2012 Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra Reveal with Angel Alessandra Ambrosio

Every October, Victoria’s Secret Angel fans have something to look forward to-the annual Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra Reveal. There, we find-out which lucky VS Angel gets to wear the six-figure gem studded bra on Angel Game Day. The Reveal event is great pre-press for the real headliner, the December 4th Victoria’s Secret Runway Show.

: Alessandra Alessio and Victoria’s Secret 2012 Fantasy Bra

This year, Alessandra Ambrosio will wear the $2.5 million fantasy bra set designed by London Jewelers. The bra is a custom fit Very Sexy Push-Up bra decorated with 5,200 precious gems. Rather than the confetti pattern I’d been expecting, the Reveal features beautiful pink and yellow roses fashioned from rubies, white, pink and yellow diamonds set in 18 karat rose and yellow gold. The flower pattern is akin to Van Cleef & Arpel’s art deco Roses Bracelet and Brooch created in 1924. The Van Cleef piece is set in platinum, but both share a floral style focused on nature and are lovely collectibles.

Van Cleef & Arpels Roses Bracelet – 1924

The Reveal comes with some clever extras, two removable diamond flower pins, weighting in at 12.5 carats and 20 carats, respectively. The matching belt is stunning and would make quite the statement necklace for the lucky woman who will eventually get to wear it.

Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Fantasy Fragrance Bottle Created by London Jewelers

The $500K bottle London Jewelers created to house the the Bombshell Fantasy Fragrance [ V.S. Bombshell Eau de Parfum] looks like an immense cushion cut diamond accessorized with the same roses and vines as the bra. Most remarkable is the one of a kind, hand carved tourmaline butterfly perched next to the large diamond in the center. The Bombshell Fantasy Fragrance encompasses notes of purple passion fruit, Shangri-la peony and vanilla orchid.

There’s a few ways the rest of us can participate in the Fantasy reveal for significantly less moolah. Pick up a bottle of Victoria’s Secret Bombshell fragrance for [under $70], a Very Sexy Push Up Bra [$58-68], and put your creative genius to work. All you need are some pretty beads [Swarovski crystals are best] and a glue gun. Why not indulge in a little D.I.Y. and create your own version of the Fantasy Reveal as you tune in on Tuesday night, December 4^{th, 10:00p.m., EST,} on the CBS Television Network when they air the 2012 Victoria’s Secret Fashion show? Don’t forget to spritz yourself with some Bombshell.

Enjoy the show!

Victoria’s Secret fans can get inside access to logging on to: ‘VS All Access’ on VictoriasSecret.com; Facebook.com/VictoriasSecret; @VictoriasSecret with #VSFantasyBra.

Fashion Muse: Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma

Fashion Muse, Countess Edwina Mountbatten

Designer Misha Nonoo’s Resort 2013 Collection Inspiration Statement reads as follows:

“Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma,

a sybarite of regal proportions and last Vicereine of India.”

: Above, Edwina, dressed for the coronation of George VI, 1937

Edwina Wearing Her Cartier Bracelet

What a muse Edwina is! After a morning of research, I learned that she was one of the six best-dressed women in the world and had an incredible jewelry collection that reflected the time she spent living and traveling between distinctly different cultures. The stunning platinum set ruby, sapphire, diamond and emerald, bandeau made by Cartier Edwina bought in London in 1928, was ade of stones allegedly taken from Indian jewelry.

Edwina’s Cartier bracelet/bandeau

Edwina Mountbatten was born to be a fashion icon. She had all the credentials and then some, including, great wealth, fabulous social connections – the British Royal family attended her wedding to Louis Mountbatten and Edward VII was the best man.

Edwina and Louis Mountbatten

Edwina was also according to all accounts, incredibly stylish, loved to play, and had a scandalously non-traditional streak when it came to her marriage. She flouted conventions whenever it suited her, even dropped out of sight for long periods to pursue whatever pleasures struck her fancy.

She grew up after she and Lord Mountbatten, were sent to serve as the last Viceroy and Vicereine of pre-Partition India following the end of WWII. Lord M. was given full powers to govern India and transition turmoil-torn British India to independence as he best saw fit. At that period, Edwina added a new entry, relief worker, to her glittering resume, and the title, Countess Mountbatten of Burma.

