapphire.

Pretty-in-pink stones are also spotlighted in many new collections, especially morganite and pink sapphire. And now’s the time to ask about the different peachy shades—maybe light orange sapphire or peach moonstone—which are reminiscent of the 1970s sun-kissed oranges.

THE TOP THREE NECKLACES Wolfe calls the current fashion mood we’re in “one of gentle modernism— Xanax-to-wear. Cool, calm, and collected. Relaxed, sublime simplicity.” So how do you keep this easygoing mindset front-and-center during your jewelry shopping this season? Well, there are three must-have necklaces for an au courant look: Y-necklaces, long station chains, and short ‘n slim chokers/collars.

“Layering has also reached new lengths,” Stephenson noted on her blog, while previewing luxury collections at the Italian show. “I saw new mid-length necklaces, but they were almost always layered, worn with shorter and longer lengths.” Longer chains with stations, often very inventive and asymmetrical, are also important,” she said, “They’re very versatile—when doubled up, your look completely changes.”

In her blog, Cindy’s TrendTracker, Cindy Edelstein, president of the

Fashion right now is very focused on ethereal loveliness. Lots of lacy looks, pastry-icing colors, and plenty of sweetness and light.” --David Wolfe Jeweler’s Resource Bureau, talked about the shorter necklaces, saying, “Fashion is definitely ripe for the choker. Maybe it’s a thing that comes and goes with rising hemlines and dipping cleavage.”

SLENDER, SEXY AND SOMETIMES STACKED Despite what Wolfe calls “a pretty fashion period in time, not dominatrix and leathery,” the newest jewelry often manages to call attention to various body parts. As iDazzle’s Stephenson explains, popular designs with the negative-space openness allow your skin to show through.

Beyond that, however, shapes themselves are super-sensual. Ultra-long Ynecklaces dip daringly downward toward plunging necklines, while lengthy matchstick-thin stiletto earrings suggestively and slightly swing from the lobe, ending just above the shoulder.

If you decide on a great pair of stilettos, Edelstein recommends that “You might want to also think about wearing a single stud or ear climber or cuff on just your one ear.” Indeed, that’s one fashion-forward way to “layer” earrings. And, because jewelry, in general, is about slender silhouettes this year, stacking everything is more popular than ever. Quite simply, it’s one of those years when the more you pile on, the more ontrend you’ll look.

Top, left to right: John Hardy Dot Dangling Necklace With 10.5-11mm and 7.5-8mm fresh water pearls in sterling silver.; Penny Preville diamond and gold stiletto earrings. Bottom:: Penny Preville double opal, diamond and white gold bangle bracelet.

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pearls

TIMELESS &

TRENDY

Today’s fashion-forward pearls can be mixed with traditional styles. BY RUTH J. KATZ

THE CULTURE OF MIKIMOTO

T

The genius behind the cultured pearl was Kokichki Mikimoto. Prior to his determined experimentation over 100 years ago, pearls existed naturally, and only naturally. They are created when an “intruder” (something even as tiny as a grain of sand) enters a mollusk, and in an effort to protect itself against the invading irritant, the oyster coats it with calcium carbonate, or nacre.

Mikimoto developed a way to induce the oyster to create pearls “on demand” by introducing that irritant by hand, a laborintensive operation. Today, Mikimoto produces the world’s finest pearls in designs from classic to high-fashion.

According to Meyer Hoffman, chief operating officer, Mikimoto America, “Design and fine craftsmanship are the core principles of Mikimoto, and the classic cultured pearl strand is iconic to the brand.

Our new collection features an array of gemstones, vibrant colors, and new shapes, drawing inspiration from an imagined, magical world, exploring new and innovative ways to create jewelry that showcases the pearl, nature’s purest gem, in unexpected playful ways.”

he pearl is truly the world’s most timeless jewel. Cleopatra is said to have created a lavish repast by crushing pearls into nectar, while Coco Chanel was always awash in a sea of pearls (and is an excellent model to emulate by owning many strands, worn mix-and-match). So whatever pearls you buy today will become tomorrow’s heirlooms, as these gorgeous gems are always a solid investment.

For fall/holiday 2015, fashion-forward designers are making bold statements with pearls in fanciful ways, whether mixed with cascades of rainbow-hued gemstone briolettes, offset with semi-precious stones, like lapis or turquoise, or wrapped like a twisted rope

(a torsade) and set with staccato notes of coral or jade. Today, pearls are often accented with rondelles (bead-like “spacers”) of emeralds, rubies, sapphires or diamonds, which telegraph chic opulence alongside the snowy orb. At the other end of the spectrum, we’ve also seen pearls mixed with wood, ebony— even denim!

Still, the traditional look never feels dated.

The crowning jewel of a bride’s wedding-day finery—a single, luxe strand of pearls—remains the just-right accessory. And that same single strand—whether crafted with pearls of the same size or graduated—packs an equally strong fashion punch worn with a simple T-shirt or a red-carpet-worthy gown.

