Rise!

No Fauxs Here...Only Authentic Ish!!!

2011-08-11T11:15:00.000-04:00

I've been a fan for a few years and this designer still BrInGs IT! Born and raised in La-La Land (LA that is), Melody Ehsani decided to go against the grain and rock to the beat of her own drum. Coming from a traditional Persian family, Melody decided to "honor her blueprint" and become a jewelry designer instead of becoming a lawyer. If you ask me, a better decision couldn't ave been made. Her jewelry is fresh, funky and just plain FLYYY! I get excited whenever a new piece debuts because I know I'll see something innovative and new. Cheers to bucking the trend and staying true to one's self. Living authentically is so rewarding.

Neo Earrings
Courtesy of: www.melodyehsani.com

King Tut Earrings
Coutesy of: www.melodyehsani.com

Native Feather Earrings
Courtesy of: www.melodyehsani.com

Chainbow Ring w/Spike
Courtesy of: www.melodyehsani.com

Hologram Earrings
Courtesy of: www.melodyehsani.com

Hologram Necklace
Courtesy of: www.melodyehsani.com

BE!

2011-08-09T11:32:00.000-04:00

Now if this isn't INSPIRATION PERSONIFIED...I don't know what is! The CoLoRs-VIVID & ENERGETIC, which represent boldness and passion. The TeChNiQuE-COMPLICATED & HANDCRAFTED macrame, knotting and hand dyeing. The SilHoUeTtES-LAYERS & DRAPING in ways that are rarely attempted or seen. This collection, from London College of Fashion graduate, Yingzhi Luo, is from the LFC Graduate Show 2011. She was inspired by the people of Tibet which she photographed on her journey there last Summer. Her designs are based upon what the Tibetan people are wearing and the spirit they exude through heir garments. Every detail is a representation of the faith, kindness and dedication to living the Buddhist way of life. If true happiness can be obtained by taking in the world around you and becoming inspired to create beauty by way of doing something you love, then let's take a cue from the Tibetan Buddhists and Yingzhi Luo. Get Inspired! Act! BE!

All Photos Courtesy of: www.chichiluo.com

Follow Your Heart

2011-08-08T10:57:00.000-04:00

Malababa, a Spanish leather goods and accessory company, was created in 1997 by Ana Carrasco, a Pharmacy and Chemistry graduate. Soon after completing her studies, she realized her love for fashion was far stronger than her like for apothecary. With a focus on accessory design and following her heart, she went on to design for several top Spanish designers before striking out on her own. Her collection of leather handbags, shoes, belts, headbands, necklaces, bracelets and rings are a well-rounded collection of accessories. Beautifully crafted and magnificently designed, these accessories will fit into any woman's wardrobe no matter the style. Whether you're the type who's into the look of the distressed desert traveler or the lady-like sophisticate, this collection is sure to have something to suit your taste. Let's thank our lucky stars that Ana chose to follow her heart's desires because these accessories are timeless additions to any woman's wardrobe.

All Photos Courtesy of: www.malababa.com

CARRIED AWAY...

2011-08-05T11:38:00.000-04:00

Art is something I can't live without. No mater the medium or size, it's an essential accessory to my life. It inspires new ideas and evokes deep awareness of the world around me. Allowing me to take a glimpse into eras past and techniques long gone. It also allows me to view in a tangible form, an artist's deep feelings that a life truly lived can provoke. This brings me to introduce an amazing mixed media artist from the U.K., Ann Carrington. I first learned of this amazing artist from my favorite interior design couple, Cortney and Bob Novogratz. Her work was featured on several episodes of their design show "9 By Design" on Bravo. After seeing the "making of..." episodes for flags they'd commissioned her to make for their project, The Bugalow Hotel, I was hooked. She is a highly accomplished artist that pushes the boundaries of what traditional art is thought to be. No matter the medium, Ann Carrington can make stunning art of it. Not only has she exhibited worldwide and fulfilled many public and private commissions, she's also helped to raise awareness of Human Trafficking through her artwork. Presented at the Human Trafficking Conference in Luxor, Egypt, her work titled, "From Fujian Province to Morcambe Bay...," was the focal point of her speech on the final day of the conference. If art can instigate change and facilitate fulfillment in the lives of all that partake, why not make it an essential accessory to your life as well?!?!