- Vivian Kelly

Nonoo – Resort 2012

Designer Misha Nonoo had the most wonderful inspiration for her Nooo Resort 2013 Collection. Her Inspiration Statement reads as follows:

“Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma,

a sybarite of regal proportions and last Vicereine of India.”

The inspiration is very apropos, given Ms. Nonoo’s background; like Edwina, she was raised in London. The designer was born in Bahrain and you can see the exoticism that makes these easy to wear clothes something special.

I was hooked at the prospect of having a new fashion muse to research and obsess over, and a resort collection I loved.

The stunning platinum set ruby, sapphire, diamond and emerald, bandeau made by Cartier Edwina bought in London in 1928, was made of stones allegedly taken from what was originally Indian jewelry. It would look wonderful with Look #11 from the Noonoo Resort collection, a sapphire blue French lace blouse and pencil skirt. You’d wear the bandeau, just as Edwina did, very casually, wrapped twice around your wrist as a bracelet.

The fabrics of note at Nonoo were French lace, four ply silk and chiffon mixed in with some classic botanical and lattice prints. Details such as beading on jet collars and cuffs gave just the right touch of Eastern opulence to the quirky tailored separates and elegant skirt suits and dresses.

Edwina, were she alive now, would surely approve of look #5, a persimmon double face crepe skirt suit with transparent pailette detail over a silk georgette blouse for her daytime duties as Viscountess.

Botanical print crepe de chine blouse paired with cropped tailored silk shantung trouser, Look #2, would be perfect for lounging in a hammock at the end of the day while sipping an ice tea while contemplating her busy day.

- Vivian Kelly

Madonna’s W.E., Cartier, And Carolee Jewelry

Text, Vivian Kelly

Wallis Simpson's Cartier Cross Bracelet

Finally! After months of talking about watching Madonna directed W.E., I unexpectedly found the film at RedBox, in Stop & Shop, and had the luxury of watching it over the course of several days, rewinding it to hone-in on the magnificent jewelry Edward gifted Wallis.

Edward and Wallis

: Poster for W.E.

We already know part of the story, which we were introduced to in the Academy Award winning The King’s Speech. Colin Firth played the part of the shy, stuttering Bertie to a tee. The spare heir found himself catapaulted into the terrrifying position of having to become King of England /Great Britain, after his older brother, King EdwardVIII [convincingly played by James D'Arcy in W. E.], gave up the throne to be with the woman he loved, Baltimore divorcee, Wallis Simpson.

In W.E., Madonna adds an interesting twist, telling Wallis’s story through the eyes of a modern day “Wally”[Winthrop], the lovely Abbie Cornish. The latter is a former Art Expert at Sotheby’s, who gives up the work she loves for her narcissistic husband, played by Richard Coyle, who regards her as nothing much more than a pretty and irrelevant bauble.

Wally and Wallis [Andrea Riseborough] play the role of mentee and mentor. Both experience happiness in two greatly different time periods, in varying degrees, predicated by the prevailing societal norms. Mrs. Simpson is ostracized world-wide by “society” for ruining Edward’s life. The couple is banished from England until they die. They pay a steep price for daring to flout convention to stay together.

As Wally points-out to Mr. Al Fayed, when she pleads with him to let her see the Duchess’s letter, Wallis has given up her life to be with Edward. As Wallis says to Edward, they are doomed to be society’s most celebrated refugees.

The real story though, is one of mentorship. Wallis Simpson acted as Wally Winthrop spiritual guide.Wally has it much easier than her idol Wallis, in that after enduring a horrific beating from her abusive husband, as does Wallis in her first marriage, she finds love with [Oscar Isaac] a handsome Russian security guard and finds herself able to have a child with the man she loves, unlike her idol Wallis. In addition to the storyline, there are gorgeous sets to enjoy and jewelry aplenty to ogle over. Edward gave Wallis extraordinary jewelry to mark just about every event in the 35 years of their marriage.

The Duchess’s 214 piece jewelry collection was originally sold in 1987, by Sotheby’s in Geneva for the record price of $53.5 million. Elizabeth Taylor owned the Duchess of Windsor Prince of Wales Plume Pin. You can get a nice version at Carolee for $95.

Enjoy the images of some of the spectacular pieces [below] that Edward gifted Wallis in his attempt to make up for the pain of their life-long exile.