In the words of Peter Bazar, president of the Cultured Pearl Association of America (a non-profit association comprised of some 50 pearl manufacturers, wholesalers and dealers), “Pearls never go out of style and are the most appropriate jewelry for career women, socialites, politicians—any woman who wants to feel and look classy and sophisticated.”

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速ROBERTOCOIN

BLACK JADE COLLECTION

timepieces

BREITLING

Goes Bronze

Leave it to Breitling to first reinterpret the Chronograph– and then go one better with an exclusive 100-piece limitededition bronze-dial model.

A

hundred and thirty-one years ago, LĂŠon Breitling played a leading role in the creation of the first wrist chronograph. And today Breitling carries on that tradition by creating descendants of that watch that are more innovative and incorporate better design than any that can be found worldwide. The company has carved out a unique and unparalleled niche as the official supplier to world aviation and its watches reflect its unwavering dedication to accuracy and durability. And the company itself is as durable as its timepieces. In fact, in this era of huge conglomerates, it is still a family business and one of the last remaining independently owned Swiss watch brands.

The Breitling Transocean Chronograph is a new watch that combines the pure design of classic chronographs from the 1950s and 1960s with sleek contemporary style for today’s discriminating watch customer. Its steel case creates a striking home for the Breitling-built Caliber 01 movement that is its engine. The dial is a model of clarity and readability, featuring beautiful details including applied hour-markers and recessed and snailed counters. It is water-resistant to 100 meters.

As beautiful as the standard model is, our customers have an extremely rare opportunity to buy something truly special: one of just 100 exclusive limited-edition models worldwide with the elegant bronze dial pictured here. So call us today to reserve one for yourself or someone special before there are none left. This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a watch that will be talked about (and cherished) for years to come!

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timepieces

FILMS TO

Watch Hollywood’s leading men have kept wristwatches in fashion.

BY BETH BERNSTEIN

most desirable male stars over the past 90 years.

The Son of The Sheik, 1926

W

omen’s jewelry often helps define what we know about female film characters and creates a desire among viewers for similar pieces in real life. Unsurprisingly, watches worn by leading men have done the same. In the past few years alone, IWC has provided character-driven timepieces for Jeremy Renner in The Bourne Legacy and Michael Douglas in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps; Justin Timberlake wore a Breitling Chronomat 44 as he pursued Mila Kunis in Friends with Benefits; and Matthew McConaughey shared screen time with his Tag Heuer Grand Carrera Chronometer in the title role of the The Lincoln Lawyer. Many companies have even designed special-edition watches for films, such as the U.K.-based specialty brand Bremont, which created three chronometers for the 2014 action film Kingsman: The Secret Service, starring Colin Firth.

Cartier, Rolex and Omega take top honors in the Hollywood pantheon, having made a slew of memorable appearances on some of the film world’s

The first wristwatch ever to be shown on celluloid was the Cartier Tank worn by heartthrob Rudolph Valentino in 1926’s silent film The Son of the Sheik. It reportedly belonged to Valentino himself; indeed, the watch had nothing to do with the costumes and had no place in the story. Back then, men were still flipping open their pocket watches to tell time.

But once Valentino sported the Cartier Tank (which was inspired in name and design by World War I tanks) wristwatches began to replace the pocket watch in popularity. The sleek Tank is now available in approximately 250 variations.

Charismatic Cary Grant, himself a Tank fancier offscreen, wore one as beleaguered ad executive Roger Thornhill in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 thriller North by Northwest. The 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair starred Steve McQueen, one of Tinseltown’s most passionate watch lovers, as a stylishly bored millionaire-turned-jewel-thief who wears a variety of high-end watches, including a Cartier Tank. Strong-but-sometimes-silent Gary Cooper owned the Tank Basculante (the so-called “tipping” Tank), while screen icon Warren Beatty sported Cartier Tanks throughout much of the 1960s and 1970s.

ROLEX Clark Gable personified tough-guy sex appeal, but off the screen he also understood the value of refined luxury timepieces. His vast watch collection included a 14K gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6011, which he wore in the 1953 adventure film Mogambo. When that timepiece went up for auction at

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IMAGE COURTESY OF FEATURE PRODUCTIONS/ KOBAL

CARTIER

THE MOON IS A LOT CLOSER THAN YOU MIGHT THINK.

THE RUNWELL MOON PHASE IN PVD GOLD CASE, MOON PHASE COMPLICATION AND DATE WINDOW, WHITE DIAL, DETROIT-BUILT ARGONITE 708 MOVEMENT, AMERICAN-MADE ALLIGATOR LE ATHER STR AP. BUILT TO L AST A LIFE TIME OR LONGER UNDER THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SHINOL A GUAR ANTEE.

Fifty Shades of Grey, 2015

IMAGE COURTESY OF FEATURE PRODUCTIONS/ KOBAL

sport an Omega Seamaster Professional 300m.

Hunky Daniel Craig continues the tradition to this day: He wore two Omega models—a blue Omega Seamaster300m Chronometer and a Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Co-Axial Chronometer—in his Bond debut, Casino Royale. He is expected to don an Omega or two in the upcoming 24th Bond film, Spectre.