Pearly Queen of Trafalgar
Medium: Buttons on Canvas
Courtesy of: http://www.anncarrington.co.uk/

The Shell Ladies
Medium: Scallop Shells
Coutesy of: http://www.anncarrington.co.uk/

From Fujian Province to Morecambe Bay...
Medium: Necklaces, Bracelets & Chains
Courtesy of: http://www.anncarrington.co.uk/

AT-TEN-TION!

2011-08-04T12:19:00.000-04:00

My most current obsession is with all things SUNO! Meaning, listen or attention in Hindi, this collection of clothing and accessories are To Diiiiiie 4! Founded by Max Osterweis in collaboration with designer, Erin Beatty, SUNO is a company with a social mission to produce African inspired clothes made in Kenya. Their charitable concept employs Kenyan talent and also showcases some of Kenya's artistry. This tightly edited collection of high end tailoring mixed with intricate patterns makes for beautifully crafted clothing and accessories that give a fresh perspective of the luxury world with a global twist. Since its inception, SUNO has grown to include production in Kenya, India, Peru and its home base of NYC. Most recently, they offer a jewelry collection in collaboration with Lizzie Fortunato Jewels as well as a capsule footwear collection with Loefler Randall. This highly coveted womenswear collection is sure to transcend time and live forever regardless of the trend.

Courtesy of: http://www.sunony.com/

Courtesy of: http://www.openingceremony.us/

Courtesy of: http://www.sunony.com/

COurtesy of: http://www.sunony.com/

Bad-Azzz!

2011-08-03T01:17:00.000-04:00

I had to re-launch the O!A blog with a bang!!!! In doing so, I chose to highlight a design duo who hail from Japan and currently reside in NYC. These girls are simply...BAD-AZZZ! Yes I said it! Kozue & Ayumi of Badacious are the epitome of irreverent fashion chicks that i absolutely live for. They are innovative and offer a fresh perspective on DoPeNeSs PeRsOnIfIeD! Feast your eyes and don't make their site crash form rushing to purchase some of the hautest jewels I've seen in a while!

SUPERNOVA

2011-02-10T08:29:00.000-05:00

Swedish born jewelry designer, Ligia Dias, is Comme de Garcons approved, Lavin trained, Colette displayed and Andam board recognized...all before the age of 30. With all these high-powered fashion players taking notice and an interest in Ligia Dias, I had no choice but to highlight her fashion-forward designs. Her jewelry line is audacity and luxury combined. With impeccable technique and a povera approach to design she is absolutely the SUPERNOVA they say she is.

Courtesy of www.ligiadias.com

Glasses Strap Rope & Chain
Courtesy of www.openingceremony.com

Necklace Hair Pins-Anni A
Courtesy of www.openingceremony.com

Glasses Strap Grossgrain
Courtesy of www.openingceremony.com

There's No Such Thing As Happenstance...

