Lorraine DePasque
Lorraine DePasque is a contributing writer for INSTORE and INDESIGN. She is also a freelance journalist who has covered the fine jewelry industry for more than two decades. Having seen thousands of collections, met thousands of artisans, schlepped through hundreds of trade shows, judged hundreds of design competitions, and writtten several thousand jewelry articles, she has one simple request: “Please don’t tell me something is innovative when it isn’t.”
I suppose there are times when a trend appears suddenly, almost as if like magic, out of nowhere. Maybe. But with regard to blue and pink gem jewelry, this is not one of those times.
Exclusive: The Engaging Colin Cowie Talks about Platinum Bridal Jewelry
I first met Colin Cowie last week at a jewelry media preview in New York City, hosted by Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA). We’d spoken briefly on the phone about ten years ago when I was researching an article, but I didn’t bother mentioning that to Mr. Cowie, as I knew he wouldn’t remember. After all, he’s a busy guy—party planner to the stars, author of 11 books and, when it comes to designing elegant and interesting weddings, in particular, one of the most recognized experts in the world.
Video: Talking Weddings and Jewelry with Colin Cowie
See Lorraine DePasque's exclusive video interview with celebrity wedding planner Colin Cowie, who was recently named as a spokesman for Platinum Guild International USA. Cowie discusses the best choices for modern brides in platinum engagement rings, wedding bands, as well as other jewelry for the big day. He also provides his thoughts on what a woman should look for when picking a wedding ring, and what a groom-to-be should try not do when choosing a ring for his future bride.
With the much anticipated Baz Luhrmann film version of The Great Gatsby opening in theatres this weekend, fashion and jewelry of the 1920s is sure to be top-of-mind with anyone who surfs the web, watches TV, and reads the glossies.
The Top Trending Earring at D.C.’s Big Party—and Philly’s Small Show
I admit it: The annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner is one of my favorite fashion “shows.” Famous faces from media, government, and entertainment gathering together for a “toast ‘n roast”? You gotta love it. But seeing what the A-listers wear to that formal is icing on the cake. And last Saturday night’s standout jewelry choice? Drop earrings. They were a huge trend, yet, frankly, not a huge surprise to me. Because in February, exhibitors at the globalDESIGN Jewelry Show in Philadelphia told me drops were on every buyer’s most-wanted list. Hands-down, the dangle earring was globalDESIGN’s best-seller.
For quite some time, I’ve seen one article after another about the “Downton Abbey” effect on fashion. Yet, I haven’t seen anything pointing to the return of Y-necklaces. And, frankly, that surprises me. First, because Y-necks have been trickling back onto the jewelry scene and, second, because their very roots are believed by many to date back to the post-Edwardian era—yes, the time in which PBS’s popular British period drama series is set.
If any of you receive the Lenox direct-mail catalog, or if you recently logged on to the tabletop giant’s e-tail stores, maybe you noticed something that I spotted: designer jewelry. No, not generic—they’ve been selling that since 1981. Designer—jewelry with names, stories, and a signature look. Granted, there isn’t a lot, but it’s there . . . and it’s there for the first time in the company’s 124-year history. Scattered throughout (instead of presented altogether as Lenox’s new exclusive Designer Jewelry pieces, as I would have preferred) are small collections from Addy Ronen, Amir Poran, Wyland, and two of contemporary designer jewelry’s legends: Sandy Baker and Jose Hess.
With awards season in full swing, one jewelry item that’s been getting big buzz and rave reviews is the necklace: Amy Poehler’s 83-carat diamond lariat at the Globes, Amanda Seyfried’s Deco-look pendant at the SAGS, Carrie Underwood’s $31 million diamond choker at the Grammys. Impressive, yes, but I wonder: Are A-listers’ red carpet choices giving us any clues on significant style trends emerging in necklaces?
If you saw the January 27 SAG Awards—or at least photos of A-listers walking the red carpet at this year’s Screen Actors Guild event, you may have been as pleased as I was about two pairs of dramatic jade drop earrings. Nicole Kidman was in Fred Leighton, while Homeland’s Morena Baccarin wore Jacob & Co. What you may not have seen—but I did—was the equally dramatic jade pendant worn by Joan Rivers throughout the entire January 11 episode of her weekly TV show, “Fashion Police.” Jade is going to be huge this year--I’ve been following its steady growth since early 2012.
Michelle Obama Makes It Official: Stacks Win, Cuffs Come in Second
Okay, let’s be honest: We knew stacks were beginning to beat out cuffs as fashion’s favorite wrist wear—didn’t we?