Intriguingly, Omega watches are worn by another character who craves danger: sadomasochistic businessman Christian Grey, who has an Omega on his wrist in E.L. James’ steamy best-selling novel Fifty Shades of Grey.

Staying true to the book, Grey’s cinematic portrayer, Jamie Dornan, wears an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Chronograph and a black-faced Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Co-Axial Chronograph in the film version released in early 2015. Clearly, it’s a step up from handcuffs.

Bonhams’ “What Dreams Are Made Of” sale in November 2013, it sold for over $28,000.

The dream team of Robert Redford and Paul Newman shared the screen on numerous occasions (including in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid), along with their love of Rolexes. Redford wore a Rolex Submariner, model 1680, in his private life and in at least two of his films: The Candidate and All the President’s Men. Meanwhile, Newman caused a stir when he sported a Rolex Daytona with a bi-color dial in the poster for the racing film Winning, which caused collectors around the world to begin referring to this model by the actor’s name.

Talk about dashingly handsome men and you can’t help but think of British MI6 agent James Bond. In the series’ 11th book, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, author Ian Fleming wrote that Bond sees a heavy Rolex Oyster Perpetual on a metal bracelet as he awakens in the middle of the night. Meanwhile, Sean Connery, the original actor to portray Agent 007, wore a Rolex Submariner in the first of the Bond films, 1962’s Dr. No, as well as in the next six Bond films in which he appeared.

Beth Bernstein is the author of If These Jewels Could Talk (ACC Art Books).

FILM FACT: Both Rolex and Omega have been the official watches of James Bond on screen.

IMAGE COURTESY OF WARNER BROS/KOBAL

All the President’s Men, 1976

OMEGA In 1995, Omega won the bid to become the new official 007 watch. In GoldenEye, Pierce Brosnan became the first Bond to

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©2015 movado group, inc.

SAPPHIRE™ SCULPTED ELEGANCE WITH FLAT, EDGE-TO-EDGE CRYSTAL, MIRROR DIAL AND DIAMONDS.

profile

Love from Detroit with

Shinola sweeps the country with its American-made style. BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON

F

ew companies have made a household name for themselves as quickly as Shinola, the Detroit-based maker of watches, leather goods and sports equipment that has become extremely popular since the brand was launched by Bedrock Manufacturing back in 2011.

(The name derives from a once-legendary brand of shoe polish.)

One reason for its spectacular growth is that the company’s devotion to using American parts and labor, including building an enormous factory in Detroit, is evident in everything it sells.

“Shinola was founded on the belief that American industrialism and craftsmanship can be combined to create beautiful, practical and meticulously detailed goods,” says worldrenowned architect David Rockwell, who designed the company’s flagship retail store in New York City.

For fall/holiday 2015, customers will see even more homegrown goods from Shinola than ever before, says creative director Daniel Caudill. “We have begun making our own watch straps in

Detroit, and started making our own dials here as well,” he says. “Eventually, the whole watch will be made completely in the U.S. Our goal is not to assemble watches, but to build them completely here, which will also create long-term sustainability for our employees.”

Speaking of watches, Caudill says he’s excited about new straps that have the same texture as a football, and a new array of colors for both cases and dials, including oxblood, smoky topaz and dark green.

“We’re using classic colors that we think look particularly beautiful, but mixing them in really modern ways,” he notes.

Shinola is also growing its women’s watch business, although Caudill finds both genders often wear timepieces made for the opposite sex.

“We have a nice assortment of dial shapes, but we also see that some of the more fashion-centric guys are wearing smaller watches, even some made for women, while some of the ladies are wearing the larger ones, perhaps bought for their boyfriend or husband, as a fashion statement.”

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In some ways, the company’s biggest innovation is its expansion of leather goods, now that they have hired famed designers Richard Lambertson and John Truex to oversee the line.

“They have really taken our leather goods to a new level of quality,” says Caudill. “The amount of detail they brought to our brand is astounding.”

Shinola’s complete line of small leather goods, bags, and tech items will be available for spring 2016, although a smaller assortment is ready for fall. “There’s this one tote bag that I’ve been trying to steal the sample of ever since I saw it. In fact, everyone in Detroit wants it. It’s simple, clean, and with beautiful details,” he says.

“But I will have to buy one like everybody else.”

Shinola is also debuting its newest sport ball (in oxblood), as well as a few outerwear pieces created in conjunction with San Francisco’s Golden Bear. And by the end of 2016, expect a line of audio products as part of a collaboration with singer Jack White.

“Every day, there’s something new and exciting going on here,” says Caudill.

JEWELRY

BY JULIANNE PEPITONE

2 8 0 0 B . C . E . : The Egyptians are the first to sport rings, which are made of hemp or reeds like their Neanderthal predecessors’. Over time, they move to iron, and then to gold or silver wire. These rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand, which is erroneously thought to contain the vena amoris: a “vein of love” that runs directly to the heart.

A N C I E N T R O M E : Wives are presented with two wedding rings: an iron piece meant to be worn at home while performing housework, and a gold version to show off wealth when visiting town. The rings are either attached to small keys or feature a key engraved into the band, meant to symbolize that the husband owns his wife.