2011-02-09T12:24:00.000-05:00

If you didn't know any better, you'd think that this guy just came out of nowhere and popped up on the fashion scene. But designer, bon vivant and Wes Anderson posse member, Waris Ahluwalia has been around for quite sometime. Born in Amritsar, India to a Linguistics professor and private school headmistress, American dreams would be the catalyst for the family's move to Brooklyn, NY when Waris was five. Being the only Sikh kid in his community helped to define the man he would become. After doing a stint at a college in upstate New York, a year abroad at the University of Manchester in England, and a few post graduate interviews, Waris knew exactly what he didn't want to do in life. Armed with that knowledge, he decided to follow his dreams and find his place in the world. Not liking the cold weather of the North East, he opted to spend his winters in sunny Los Angles where the owner of Maxfiled's would place an order for rings that Ahluwalia was wearing, to be delivered in a week. These rings were made by a guy in New York's jewelry district just before Waris fled the cold. This is what is known as the beginning of 'House of Waris', a fine jewelry company that has become a media darling, being covered by all the top fashion mags. Needless to say, the rings SOLD OUT! Before long, Waris had workshops in Italy and Jaipur, India churning out his beautiful jewelry for men and women. He's appeared in Wes Anderson's films, 'Life Aquatic' and 'The Darjeeling Limited' and also Spike Lee's, 'Inside Man.' More recently, he opened 'House of Waris Tea Room,' a pop-up space designed by architect Christian Wassmann under the New York City High Line. It served Darjeeling tea, biscuits from England and of course hosted Playboy parties. Truly a renaissance brand, 'House of Waris' is all-encompasing--it personifies a love of history and romanticism.

Ware Wonderland

2011-02-07T11:08:00.000-05:00

So what do you do when you find something new that you absolutely LOVE...well,, in terms of jewellery (its a UK thing..jeweLLery, not jeweLery)....you buy all flavors of that thing...which is exactly what I did when I discovered Ware Jewellery. These pieces are a BURST! They are sustainable, which you already know I loooove and they're DoPe!!!! Made by London based artist and designer, Emma Ware, these accessories have a strong focus on sustainability which is reflected in the materials and the processes used in making the jewellery. If this is this is an indication of things to come in the fashion world, Mother Earth and the Fashionistas are in good hands.

All Photos Courtesy of: www.emmaware.co.uk

Salvage Sophistication

2011-02-03T10:14:00.000-05:00

The idea of reusing, recycling, repurposing, restoring and reusing makes me happy. Which brings me to Ilaria Venturini Fendi...she had the brilliant idea to take rejected virgin materials and give new life to them as one of a kind bags, accessories and pieces of furniture. How brilliant is she?! The items are not reconverted through industrial processes but instead reworked to become one of a kind Carmina Campus' covetable accessories. In a world that's full of waste and excess, its a breath of fresh air (literally) to see textiles, metals, plastic and wood given a 2nd chance to live. The days, salvage, is the new chic!

All Photos Courtesy of www.carminacampus.com

Metal Precieux

2011-02-02T16:53:00.000-05:00

With thee coolest name ever, Lady Grey (insider), consists of dark, conceptual, statement pieces of jewelry that make you appreciate the fine art of metalsmithing...seriously. The design duo, Jill Martinelli and Sabine Le Guyader got their start in prosthetic dentistry and orthodontics, respectively, while earning bachelor's degrees at Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. Obviously, these two after school jobs were preparation for big things to come. Their attention to detail and symmetry are absolutely apparent in their meticulous designs. Although their jewelry can be worn everyday, there is definitely something special about these wonderfully handmade works of greatness!

All Photos Courtesy of www.ladygreyjewelry.com

Sister Power...PoW! PoW! PoW!

2011-02-01T10:41:00.000-05:00

I have a twin sister whom I adore and a younger sister who is just the bestest. These are the two people who I bounce ideas off of and collaborate with about my entire life. So I can appreciate sisters who have a work relationship as well as an unbreakable sister bond. Which brings me to introduce to you, Phoebe and Annette Stephens of Anndra Neen. These girls have got IT in the bag! Their accessory line of jewelry and minaudieres are "Mad Max" X Ladies-Who-Lunch. From chockers and knuckle dusters to clutches and breast-plates, these accessories are for the fiercely fashionable style maven who is comfortable wearing her strength, well, on her sleeve. Handcrafted by artisan in their native, Mexico, these French Medieval armor inspired accessories are sure to make their way into my jewelry collection and I hope yours as well. "Yayyyy" for sisters...and "Cheers" to Vision!

