Happy Birthday Faberge

He's the Blingmaster of Russian aristocracy.  Peter Carl Faberge was a master goldsmith who created the most  elaborate jeweled pieces commissioned for the Czars Alexander III and Nicholas II.  He was most famous for his eggs.  They were exquisite works of art, made with precious metals, jewels and enamel.They   often contained a surprise inside like a jeweled pot of flowers or carriage and were made by a team of artisans.

Google paid homage to the jeweler today as their main graphic:

The jewelry was any girl's dream and the House of Faberge just launched its first NYC boutique to bring the royal jewels to anyone who can afford them.  The opening was held on the rooftop of Rockefeller center. Gotham's socialites were in attendance, like Olivia Palermo and Whitney Fairchild.  The boutique is located at 594 Madison Avenue.

You can view some of the famous Faberge eggs at the Kremlin Armoury and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.



Photos by Sergei Karpukhin and Benjamin Lozovsk

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NY FASHION WEEK: Top Designers Glam QVC

The West Side had a filled red carpet last night for the QVC fashion show. Designers like Isaac Mizrahi, Cynthia Vincent and Marc Bouwer sent contemporary chic collections down the runway that will make you forget the simulated gemstone bargains that the televised shopping channel was known for.

One group had bright, spring contemporary sportswear. With a scene change, another had a romantic Breakfast at Tiffany's look. The collection that blew me away though, was the final group of evening looks that I personally wanted for my closet. I never thought I would say that about QVC. I just hope no one finds me glued to the phone, talking to the tv with a credit card in my hand at 3 AM.

The event drew notables from all over NYC. From fashion, Fern Mallis and Geten Ford. Entertainers Maria Menounos and Kelly Rutherford looked glam in the red carpet. Socialite Olivia Palermo, Star Jones and a smattering 'Real Housewives' rounded out the set.

photos by Mariana Leung

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NY FASHION WEEK: Ports 1961 Spring 2011

Jetsetter for wanderer? Fiona Cibani showed first collection for Ports 1961 after taking over for her sister on Friday.  The inspiration for this collection was pulled from the landscapes of North Africa, as imagined by Isabelle Eberhardt in the 19th century.

How did this translate into clothing? There were soft layered pieces, asymmetrical shoulders to emulate sand dunes.  Taupe, tan, some iridescent to project a mirage in the desert. There were pieces embroidered with Swarovski crystals to reference the minerals and jewels of the continent.  The brighter colors of the collection's palette did this as well.  There were a few abstract prints using a modern interpretation of camouflage.  The label also developed bias yarn that 'torqued', giving a unique twisted look to the shrugs and tops.

My favorite look arrived at the end.  It was the color of sand and involved layers and layers of close-trimmed chiffon with raw edges.  It gave the look of feathered texture, or dune in the wind.  Then it was topped by crystal applique, as if jewels were thrown on top.  (See the slideshow below)

Spotted in the front row: Olivia Palermo, Eric McCormack

Photos by Ritika W.

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