Duchess of Windsor Diamond and Sapphire Panther Pin by Cartier, 1949

Wallis Simpson's plume shaped diamond brooch

*If you’re smitten with Wallis’s jewelry, there are some excellent and affordable copies available at Carolee.

CIRCA and Iconic Jewelry

Text, Vivian Kelly

Romancing the Stone – Andrew and John at The Persian Shop, are masters at it, as are the images in the tabloids of the latest celebrity engagement ring. In the Sixties and Seventies, women devoured the details of that period’s “it couple” Liz & Richard. When Richard Burton gave Liz Taylor jewelry, it was NEWS, especially when he gifted her the incredible 33.19-carat, Asscher-cut Krupp diamond she had set in platinum, and wore years after Richard’s death in 1984.

Liz Taylor, showing off her Krupp diamond to Richard Burton

Today’s power couple, Brad and Angelina, have revealed their modern day Krupp. Angelina Jolie’s Robert Procop designed Engagement Ring, made up of emerald cut diamonds is less flashy than Liz’a Asscher rock, thanks to the understated quality emerald cut diamonds have. Angelina’s ring is a tad supersized, but she’s a superstar so it really is perfect on her.

Angelina Jolie's Engagement Ring

I headed over to the Circa New York City office on Fifth Avenue to sell a few pieces and to glean some more tidbits of gemstone information, hopefully about emerald cut diamonds, from their highly knowledgeable Circa Jewelry Experts. I love going to Circa because it’s an education each and every time I go in to sell a piece. It’s good to be in the presence of someone who is as passionate as gems as I am and who can answer just about any question I have.

Circa offers fair pricing for the things I’ve sold there over the past year and the fact that my pieces will be resold to someone else puts them in the “recycled” category and thus, sustainable, which is good.

Back in September, during NYFW, Circa had a booth next to the Mercedes-Benz VIP lounge. I was late to a show off site because I had to stop to study the vintage pieces in the display cases. The display had museum worthy pieces and the mini catalogue and website provide commentary from Circa jewelry experts that explain just what makes these pieces so collectible.

Jewelry buffs – enjoy the images!

Mrs. Bernie Madoff's platinum, diamond and emerald bracelet, purchased by CIRCA Jewelry owner, Chris DelGatto at auction

Gayle Grenadier's Italian chrysoprase 18-karat yellow gold earrings above.

The platinum, diamond and emerald bracelet above, was purchased by CIRCA owner, Chris DelGatto at auction in Palm Beach. It used to belong to Mrs. Bernie Madoff!

End Notes:

If you must have a ring inspired by Angelina’s, Jacob & Co. has one that is remarkably similar. Additional options are listed in a recent article on gemandjewelrydoctor.com.

Making the Case For Lace – A Wearable Trend

Text, Vivian Kelly

After viewing Louis Vuitton’s spring 2012 runway show on style.com, I decided I’d try to make the Case for Lace ie: WHY we should be wearing it now.

The Louis Vuitton spring 2012 Ad That Makes a Strong Case for Lace

Friend and fashion powerhouse, Sofia Bak-Shershunovich [@So_BFM], fellow blogger and Vogue Italia Contributor, is responsible for getting me to give lace a serious look. In a tweet she mentioned how funny it was that Zara had clothes that were nearly identical to Marc Jacobs’ LV one. This, I had to see.

I hit the sparkling new Zara flagship on 5th Avenue and 53rd Street and waited until the sales associate produced the blush pink dress I had to have, complete with a frothy lace overlay. A few hours later, my acting coach, Susan Grace Cohen, had me try it on and pronounced it perfect. It IS but it is also delicate so watch where you sit as it snags almost as easily as fine Warhoal stockings. Cost – $50, on sale.

The HUNT was ON.

Next, I shopped my closet and rediscovered a gorgeous cotton cream tunic – my first piece from my Michael Kors PR days, from the spring or resort 1992 collections. Cost – priceless, it has history.

Vintage Michael Kors Lace Tunic From 1992

Earlier in the week, on the way to a White by Vera Wang press preview, I stopped into The Thrifty Hog, on 11 West 25th Street. This is the chicest thrift shop I’ve ever stepped into – and I’ve been in a LOT of these! There, on a rack, was an adorable XII cotton lace dress, that only needs to be hemmed at the tailor. Cost – $15. Even better, the proceeds go to the Hearts of Gold Foundation.