Bright Young Thiiiingggzzz!

2011-01-31T10:48:00.000-05:00

As you should know by now, i LOVE anything, FLUORESCENT!!! Needless to say, when I discovered London based, French born Blandine Bardeau I was floored!!! Her witty expressions of her imagination are what Legends are made of. Her illustrations; witty interpretations of modern-day chimeras...Her jewelry; beautifully variegated hues of jelly string. I say its genius!! Her imagination is a prolific interpretation of modern, funky mixtures of ideas that translate into ...well....awesome art! A 2009 Central Saint Martins' graduate, she's currently a freelance designer, illustrator and jewelry designer. We are sure to see much more of her and mark my words....she is a Legend in the making!

Hijabi Inspired

2011-01-28T09:12:00.000-05:00

For those who are unfamiliar, a Hijabi is a Muslim woman who wears a headscarf or hijab. For me, my ObSeSsIoN with Jantaminiau (Jan Taminiau, a Netherlands born Couturier) started with the shoes....its ALWAYS about the shoes. These are the definition of sculptural skyscraping footwear. They are what I'd like to wear everyday of my life but can only do so in my dreams because well, look at em...how would I get any work done in these? I'd be staring down at my feet all day. Anywhoo, like I said before, it started with the shoes. Then I saw these absolutely amazing couture creations that just screamed "Muslim Woman Inspired." They remind me of the the most fashionable Muslimahs I've ever seen...on fashion steroids. Of course these pieces are highly fashionable and can be translated to a RTW look. But just seeing this opens my eyes to the possibilities of what can become of a woman covered...avant garde, cutting edge, beautiful and modest. Not to mention fiercely fashionable....HELLO!

Courtesy of www.jantaminiau.com

Meet Me at the Bazaar in the Middle of Town...

2011-01-27T11:35:00.000-05:00

These accessories are...Bazaar X Ultra-Luxury! They remind you of hand-crafted pieces you'd find in a Bazaar in the middle of the "Old City" on some far-off continent, but with luxurious metals and stones interwoven into the aesthetic. I know, I know, I'm sooo descriptive. But I have to be because Kara Ross' jewels are made with the simplicity of ancient design but her Gemology background shines through with her choice of alternative and unusual materials. She's a master jeweler and a masterful creative. Her designs are beautifully brilliant in every way!

Courtesy of www.kararossny.com

Its In Her Blood

2011-01-25T17:37:00.000-05:00

She just can't help it! Its in her blood! A fourth generation Fendi, Delfina Delettrez couldn't help but be the creative genius that she is. Her jewelry is A-Ma-Ziiiiing-AHHH! Its everything that is me...or at least these are words that I use to describe my own personal style...rock, fresh, powerful, laid-back, sunny, romantic, goth....yes, all these words 2-ge-ther. Her designs are that of a woman with the training and imagination to take you on a journey. Her masterpieces put you in the mind of Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride" or "Nightmare Before Christmas." With her first collection in 2007, her work has evolved and her aestethic more refined. I'm in loooove! Her jewels are seriously my new fave!!!

The Invisibles

2011-01-22T15:03:00.000-05:00

Not only do I love fashion, I love art as well. Which brings me to a talented artists based in the Netherlands named Diddo. His creations have a depth to them that only great artists are able to achieve. Skilled in art direction, visualisation, photography and design, he develops branding ideas that double as masterful works of art. With the knowledge that every artists should have a "tribe," the Invisible Party is his. They are an evolving network of independent creatives working for brands and agencies in the creative, fashion, media and entertainment industries. His mission is to create branding and art ideas for both personal and freelance projects. He hopes to create opportunities to collaborate with inspiring people all over the world through his work. I say....global collaboration is so fUtUrIsTiC!

The Invisible Party

Champagne
Dom Perignon Fire Extinguisher

High Fashion Protection
Diamonds, Gucci & Louis Vuitton

sPa-sPaZ iF u WaNt To...

