Jewelry Joins the Parisian 'Haute' World

Jewelry used to be the under-appreciated step-sister of the Parisian Haute Couture world - that apex of fashion events that brings the best and the brightest to the shores of the Seine twice a year.

To even be allowed to use the term “haute couture,” one has to follow a Miss Manners' rulebook full of do's and don'ts - with very few designers making the cut (only seven houses are showing this week, for example).

But this year, jewelry brands are finally allowed to show alongside the frocks - a first for the buttoned-up world of high fashion (see Nick Foulkes' informative article in Newsweek for an in-depth look at the topic).

Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel and Dior are among the select few to join the 'haute' crowd. And while the haute joaillerie can be seen by appointment only, it doesn't stop the looky-loo in me from wondering what on earth could be in the coffers for those who can afford the best the jewelry world has to offer.

Here is a link to a previous 'haute' offering from Dior that's at the top of my covet list and a few shots of pieces from the Paris jewelry shows earlier this year.

Want more? Stay tuned for a recap of my favorite Paris Couture runway jewelry looks tomorrow - including some crazy cuffs from Chanel and fairy-tale sized necklaces from Jean Paul Gaultier.

Yum!

Floral Fashion Explodes in Paris

The Paris Fall/Winter Haute Couture shows are kicking off this week with a wild display of flower power from one of my favorite designers, John Galliano for Dior.

Jewelry was a no-show on the runway, but once you get a glimpse of the cornucopia of color, you'll see why it would be a useless afterthought.

The eccentric British designer explained to the press that he wanted to do something bold and fresh with flowers, "allowing their color, texture and structure to inspire a new, modern beauty."

According to a report from France24, "The floral influence was palpable in the cut of skirts which looked as if they were composed of petals, and bustiers, sprouting fragile filaments in silk chiffon like pistils. Organza frocks appeared to have been constructed from hundreds of buds sewn together."

And the models had their heads covered in a veil of cellophane, like a bouquet fresh from the florist. J'adore Dior!

While I love the Alice In Wonderland whimsy of these frocks, I'm drooling over what appears to be the only black and white number in the collection - this perfectly petaled gown I could see any number of A-listers work on the awards show circuit (Maggie Gyllenhaal would be at the top of my list).

Stay tuned for more couture coverage - and hopefully some creative new jewelry statements to gawk at! In the meantime, weigh in with some of your favorite Dior designs!

Four July 4th Jewelry Ideas

It's almost July 4th again, jewelry hounds - that wholesome American holiday where folks all over this great nation utter the time-honored phrase,

"Hold my beer while I light this."

Sparklers of a different sort are what I'm interested in, so here are a few of my July 4th jewelry thoughts to add a little flare to your fashion.

1. Cocktail Rings

I like the idea of using your jewelry to add that last bit of red, white or blue to the BBQ ensemble - and what better way than with an oversized cocktail ring? Grab a costume piece from the vintage store down the block or shop from a huge selection of gemstone styles.

2. Step Away From The Flag Jewelry

Why not hit the holiday on the nose with a little flag jewelry? Because it's predictable, Mary. That's why. How about a little 'star' power like this instead?

3. Dangle/Disco Earrings

Time to bring out your fireworks-inspired ear wear, ladies. The more they glitter the better.

4. The Star 'Bangled' Banner, anyone?...Anyone?

Finally - the tried-and-true layered bangle look is a great way to add the 'Old Glory' color triumvirate to an all-white ensemble. You've already got 'em in the jewelry box. Time to bring 'em out an layer 'em on - maybe with a splash of gold for good measure?

Ok, jewelry hounds. Time to go get my, 'No, I really DO like potato salad' game face on.

In the meantime, weigh in with some of your favorite July 4th jewels!