Kung Hei Fat Choy!

From Marc Jacobs and Glam Exchange
may the Year of the Rat bring you
good fortune and style.

Art Nouveau for a New Generation

The fashion world has finally tired of minimalist--but ultimately boring--jewelry. And not a moment too soon!

For Spring 2008, designers like Marc Jacobs, Yohji Yamamoto (he of the Adidas Y-3 line) and the houses of Dior and Eternamé are toying with Art Nouveau themes and gilding them with modern finishes. The results are sometimes playful, sometimes lavish, but always edgy.

I prefer to think of it as bling for women who think.

Yes, this is fine jewelry. But if you yearn for platinum but live on a rhodium budget, I have seen similar costume pieces at the more upscale bazaars.

A word of warning, girls. When you slip one on, don't wear any other piece. And put that Pucci-esque tunic back on the hanger. Believe me, a bauble like the Dior ring (above left) is the only statement you need to make.




A lariat with a shell pendant and the calla-lily pearl ring, from Yohji Yamamoto


















Marc Jacob's mouse ring--perfect for a delicate pinky









Eternamé octopus bracelet with diamonds and sapphires. Great on a bare arm and white linen.







Dior cocktail ring with diamonds, pearls and other semi-precious gems--best on a young debutante in a simple frock. (Mommies, keep away. This, like leopard print, is kryptonite to women of a certain age.)




(Photographs by Denko Ivanisevic)

The Bright Side of Global Warming

Winter may still be bitter in Europe and the US, but avid fans of fashion are feeling the warmth of Spring. While designers presented reliable standbys of black and metallic accessories, most collections are bursting with color. Even Louis Vuitton, which usually doesn't stray far from its neutral color palette, looks enticingly spicy.

Question is, will the average Miss--with her practical armory of blacks, whites, browns and camels--bite? Somehow, I doubt that I'll see these purses in Greenhills anytime soon.

Oh, well.





Marc Jacobs' bag-in-a-bag. Appealing to both fashionistas and pickpockets.











Chanel's 2.55goes from wristlet to anklet.










Finally, a colorful LV monogram canvas for the post-Hello Kitty set.













Surprisingly, a Dolce & Gabbana that appeals to me--edge on edge on edge.