14 7 7 : The inventive Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissions one of the first recorded diamond engagement rings for Mary of Burgundy, sparking a trend among European royals.

symbol pleasures

17 0 0 S : Sentimental Europeans are partial to “poesy” or “posy” rings, which are engraved with romantic rhyming verses to be presented to a lover. Meanwhile, in colonial New England, the demure Puritans opt for a humble betrothal thimble rather than a lavish piece of jewelry—but many women cut off the tops of the thimbles and wear them as rings anyway.

WEDDING RINGS AND BANDS

18 0 0 S : The Victorian era brings the “dearest” ring, a stonestudded band with gems that “spell” out the endearment: Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Topaz.

B R I D A L

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18 8 8 : Cecil John Rhodes and his investors form De Beers Consolidated Mines, Ltd., which moves quickly to try to control the world’s growing diamond supply.

19 4 7 : De Beers launches the now-iconic “A Diamond is Forever” campaign, dreamed up by advertising agency N. W. Ayer.

(It was recently reinstated.)

19 6 5 : A whopping 80 percent of American engaged couples now choose a diamond ring to mark their betrothal.

2 0 1 5 : In recent years, ring trends have become more varied, says Gizzi, noting that more couples discuss the engagement ring before the betrothal, with women often choosing their own style, or shopping as a couple. Colorful stones like rubies and aquamarines are gaining in popularity, with or without diamonds.

S E C T I O N

ISTOCK

Wedding jewelry has changed immensely since Neanderthals painted cave glyphs, but the idea of an unbroken circle has continued to resonate with couples throughout the eras. As Amanda Gizzi, spokesperson for Jewelers of America, notes: “Traditions have evolved so much over time. But when you boil down what goes into a ceremony, a ring remains the ultimate symbol of union and never-ending love.”

But boy, has that simple symbol changed over time!

Ancient texts indicate that a caveman supposedly tied braided pieces of grass or reeds to his wife’s ankles, wrist or waist, possibly to keep her spirit from escaping her body.

Over the past 5,000 years, here’s what has happened to show how men and women remain “tied together” for all time.

the history of rings

HAVE COME FULL CIRCLE.

BY ELISE DIAMANTINI

PLANNING

modern love

WEDDING PLANNING APPS AND BLOGS ARE BECOMING A BRIDE’S BEST FRIEND.

depending on how you look at it, the fun or

TOP TIPS

the stress of planning the big day begins. Like

WeddingWire’s senior editorial

most other things, modern-day wedding

associate, Caitlin Zentgraf Krebs,

planning has gone online. In a survey

shares her secrets for staying

conducted by Mashable and theknot.com, 89

calm and organized while

Congratulations! You’re engaged. Now,

percent of people said they used wedding

planning your big day.

planning apps to make checklists, look for

Relax : Take a step back from the

gowns,

track

stress and remember to keep

countdowns. Of those respondents, 70

stay

organized

and

calm, cool and collected. We

percent started creating Pinterest boards

suggest regularly exercising,

before they even got engaged and 51 percent

eating healthy meals and

became “more realistic with their pins after

squeezing in the spa for a

they got engaged.” Clearly, the need for

mani/pedi. After all, you need your

online organization has become an essential

bling to shine!

part of the process for those planning their

Delegate: Your family and

upcoming nuptials.

friends are there to help. Feel free

There’s no shortage of online wedding planning tools either. Sites like Pinterest,

to give them a handful of tasks to conquer from your ever-growing

WeddingWire, Lover.ly and The Knot all offer

to-do list.

unique ways for couples to manage their to-

Have a Plan B : Resist the urge

do lists, keep track of inspirational images

to check the weather every hour

and ideas, host registries and create personal websites, among other things. WeddingWire even launched

on the hour for rain. It will simply

a WedSocial app to help guests stay informed of all the details regarding the couple’s special day. Pinterest has also

cause you more stress. However,

become an essential part of planning because it allows users to bookmark inspirational images, videos and ideas

that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t

on a personal page and/or share with others.

have a Plan B. Have Fun : The entire planning

And while online planning tools aren’t replacing traditional wedding planners, they are acting as

process allows you to get those

supplemental guides. These sites can help brides find

creative juices flowing. There’s no

local vendors, follow experts and be creative. It seems

judgment in having a Pinterest

like the ideas are endless online; the hardest part won’t

inspiration board! Your wedding is

be finding inspiration, but making decisions to narrow

supposed to be a reflection of

down what you really want.

your relationship, right?

Savor It : From the engagement

WeddingWire’s senior editorial associate, Caitlin Zentgraf Krebs, says current wedding trends include

party to the goodbye BBQ, you’ll

laser-cut

feel the love when surrounded by

invitations,

greenery

arrangements,

(especially seeded eucalyptus and succulents), rose

all your family and friends. Be

gold jewelry, temporary tattoos as favors and of

sure to take a moment to step

course, Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud song for the

back and soak it all in.

first dance.