Thrift Shop Dress

The above are day looks. Lace though, really shines in the bridal arena. My first reminder of this was at the White by Vera Wang press preview mentioned earlier in this piece. Unbelievably, the gowns retail [not wholesale!] from $600 – 1400 at David’s Bridal. DB Public Relations Manager, Christy Robil, took me through the sunny showroom pointing out the salient details of each gown. She remarked, “Some of our brides prefer to spend their money on a beautiful ring and less for their dress. This collection gives them designer style for a very reasonable price.”

A Frothy Inspiration From White By Vera Wang

After viewing the collection, I couldn’t agree more. If you’re in the market for a stupendous ring, visit Andrew and John at the Persian Shop located at 534 Madison Avenue. If the ring of your dreams isn’t there, they will work with you to create it. I recently “traded-up” to a 2 carat sapphire ring in a stunning blue shade. While I love the ring, the white glove friendly service has made me “a friend of the store” for life.

NEXT UP: NY Bridal Coverage of the best designer dresses in store this fall.

Green is Good! Ed Says

Text, Vivian Kelly

Below, Wallis Gown By Douglas Hannant

: Top, Stunning Green Oscar Statuette Gown at Elie Saab

Two big themes for this spring and fall are architectural sleek and color.

Confession – I had a heads-up on this one, from fashion friend, Ed Kavishe, Founder of Fashion Wire Press,who roams the world shooting for FWP and The Fashion List. If there’s a show in any major fashion capital, he is THERE. We met at Mercedes-Benz LA Fashion Week long ago; he helped me out with a laptop issue I was having in the Press Lounge. Seems like a small thing, but a little kindness goes a long way!

Ed Kavishe in Action, Shooting at the Trocadero, Paris

Ed’s also a bit of a fashion forecaster. Back in August of 2010, in response to my question about what direction fashion was going, he responded as follows:

“Mhh let see, I’m thinking the denim trend will continue, there’s gonna be lots of sheer but am thinking piled with little jackets, we’ll still see the power suit continue from fall, the minimalism trend will still be on in a more modern way with pieces constructed more like architecture. An unlike last spring where there was lots of whites, I’m saying color, lots of it….”

Was he right or what?? The above remark hit me while watching the link to Elie Saab’s fall 2012 show, Laura Schottland of Paul Wilmot Communications sent me. There it was – geometrics for day and green for evening. One of the finale dresses at Elie Saab [shown above] hit both themes without looking the least bit stark – a common pitfall ”architectural” clothing tends to fall into.

Douglas Hannant showed green as well, in his Wallis Simpson/W.E. Film inspired fall 2012 collection. This gown was more of a poison green but the sideways triangles at the shoulders gave it that on-trend architectural feel.

Angelina Jolie was one of the first celebrities to push the color green into the limelight when she showed up at the Golden Globes wearing an emerald green Atelier Versace dress and a pair of dime size Robert Procop emerald studs for a full-on green look.

Angelina started her green movement a year earlier, when she set the tone for how to wear serious green jewelry. People are STILL talking about how well she pulled-off a pair of whopping 115 carat Columbian emerald earrings and a patching 65 carat ring designed by Lorraine Schwartz.

For day dressing, there are some fantastic forest green pieces from Piazza Sempione that really DO fulfill the promise of “day-to-evening”. PS Communications Director, Cristina Cavatore, took me through the fall2012 art deco inspired collection. Here’s a sneak peek – [more on Piazza Sempione next week!]

Forest Green at the Piazza Sempione Fall 2012 Collection

I’m taking this trend in baby-steps, starting with today’s purchase of Revlon “Posh” nail polish in emerald green, a new Lilly Pulitzer iphone case in a navy and green shell print and a fun pair of green enamel studs. Next, I’ll go out on the hunt for an emerald green scarf or top. I’ve found the earrings though and so far, my top pick is the me-too pair of Angelina Jolie ~ Beverly Hills Housewives Emerald earrings by Steve Sasco Designs on Amazon.com for $64.99.

"Posh" - emerald green nail polish by Revlon

Go Green!

A Style Lesson From Yann Varin & The 84th Academy Awards: How To Achieve A Perfectly Balanced Look

Text, Vivian Kelly

Michelle-Williams-wearing-Fred-Leighton-for-Forevermark-Jewelry and a Louis Vuitton Gown at-the-84th-Academy-Awards

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting celebrity stylist, Yann Varin, at his Madison Avenue Salon, located in the what recession? part of Manhattan -the Upper East Side.

