Couture Blog

Continued Celebration of our Couture Design Awards

This two-page spread was in a recent copy of INDESIGN magazine and it just brings to mind the great designs and people who were celebrated at the 2011 Couture Awards. We're already knee-deep in prep for 2012 -- wonder how our designers will ever top themselves but of course, we know they will!

 

Couture Trendspotting via INDESIGN Magazine

 

What can you expect to discover at Couture this year? You can get a sneak peek at the upcoming issue of INDESIGN here.

According to INDESIGN magazine the big trends will be:

Cuffs

 

 

Color

 

Pavé and Statement makers

 

 

Bridal, unique stones and dark accents

Katrina Kelly Unveils 7 Layers of Love Charms for Charity

Couture jewelry designer Katrina Kelly has launched the latest iteration of her popular 7 Layers of Love collection. Building on the success of the line’s ultra-feminine rings, the new series of charms will be available at top retailers, select Neiman Marcus locations and on Kelly’s official website, www.katrinakellyjewelry.com.

As seen in Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine:

 

As seen on National Jeweler e-magazine:

 

Hearts On Fire Redefines the Consumer Bridal Experience with iPad Technology

Hearts On Fire, The World’s Most Perfectly Cut Diamond, continues to elevate the brand’s experience at retail by arming their retail partners with iPads to use at point of sale. Utilizing the iPad, Hearts On Fire is digitally extending the retailers’ case for consumers by providing a window into the entire Hearts On Fire diamond and jewelry inventory with the touch of a screen.

 

The Hearts On Fire web application allows the sales professional to work with customers more efficiently, simplifying the search for diamonds, jewelry and complete Diamond Engagement Rings. Retailers will now be able to search Hearts On Fire Diamond Engagement Rings based on their customers’ preference for retail price, center diamond, and mounting design.  Additionally, training for the Brand’s presentation at retail will now incorporate this exciting tool, including the use of iPads at Hearts On Fire University.

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“We had an online tool for our retailers in development, but when the iPad was released in April, we realized it provided the ideal platform for this digital content. Not only will it help showcase the breadth of the Hearts On Fire product line, but it will make the retailer’s presentation and the consumer’s experience the best it can be”, says Ed LaPlante, VP of Information Technology at Hearts On Fire.

 

Hearts On Fire will unveil the iPad tool at the Couture Show in Las Vegas and will begin deploying globally into their retail partners stores by July. 

 

The Couture Jewelers of Fragments Are Ready to Debut New Fabulousness

Utopia Introduces Two New Collections This Spring -- Bolero and My Utopia

Utopia will  introduce at this year's Couture event two brand new collections: Bolero and MY Utopia.

Bolero is a charming Latin musical composition.

Melodic, passionate, seductive, it   envelops the senses in pure delight. Utopia’s Bolero is inspired by nature. As little jasmine flowers, gold and diamonds flow together generating a sensual and warm collection.

MY Utopia is a new project, the result of a careful research in style geared towards the development of a collection that is highly innovative and fashion driven.

 The use of multiple colors, with a strong chromatic palette is combined with pearls and gemstones to create a delightful everyday style.

 

 

 

 

Monica Rich Kosann Named Rising Star by Fashion Group International

Fashion Group International’s 13th annual Rising Star Awards celebrate the up-and-coming designers in several categories, Fine Jewelry being one of them.

Last week Couture Jeweler Monica Rich Kosann was rewarded for her eponymous line of lockets and jewels that were inspired by Monica's noted photography. Her lifestyle brand has grown to include tabletop keepsakes like frames and treasure boxes.

Kosann is currently working on a book on heirlooms and collectibles, out by Clarkson N. Potter this April. 

 

Trio from Charriol Launch New Fine Jewelry Brand

Charriol veterans Ori and Tal Zemer, whose parents co-founded the Charriol brand 25 years ago, are stepping out to create a brand of their own with Marilyn Harrell, Charriol USA's design director and senior vice president of sales.

Dubbed DeLatori, the brand's focus will be on sterling silver jewelry, with pieces inspired by world travel and studies of the art of ancient lost civilizations.

DeLatori's first collection, "Pompeii," is handcrafted in sterling silver with accents of brushed 18-karat gold and semiprecious gems. The pieces will hit about 20 stores during a soft launch for Spring 2010, followed by a hard launch in early June at the Couture show in Las Vegas, Ori Zemer, co-president of the new company, said.

The motto of the new brand is "Beauty Transcending Time," and the jewelry correspondingly has a vintage artisan appearance that the brand says emulates ancient world civilizations while also fusing elements of 21st century contemporary design.

"The collection is really magnificent and very sophisticated with a unique identity that expresses a woman's individuality," Harrell, De Latori's new design director and senior vice president, said in a media release. "The feel and wearabilty of this new collection is characterized by its bold yet feminine style."

"It has always been our goal and dream to launch our own brand," Ori Zemer said in the media release. "With our parent's knowledge of over 30 years in the industry and their experience in building a brand along with my father's design prowess, we look forward to their advice and guidance throughout this new journey we are embarking on."

Retailers interested in learning more about DeLatori may contact Ori Zemer at (858) 454-0011 or e-mail him at [email protected].

GURHAN launches new website

So very rich in features and imagry. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of Gurhan's artistry.

And the Winner Is….NY Couture Designer Challenge Winners Announced

The winners of the NY Couture Jewelry Designer Challenge were announced at a media reception at the Couture Pavilion at the JANY Winter show on Monday, January 19, 2009.  Designers were challenged to transform the iconic Greek coffee cup into a unique piece of wearable jewelry, and the variety of creations on display was just a sampling of the versatility of talent within the Couture community.

In first place was Chad Allison, who recreated the iconic New York City Greek Coffee cup into a stunning 18k white gold, diamond and sapphire multi-function pendant.  Runner up was Heather Moore, whose signature whimsical style was evident in the coffee cup holder that transforms into a bangle and armband.  “This was a fun project for the studio,” enthused Heather Moore, “We enjoyed the challenge to design a piece of jewelry ‘around’ the iconic NYC coffee cup, and we decided to take the challenge 'literally' making a cuff and a bangle that translate into a handle and a cup holder. Use this and you don't burn your fingers with the hot coffee.  When you’re done with your drink, put your cup in the recycling bin, slip the pieces on your wrist and your stylin' for the day!”

“We were so happy with the response to the competition,” noted Bailey Beeken, Group Director for Nielsen Jewelry Group, “All of the pieces were stunning, and it was fun to see our talented designers tackle this unconventional, outside-the-box challenge to create such unique jewelry.”

More than 3000 votes were received by the Couture community, which includes retailers, media and designers.   Voting was done onsite as well as online in advance of the show.  All pieces were on display throughout the show and garnered much buzz and excitement throughout the show floor.  The designers who participated were Vibes, Gurhan, Monica Rich Kosann, Paola Ferro, Heather Moore and Chad Allison.  The entries will also be showcased at the Couture 2009 show at the Wynn Las Vegas this May.