B R I D A L

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S E C T I O N

速ROBERTOCOIN

CENTO AND NEW BAROCCO COLLECTIONS

INTERVIEW

BY JULIANNE PEPITONE

family affair

SYLVIA WEINSTOCK AND ELLEN WELDON ARE TRUE DESIGNING WOMEN.

Sylvia Weinstock (above) makes fabulous floral wedding cakes.

Before Sylvia Weinstock emerged 35 years ago, the wedding cake was simply a confection. Now, her fanciful dessert creations at Sylvia Weinstock Cakes are elaborate showpieces themselves worthy of celebration.

Meanwhile, Weinstock’s daughter, Ellen, has put her own spin on the family business with

Ellen Weldon Design, offering creative event invitations addressed with elegant calligraphy.

Accent recently caught up with this talented mother-daughter duo to talk personal taste, the differences between celebrities and “regular” clients, and why tradition will never go out of style.

B R I D A L

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S E C T I O N

Sylvia Weinstock: I always say I came into Manhattan at the right time, with the right product and a lot of luck. I was the new kid on the block doing something no one else seemed to offer: a beautiful cake that was delicious too. It started with a birthday cake and it slowly became wedding cakes. In New York, it’s all about word of mouth: I worked with one hotel and they told people about me, then I worked with the next and so on. Our cakes have traveled all over the world: South Africa, Europe, India, Asia. It’s a wonderful business in a lot of ways, but it’s not without its angst.

Ellen Weldon: I got into calligraphy because in sixth grade, I failed handwriting class. It was my first “F,” and I couldn’t believe it! I took classes and it became an intense hobby. Later, my first job out of college was designing stationery for Cartier, and one of my big clients there was Estée Lauder. Later, I went to work for the company and then for Mrs. Lauder personally. After, I branched out and started my own company, doing work for L’Oréal,

HEAD SHOTS BY JULIANNE PEPITONE

How did each of you get into your lines of work?

PEACE OF MIND STARTS WITH PROOF OF QUALITY. Weight Carat 1.53

ColorE Grade

Grade Clarity VS1

Grade CutExcellent

For over 80 years, GIA has brought clarity and global standards to gem evaluation. A GIA report means expert, independent verification from the creator of the 4Cs and the world’s most widely recognized gem authority.

Look for GIA-graded diamonds and jewelers who offer them.

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Ellen Weldon can do everything from hand-calligraphy to digital printing for invitations.

Elizabeth Arden and other cosmetics companies. Now we do weddings, social events and a lot of corporate events. It’s wonderful.

There’s a sense that our culture is shifting to be less formal. Do you ever worry that wedding traditions may be lost over time?

Talk about how your personal aesthetic fits into the wedding experience.

SW: We passed City Hall in New York the other day, and there was a guy in a cart outside selling flowers. That’s something that isn’t fancy, but it’s a wedding tradition. Brides still want to walk down the aisle and have the ritual of the wedding. Some girls still wear the white wedding dress.

EW: One of the challenges we’re having right now is the desire for digital invitations. We’ve been doing more and more of them, but when you’re as passionate as we are about paper— about how important it is to feel the invitation in your hand—it’s hard to get excited. Still, we try to bend to what our clients want.

EW: When brides and grooms come to me, I’m often the first person they see after they book the venue. I try to listen very carefully to their dreams for the wedding day. I had one couple who flew 20 couples to the Dominican Republic and they hung out at the pool. Now, we’re working on a wedding that takes place in Marfa, Texas. It’s a very tiny town, but it’s filled with art galleries. So we made a suite in which each piece of the invitation had a lovely photograph on the back. We want people to feel inspired just by opening it. I want them to look at it and say, I can’t wait for this wedding!

SW: The cake is a showpiece at the wedding.

We’re not inexpensive, but we are worth every penny. The cake is a luxury item, but all wedding items are luxury. You could choose to go off to City Hall, get married and have a hot dog. The great thing is, we have a wonderful team that can carve animals, buildings or anything the couple wants, although florals are our specialty. The main thing is that it has to please both the eye and the palate.

Both of you have worked with major celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez.

How did those experiences differ from working with “regular”folks?

SW: Every bride who walks through our door is a princess. Sometimes this unknown person has been saving up for years to afford us, and her wedding means 10 times more to her than it does to a celebrity who’s been married

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S E C T I O N

three or four times already!

EW: Do you remember that time some movie star came in and asked you to do a cake for free? Some of them do that! And my mother said, “Oh, sure, let me have everyone in my shop come in and work for free for a week.”

What’s your favorite part of your job?

EW: The people I work with, hands down.

Clients come and go. It’s the people I work with who make me want to come back every day. Oh, and vodka at five o’clock.

SW: It’s getting up in the morning and saying to myself:What wonderful thing is going to happen today? We teach the public to aspire to something that’s unique, perfect and deserving. We show them not to settle for just any old thing, or even for mediocrity. You are giving somebody else a great deal of pleasure and the best memories.

We’re not in the funeral business. We’re in the business of joy. That’s what we do for a living.

How would you sum up in one sentence why being in the wedding business is so important to you ?

