Joomi Lim and Xavier Ricolfi at their New York City showroom.
Statement Jewels
Joomi Lim employs skulls, spikes and titanium for an edgy, high-end jewelry line.
story by DAVID YI
photographs by VICTOR CHU
It’s an early Friday afternoon, and jewelry designer Joomi Lim and her partner in business and life, Xavier Ricolfi, are running out of time. They’re conducting a meeting in their New York City showroom with a potential distributor, while simultaneously directing contractors on how to set up the lighting in the new space. They take time to speak with this reporter, before dashing off to an event at Saks Fifth Avenue to promote their line, Joomi Lim.
“It’s always this busy,” Lim says, chuckling.
Another designer collaboration has caught our eye: denim company Current/Elliot teams up with Greek fashion designer Mary Katrantzou, who is well known her for prints/textile designs in the fashion world. It’s one of the more exciting designer collaborations for me in 2013 – and Lane Crawford put together a great ad campaign featuring model Angie Ng.
Click on for more for from the ad campaign! Click here to shop the collection.
This past Monday, the Asia Society threw their fifth annual gala at The Pierre Hotel in Manhattan, honoring fashion designer Jason Wu. Of the Asian fashion elite, guests included Jenny Shimizu, Shu Pei, and Anna Su, along with NY Projects owner Yung Hee Kim and publisher Chiu-Ti Jansen. THe event included a live auction, which took place in the hotel’s grand ballroom (covered in fuchsia!).
When he took his award, Wu stated: “When I grew up in Taiwan, it was very clear to me that I wasn’t going to be your average doctor, lawyer or accountant. In fact, I’d highly discourage myself from doing any of your taxes. But my parents encouraged me to do what I wanted to do. I wanted to acknowledge them because they couldn’t be here; they are in Taiwan. Because they think New York is too dirty. And it is a bit dirty, but I love it.”
Monique Lhuillier has been a household name in bridal gowns since she first launched her company in 1996. With the opening of her New York flagship store in November, the Filipina-French designer has firmly established herself as the leading lady of eveningwear. Lhuillier’s gowns regularly grace the red carpet and, based on the look of her Fall 2013 ready-to-wear line that she debuted last Saturday at New York Fashion Week, this year should be no different.
Courtesy of elle.com
For Lhuillier, Fall 2013 was all about the contrast from day to night. White, black, green, and gold dominated the designer’s color palate, making for a dramatic appearance. However, this boldness of color was balanced by delicate art deco details. Must-have items from daywear included the feather printed crepe seamed pants with contrast waistband, the black web lace blouse, and the brocade printed crepe cap sleeve gown.
Courtesy of elle.com
The second half of the show took a page straight out of The Great Gatsby. Embroidery, lace, and fringe strutted down the runway. Lhuillier hit the mark with her black and emerald embroidered tulle long-sleeve illusion gown which perfectly blended sensuality with sophistication. The gold feather lace draped strapless high-low gown with exposed tulle and the black and nude deco embroidered tulle long-sleeve gown were also highlights. However, the outfit that stole the night was Lhuillier’s cigarette lace pants with tulle overlay. With the Oscars just a week away, I hope to see some celebrities donning these on the red carpet.
Courtesy of elle.com
What are you getting on February 10th from Prabal Gurung’s collection for Target? We have some items in mind – and we can’t wait until the collection hits stores and online. In the meantime, check out this adorable video promoting the line.
H&M has just announced Minju Kim as the winner for the H&M Design Award 2013. The award supports emerging European talent by funding and collaborating with one design student chosen from 19 fashion academies in European countries. Minju Kim’s “Dear My Friend” Collection was made this years winner.
Learn more about her collection here.
Project Runway Season 11 Contestant Tu Suthiwat Nakchat.
Project Runway is back for Season 11 tonight! Catch Thai contestant Tu Suthiwat Nakchat as he dukes it out with the other designers.
There’s one catch for this new season, however – every challenge is a team challenge, meaning all designers will compete in groups from beginning to end. One Project Runway winner will still be crowned.
Check out the lookbook for Prabal Gurung’s capsule collection for Target, which launches February 10th. Tell us what you think!
Prabal Gurung for Target – swoon!
The up and coming fashion designer Michelle Salins has recently debuted her collection for Fall/Winter 2012 in America. What stands out about the Indian-born designer from others is her modern and feminine mix of both Indian and American cultures. Beginning her career in 2009, Salins was formerly an interior designer before establishing her career as a fashion designer. We were fortunate enough to interview the designer who talks about her inspiration, her American release, and her tips for Fall.
Taiwanese native, Kang Chun Lin, is the designer behind the international formalwear company Enzoani. The company consists of five separate collections—Enzoani, Blue by Enzoani, Modeca, Love, and Love 16. From your prom to your wedding, Enzoani has you covered. Known for their lace and the quality of their materials (all of their crystals are Swarovski), Enzoani creates pieces that not only look beautiful but also feel luxurious. Designer Kang Chun Lin took some time to talk with me about his career and the inspiration for his 2013 collections.