2011-01-21T16:12:00.001-05:00

Those are the words that come to mind when I look at Venessa Arizaga's jewelry. Her pieces are wonderfully spazmatic! These mixed-media darlings are just what a woman of my taste wants to wear while going about my beautiful existence. With each handmade piece having a different story to tell, they are the product of Venessa's own creative vision and her desire to explore her own aesthetic under her own name. With that being said, I can't get enough of her jewelry!!!! Its ba-na-nas...its bonkers....its beautiful!!!

PINATA
Courtesy of www.venessaarizaga.com

EVERYBODY'S DARLING & CRAZY HEART
Courtesy of www.venesaarizaga.com

LOCUST DANCING
Courtesy of www.venesaarizaga.com

SWEET BONES & SWEET TROUBLE
Courtesy of www.venessaarizaga.com

Success Is A Journey...Make Sure You Give "A Look" While Traveling

2011-01-20T09:14:00.000-05:00

Being as though I'm an entrepreneur myself, I'm a great big fan of entrepreneurial success stories. They are inspiring and basically...they make me smile. When I first discovered Joomi Lim, I was flabbergasted! The contrast between soft & hard; feminine & masculine...just made me ooooze with happiness. To put it simply, these accessories are THE ISH!!! With several other successful business ventures preceding this one, with a new partner and their own savings, Joomi Lim and Xavier Ricolfi started the accessory company, Joomi Lim. They distribute their awe inspiring jewels to high end shops and they are selling like Georgetown Cupcakes. Their designs speak to my soul. These are the jewels that I want to wear while doing my daily entrepreneurial duties because they remind me that hard work and persistence produce tangible results and they just look so darn good that I can give "the Look of Life" while fulfilling my dreams!

Bracelet w/QB Chain & Crystal
Courtesy of www.openingceremony.us

Large Titanium Cuff
Courtesy of www.joomilim.com

Ring w/3 Spikes
Courtesy of www.openingceremony.us

Medium Titanium Cuff
Courtesy of www.joomilim.com

Small Titanium Cuff w/Spikes
Courtesy of www.joomilim.com

The Fringe

2011-01-19T09:21:00.000-05:00

You know I love all things "avant garde." So when I found this awesome line of accessories on one of my favorite online shops I just DIIIIIED! This stuff is Sooooooo Freakin' Haute!!! Because I have a natural affinity to any type of head covering or adornment, these cool pieces were right up my alley. The in-house label, 'Two Weeks', brought to you by self proclaimed "Bitching Girls," Kath and Marion of Bitching and Junkfood relies heavily on street fashion and subcultures for inspiration. Here's a look at some of the pieces from their S/S 11 collection and a few from their online store.

Perforated Leather Hood
Courtesy of www.bitchingandjunkfood.com

Two Weeks S/S 11 Collection

Textile Fringe Headband
Courtesy of www.bitchingandjunkfood.com

Two Weeks S/S 11 Collection

U + ME = Friends 4 Ever

2011-01-18T08:41:00.001-05:00

Remember when you were little and you and your friends would exchange friendship bracelets? When I first learned of these awesome, hand-made, vintage, repurposed friendship bracelets I got all nostalgic and super excited. These bejeweled little numbers are the grown-up version of the friendship bracelets from our youth but with the "Glam Factor" added. NYC based designers Stacy Herzog & Sarah Reid were of course inspired by their own tween years when they started making friendship bracelets mixed with vintage jewelry from their grandmothers jewelry collections. Their line of accessories, Frieda & Nellie is named after the duos stylish grandmas and these two young designers have become the toast of the glossies. I love anything that's repurposed, reused, fashionable and FANTABULOUS!!!! I luv, luv, luv these bracelets. They make a great gift for your bestie and if she's anything like me she'll want to pile 'em on....cuz in reality you can't just wear one and you can gift her her very first one. Can't wait to see what else Stacy and Sarah come up with. I'm sure it will be purposeful and pretty just like their friendship bracelets.