EW: We make dreams come true.

SW: For the people who don’t know how to dream, we teach them how.

The Holiday Collection by

#CharmStory

REGISTRY

BY ELISE DIAMANTINI

the perfect present

Wedding presents may be one of the best parts of getting married, but preparing your gift registry can seem like a Herculean task. Fortunately, the days of managing multiple gift registries and receiving (and returning) unwanted gifts are a thing of the past, thanks to modern websites like Zola, which now allow couples to create personalized registries on one website from any retail store. As Zola’s Allison Davis explains, “Today’s couples aren’t just getting married.

They’re also moving, working and have busy schedules, which is why all-encompassing one-stop-shop wedding registries are more sought after than ever.”

Group Gifting: More couples are registering for big-ticket items like furniture, televisions or bicycles, allowing guests to contribute how much they like towards that gift.

Tech Savvy: “Couples are opting for gadgets such as e-book readers, Apple TVs, Mophie juice packs, Nest Learning Thermostats and digital cameras,” explains WeddingWire’s senior editorial associate, Caitlin Zentgraf Krebs.

Honeymoon and Home Funds: Instead of giving a cash gift, guests can help the happy couple save for their honeymoon or the purchase of a home. It’s a more creative way of giving a monetary gift because guests can choose what they’re contributing to. Another option is if the couple is honeymooning in Anguilla (for example), guests might buy them a relaxing couple’s massage at their hotel or a candlelit beach dinner.

New Ways to Entertain: “Couples are moving beyond traditional gifts like china and crystal and opting for things that they will be able to enjoy more frequently in their newlywed life, like camping tents and picnic baskets,” says Zola’s Davis.

Experiential Gifts: Some couples are registering for fun, experiential gifts like cooking classes, wine tastings or rock climbing sessions, depending on their interests, rather than things that might end up gathering dust in the hall closet.

The Gift of Time: It’s the one thing a couple never has enough of: time together. And what better gift for a bride or groom than a beautiful watch to track it with?

NEED TO KNOW Zola shares its best advice for couples who are getting started on creating their registries.

Register Early: Guests will likely want to purchase gifts for prewedding events (e.g. engagement parties, showers), so having a registry early on is beneficial for everyone.

Number of Gifts: The number of presents you should register for is based on the number of guests invited to your wedding. Use the Zola Registry Planner to determine how many gifts you should register for. (That said, it’s always better to over-register than under-register.) Gifts should also be chosen across a range of price points so that you don’t force your guests into a situation where there are no items that they can afford.

Make Your Registry Personal: It should be just as special as your big day! Customize your registry and make it beautiful with notes, special collections, pictures and even a custom URL. Let Guests Know How to Find Your Registry:Your friends and family will definitely want to know where you are registered, so don’t feel rude about getting the word out! First, tell your family and wedding party where you have registered (tactfully, of course), and allow them to spread the word for you. Also, include your registry on your wedding website, or if you feel comfortable, you can even put it on your bridal shower invitations or save-the-date cards.

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S E C T I O N

IMAGES COURTESY OF ZOLA

CURRENTLY TRENDING

Fly By Night Collection

interiors

W all Streak

Fancy wall treatments can enliven any room.

extra? Drake and New York-based designer Charles Pavarini love adding eye shadow into paint to create a “strie” effect that, as Pavarini notes, “results in an ever-changing finish that varies in effect as it absorbs and reflects light.” Drake also favors using a topcoat of Japanese microflakes (which are applied with a 19th-century tool called a baby duster) to create gorgeous surface glimmer.

And don’t be afraid to feel that “more is more.” For a room at New York’s famed Kips Bay Decorator Show House this past spring, Pavarini crafted a soaring mantelpiece that was clad in pewter-leafed travertine mosaic tile. Oversized mirrors, bold artwork and beautiful dishes were hung on many walls throughout the mutli-story dwelling. “I never fear hanging art on walls, even those that already have texture or color. I think it adds richness to the room,” says Drake. “You just want to make sure it doesn’t look like a gallery.”

BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON

From top to bottom: Vertical Stitched wallpaper by David Rockwell for Maya Romanoff Charles Pavarini’s “Midnight in Manhattan” room for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Digital wall covering by Trove

Y

IMAGES COURTESY OF MAYA ROMANOFF, PAVARINI DESIGN AND MARCO RICCA

our room may boast a gorgeous piece of antique furniture, a beloved family heirloom, or the most adorable photo of your children or pet. But the first thing people may notice when they walk in to that room is the walls. Fortunately, top-notch designers and wall treatment companies are continually finding new ways to make those four walls as visually arresting as possible.

“There are plenty of divine solutions beyond mere paint to give these surfaces character, texture and serenity, all of which are particularly important if you’re dealing with new construction,” says noted designer Jamie Drake, whose clients include former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg. “Wallpaper is definitely back in vogue, and patterns and textures have made a big comeback. We also love wallpapers that use digital printing, which can be created on-demand, as well as those that have hand-blocked patterns.”

