URING
the fall shows at Bryant Park last February, in addition to black
being the dominant colour of choice; accessories also made a strong
showing. There were so many new and different variations on the
common bag and belt; there’s one that suits every customer seeking
to update her wardrobe. More importantly, jewellery, specifically
diamonds were all over the runways.
Models in the Sean John show wore a million dollars
worth of diamond dog chokers, buckles and chains from Diamond Quasar’s
Jacob the Jeweler. Anne Bowen borrowed 20 mesh necklaces from H.
Stern to use as the basis of her finalé evening dress. Ralph
Lauren complemented his designs with diamond pendants, nineteenth-century
vintage diamond rivière necklaces and a diamond bead necklace
(valued at $1·5 million) from Fred Leighton. As did Richard Tyler,
whose loaners included vintage broaches, hatpins, nineteenth-century
diamond chokers and a tiara (valued at $2 million) from the above-mentioned
Mr Leighton. Paula Hian used over-sized cognac-coloured diamond
cocktail rings designed by Craig Drake. Zang Toi hit the jackpot
with over $5 million worth of diamond line bracelets, broaches and
Déco-style cigar band rings from diamond.com.
Cynthia Steffe said it best: ‘If you are showing
luxury [clothing], you can’t do it without adding diamonds.’ She
used avant-garde jewellery from H. Stern to complement her diaphanous
beaded gowns and tuxedo evening wear, including diamond line earrings
set in white gold valued at $2 million.
The Diamond Information Center sponsored a mini
showcase of diamond line bracelets in the Moët & Chandon
Lounge at the Tents. The Diamond Information Center was launched
in 1972, and conducts public relations activities on behalf of the
Diamond Trading Company, the marketing and selling arm of the internationally
famous DeBeers Group. Among its many public relations activities,
the DIC helped to support the American Museum of Natural History
in its development of their "Nature of Diamonds" exhibition.
This exhibition, which was on display from November 1, 1997 through
August 30, 1998, was the most comprehensive exhibition ever mounted
on the subject of diamonds (and a huge success with the art critics
and public alike). The DIC also hosted the
Diamonds Are Forever Millennium Celebration, with the proceeds benefiting
the Liz Tiberis Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
The on-site mini-showcase of bracelets highlighted
designs from diamond.com, Viktor & Rolf, William Goldberg, Fortunoff,
Alexander Primak and Roberto Coin. The Viktor & Rolf design—made
all the more special with a tiny white gold bell at the clasp—is
sold exclusively through Barney’s New York and was included in the
celebrity gift bags given out at the VH1/Vogue
Awards held in New York City last October. The pieces on exhibition
ranged in carat weight from D’Annunzio’s 3·25 ct to Siegelson’s
whopping 38·08 ct. Popular designs featured a one-diamond shape
or a mixture of shapes and always set in white gold or platinum.
‘Today’s woman wants accessories that expresses
their personal style, which can be worn everyday and for every occasion,’
explains Joan Parker, Director of the DIC
in New York. ‘The diamond line bracelet is the perfect choice because
it says luxury without being flashy.’
With fall shaping up to being one long extended
mourning period, I couldn’t agree more. A little flash of brilliance
on the wrist is almost certain to lighten up any woman’s mood.
Phillip D. Johnson
Phillip D. Johnson is features' editor of Lucire.
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