Courtesy of www.friedaandnellie.com

Ruffle Me Up

2011-01-17T10:14:00.000-05:00

This one is dedicated to my DIE-HARD Fashion Misters....yes, if you're of the male species and you DIIIIIE 4 Fashion...this here post is 4 U!!!! These Edwardian/Elizabethan inspired accessories are so FuTuRiStiC i can't stand it (in a good way of course). Although they can also be worn by Fashion Misses, I think they do the MOST when RoCkEd by a confident, fashionable man. Made by Liberty & London in Hackey Wick, east London. These skillfully crafted leather accessories are designed and handmade by design duo Robin Lake and Liberty Fearns. They also make custom and bespoke pieces using high quality leathers and hardware. These accessories aren't for the faint of heart...they're for the "I'm giving the LOOK of LIFE today" man. Please feast your eyes and don't be shy...you only live once....you might as well live it fashionably!

Courtesy of Bitching and Junkfood

and thee a-WARD goes to.........

2011-01-14T08:45:00.000-05:00

I'm so dying to tell you guys about all the absolutely fantabulous things that i looove; and the people too. I loooove Kirsty Ward. She is an amazing young designer who graduated from Central St. Martins' College of Art and Design in 2008. She immediately got a gig at Alberta Ferretti, where she stayed for a year and a half, honing her skills. Now fast-foward to the present and she's just launched her eponymous label with a spring/summer collection at London Fashion Week. The collection is filled with boned, textured clothing inspired by the work of Feliks Topolski. Now....the accessories are 2 DIE 4!!! They are everything you've ever wanted in a sculptural, pastel piece of goodness. Designed with architectural inspiration and tribal tributes, these pieces of jewellery are made for fierce fashionistas who dare to be different. Lovlies, if you're of the timid kind...these jewels aint for you. But if you're like me and you live to give "A Look" everyday of your existence then these artfully crafted pieces are just what you've been looking for.

WallPaper is the Haute NEW Space Accessory

2011-01-13T10:53:00.000-05:00

So...I ran across this wallpaper company a few years ago and have been lusting over it ever since. Its called Flavor Paper. They produce unique vintage, contemporary and custom hand screened wallpaper. This paper can transform any space into an uber-chic oasis of krazy kool. Their headquarters was located in New Orleans, La during Hurricane Katrina. Needless to say, that period of time was very difficult for the company and it was basically survival of the fittest. Well...after the storm the sun will shine again because they have relocated to swanky new digs in Brooklyn. They've dubbed the space the Flavor Lair-street level printing studio/free public art display, second floor showroom, a design center and office headquarters. Oh, and you know they are participating in the GREEN movement...its also a Live/Work space. How cool is that? Many taste aficionados' walls have donned this beautifully crafted paper, from rockstars to retailers, nightclubs to restaurants and hotels to savvy homeowners. Whatever the place, you know you're a taste maker when you spice up your space with Flavor Paper! Get your fix at www.flavorleague.com

Printing Studio

Lair Powder Room

Lair Staircase

Lair Showroom

Trade Show Booth

Parisian Sensibilities

2011-01-12T18:54:00.000-05:00

The Parisian design team Nous Sommes is the latest rave in the fashion world. Their necklaces feature the heads of icons in fashion, music and film. These iconic pendants have put their names on the tongues of trendsetters across the globe. Among celebs that have sported their jewels are Amber Rose, Karl Lagerfeld, Teyana Taylor, and many more. We're dying to see what innovative designs they come up with next!

Nous Sommes = Kizda and Jeremy

Karl Lagerfeld wearing Nous Sommes

Nous Sommes Collection

Lady GaGa

Karl Lagerfeld

Grace Jones

Nous Sommes and Terry Richardson