Indeed, the importance of having handmade wallpaper is also stressed by Jessie Deveraux, vice-president of marketing for Maya Romanoff, the well-known Chicago-based firm famous for its singular wall treatments and collaborations with such important designers as David Rockwell. “Our product development comes from the constant dialogue we have with major designers, and handmade, luxury finishes are really our top priority these days,” she notes.

If you do want to paint the walls, why not add a little something

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The ultimate in ladies shoes, clothing and accessories!

NCRMA 2015

Retailer of the Year

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k gadgets

Gifting 2.0 GO HI-TECH (OR NOT) THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. Pesavento offers unique creativity and innovation

BY BARBARA WHEAT Every part of our lives is now wired (or wireless)–from smart home temperature-maintenance systems to self-driving cars. For the holidays, we present gadgets that introduce hitech systems into new arenas, as well as gifts of handcrafted elegance that allow you to slip (momentarily) off the grid.

BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

Go Into Overdrive

Safe and Stylish

Race car sets haven’t really changed much in 40 or so years, until now. The Anki Overdrive features slot-free racing with cars that communicate via smartphone app. (The phone doubles as your controller.) These state-ofthe-art cars can “learn” new moves, achievements and defenses; up to six friends can race at the same time; and the flexible track is completely customizable. Young’uns will love it, but it’s stylish enough for a hi-tech office. Starter kit $150

Italian custom cruiser designer Abici’s new leather bike lock protects your bike from scratches and your clothes from grease.

The chain is marine-grade stainless steel and the lock is nickel-plated brass (also wrapped in leather) to reduce tarnishing.

As with bespoke Italian shoes, the leather will only improve with age. $160 at kaufmann-mercantile.com

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A Riveting Ride It’s not often a starship captain helps design a custom ride worthy of a superhero. Actor William Shatner (Star Trek’s original Captain Kirk) partnered with American Wrench to create the Rivet Motors motorcycle, a three-wheeled "landjet." (He then took Rivet #1 on an eightday cross-country journey along the old Route 66, benefiting The American Legion.) Wrapped in riveted steel-brushed fiberglass like a WWII bomber, it’s designed to ride as smoothly as a car with the open-road passion of a bicycle. Price TBA

Good to the Last Drop It’s not often you come across halfcentury-old whisky, especially one that’s produced by an OBE. But that’s what you get with The Last Drop 1965 48 Year, which is culled from some of the best and rarest stock in Scotland.

Founder James Espey (OBE) and his partners at The Last Drop Distillers have decades of experience in the liquor industry and craft impeccable limitededition négociant-style whiskies.

Indeed, the “youngest” components of this edition (limited to 543 bottles) were distilled the same year the Rolling Stones released Satisfaction. $4,000

Sure Shot Blending the best of iconic style and trailblazing technology, the Leica Q, the latest release from the German optics leader, offers a high-sensitivity, fullframe sensor and super-fast aperture lens in a compact, fixed-focus Leica body. Designed to capture low light and high speed equally well, the 24-megapixel camera also shoots HD video and features WiFi wireless image transfer. There are also a host of luxe accessories available. $4,250

A Perfect Fit

Like Fitbit for your clubs, Arccos golf trackers are sensors that fit easily onto the end of each club. You can now accurately measure, via iOS app, approach and driving distances, provide live shot tracking and receive full Tour analytics. Maps of over 20,000 courses around the world graphically display your game, shot by shot. $400 for 14 sensors, app and starter guide

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PERFECTGEMS

EXPLORE THE LITTLE LUXURIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER.

BY DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON

THE PERFECT BLACK DRESS

Artist Alex Katz remains fascinated by the little black dress. His Black Dress project was first created as a series of paintings done on door panels, depicting standing women in the classic fashion design. He recently revealed his Black Dress, A Suite of New Prints at the Mary Ryan Gallery in New York City. This exhibition centered around nine original screen prints, each rendered at a monumental size of 80 x 30 inches, which mimic the size of the paintings. These prints follow Katz’s signature style of exploring portraiture and monochromatic elements. Among the series’ fans is noted fashion designer Calvin Klein, who wrote: “Alex Katz’s Black Dress series is… modern and wonderful… And despite their apparent simplicity, they’re extremely expressive and perfectly capture the essence of his subjects. You can’t help but notice these women, these beautiful enigmas drawn in bold and certain strokes. You wonder who they are, how they live, what they feel, just exactly what they have going on.”

GRANDE VINO

Whenever you feel the need to celebrate a truly special occasion, open a bottle of Rocca di Frassinello Baffonero Maremma Toscana. This rare merlot (only 3,000 bottles were produced) takes the name of the vineyard in which the grapes are cultivated. Produced from the first vines to be planted at Rocca di Frassinello, Baffonero, the wine is fermented using natural yeasts in stainless steel for 15 days at a controlled temperature. It is then aged 14 months, followed by 12 months of bottle refinement. This fresh and truly impressive wine is an intense ruby red and the bouquet is concentrated dark fruit notes, including blackberry and blueberry. Fresh and full, it’s an ideal accompaniment to a variety of meats or aged cheeses. And good news: the makers even suggest it as a meditation wine.

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America’s Favorite Drive Blue Ridge Parkway Experience what has been called one of “America’s Best Road Trips” with a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. At 469 miles, this scenic drive makes its way along the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy some of the best mountain views in the world.

Allow yourself the opportunity to get lost in the brilliant leaves of the towering oak trees, peacefulness of the native wildlife, and stunning views of the overlooks and vistas.

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touring iconic sites such as The

The Parkway also connects you to interesting locations in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, including the iconic Roanoke Star & Overlook atop Mill Mountain. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Downtown Roanoke and there are six primary entry points to this world-famous road throughout the region.

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The scenic route also boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails lined with an array of beautiful blooms, rolling pastures and cascading waterfalls. From making your way to the top of Sharp Top Mountain at the Peaks of Otter for the incredible panoramic views, to standing at the foot of the gorgeous Apple Orchard Falls, the tranquility of the Blue Ridge Parkway will take your breath away.

the outdoors. You can spend a Blue

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nature along the Blue Ridge Parkway or Appalachian Trail, sampling the delicious flavors and good times of over 15 local wineries and breweries,

spirits Coco Chanel There are two different cocktails named for the famous designer. The first is an unlikely, but delicious, blend of gin, cream and Kahlua. The second is a Lillet-driven libation, variations of which are served at Betony in New York, as well as the Beaufort Bar inside the Savoy Hotel in London (where Mme. Chanel often spent time), as one of their four Character Cocktails. * 1.5 oz vodka * .5 oz Lillet Blanc * .5 oz red wine and blackberry syrup reduction * Moët & Chandon 2004 Vintage Champagne In a mixing glass, add vodka, Lillet and red wine reduction. Add ice, stir well and strain into a flute glass. Top with Champagne.

Hemingway Daiquiri

The

Ernest Hemingway reportedly earned the moniker “Papa Doble” after downing 16 double daiquiris in one (very long) sitting. After being diagnosed, not surprisingly, with diabetes, he came up with his own version replacing some of the sweetener with grapefruit juice and reducing the alcohol. Consider visiting one of his Cuban haunts, still in business, like La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana. * 1.75 oz Caña Brava Rum * .75 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur * 1 oz fresh lime juice * .75 oz fresh grapefruit juice * .25 oz simple syrup Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake very well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wheel and maraschino cherry. If you prefer daiquiris frozen, that’s okay: so did Papa.

F AME game

Delirium: AKA The Bill Murray In 1917, the Waldorf-Astoria honored comic genius Charlie Chaplin with an eponymous cocktail. In 2015, Sweetwater Social, a vintage-themed craft cocktail bar with a relaxed vibe in New York’s Greenwich Village, offers up a drink celebrating contemporary clown king Bill Murray. “Now don’t tell anyone you saw me.” * .75 oz Elijah Craig Bourbon * .75 oz Ron Zacapa Rum * .75 oz Laphroaig Scotch Single Malt * .33 oz Demerara Coffee Syrup (or .25 oz maple syrup) * 4 drops Bittermens Mole Bitters Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until wellchilled. Strain into a rocks glass with one large ice cube. Garnish with three coffee beans.

Celebrity-themed drinks go way beyond the Shirley Temple.

BY ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

Blood & Sand

C

elebrity-themed cocktails have been popular nearly as long as there have been cocktails. In the 1882 Bartender’s Manual by legendary barman Harry Johnson, historic punches are named after British notables who popularized them in the 18th and 19th centuries. Likewise, the Negroni is named after its alleged inventor Count Camille Negroni, and the Royal Highball—a signature blend of Champagne, cognac and strawberry juice created at the Ritz Hotel in Paris—was named in honor of Spain’s King Alfonso XII. Since the silent film era, however, the trend for naming drinks after entertainers has been something of a mainstay that continues to this day. Not every muse will inspire long-lived cocktails. (The “Taylor Swifte” at Jockey Hollow Bar in New Jersey, for example, may not be around by the time you read this.) Here, however, are a few libations still listed on select menus, along with a couple of new “classics,” that show promise for staying power.

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This drink was named for the famed Rudolph Valentino film and first documented in The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930. Now, New York’s vintage-influenced Astor Room, situated in the historic Kaufman Astoria Studios, is the perfect spot to order it: Rudy shot several films here (and ate lunch in this same location). * 1 oz blended Scotch whisky * .75 oz sweet vermouth * .75 oz Cherry Heering Liqueur * .75 oz fresh orange juice Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, shake very well and strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

The Edison The Edison Downtown Bar in Los Angeles has long been one of the foremost craft cocktail lounges in the country. Located in a building that housed the city’s first private power-plant, the bar (and this drink) “celebrates an era of invention and imagination.” This drink effortlessly melds historic ingredients with contemporary technique. * 1.5 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon * .5 oz pear-infused cognac * .5 oz fresh lemon juice * .25 oz honey syrup In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients. Add ice, shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel or flamed lemon peel.

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FINK’S JEWELERS ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

FALL/WINTER 2015/16