Yann Varin, backstage with a model at the Emilio Cavallini Fall 2012 Show

This was thanks to long-time publicist friend, Melanie Seymour of The Project-NY who arranged an introduction with Yann and Philippe Huillet shortly after NYFW.

Yann Varin's Doorknob Updo for the Emilio Cavallini Fall 2012 Show, NYFW

I had a few things in mind as I walked up to the minimalist yet elegant second floor salon. Top of the list – the Oscars. We started our chat discussing updos and Yann’s innovative “doorknob” bun he’d created for the Emilio Cavallini show during NYFW. This brought us to a discussion about how hair is ONE of the components of a successful “total look”. He went on to say that the European women whose hair he has styled at the Cannes Film Festival [Monica Bellucci] have a different approach to most of the Hollywood actresses who walk the Red Carpet.

Monica Bellucci, Stunning At Cannes

The big difference is that European women do not flaunt ALL their assets and thus show far less skin than their American counterparts. This is not to mean that European stars at Cannes wear puritanical dresses on that Red Carpet, only that they tend to make a decision about which of their assets to highlight which results an image that is about THEM, not their dress or a giant piece of expensive jewelry.

Granted, there WERE a lot of major baubles at the Oscars on A-list arms, throats, wrists, and ears, but for the most part, they served to enhance rather than to dominate the looks. Maria Menounos was wearing a lot of Jacob & Co Jewelry, from the Palladium Jewelry collection, but paired with her solid pastel Grecian gown and updo, it worked. In case you’re wondering, her Cocktail Ring comes in at $22,350, the Vintage Chandelier Pear Shaped Stone Earrings at $400,000and the Square Emerald Cut Tennis Bracelet, at $125,000, [$547,350 in total]

Last night, as I stared avidly at ABC’s Red Carpet Arrivals Coverage, I recalled Yann’s words as I tweeted back and forth with Anthony Palermo, another very talented hair stylist.

Angelina Jolie in a stunning Atelier Versace gown, showing off one of her many assets. Photo from OTRC.com

A-lister, Angelina Jolie, did what Anthony and I had hoped – she wore Atelier Versace again, and the result was hot enough to inspire its own Twitter page! [Twitter friend, @rosagraziano, sent me a tweet about this which I had to read twice to see if I'd misread it].

All that was needed here was a matching shoe, a bright red lip and A-list attitude.

Yann was right. The stars who shone – Michelle Williams – presented a picture-perfect image because nothing tried to over-power anything else. True, Michelle was wearing a very bright Louis Vuitton coral-red dress, but it was in no way garish. Neither were her diamonds, a Brilliant Cut Fred Leighton Forevermark Diamond Necklace. The dress was the focal point and she matched a red lip to it and kept the hair simple and side-parted. No headband and dowdy velvet dress this time, thank you!

So back to “real life”. We all have events to attend that are own personal Red Carpet of sorts and Yann’s advice applies. When you’re choosing your look, try this check-list.

1. Think hard about how you want to look. Do you want to be: a siren? Look polished? A Greek Goddess for the evening?

Whatever it is, decide and stick with THAT look.

2. Choose your dress.

3. Decide on the accessories: the shoe, the bag, the jewelry.

At this point, ask yourself where you will place the accent. That could be a fabulous piece of jewelry [Maria Menounos] or a red lip [Angelina Jolie]. You can only have ONE, so choose carefully.

4. When doing your hair and makeup, they must compliment the look. If your gown is revealing, says Yann, be very careful that your accessories, hair and makeup are very polished. Likewise, if your dress is demure, you can amp up your hair, makeup and bag as Angelina did with a strong lip and teased mane.

Do all of the above, and the result will be “Wow, YOU look great” before “Wow, what an amazing dress” and YOU will be the focus of attention.

Enjoy the party and the attention!

Images from Emilio Cavallini fall 2012 Show, spicycandydc.com

Image of Monica Bellucci at Cannes, from Just Jared

Graff’s Beats by Dre on LMFAO at the Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show = WOW

Text, Vivian Kelly

WHAT: Graff Diamond Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones

WHERE: At the XLVI Super Bowl, Indianapolis, Indiana

WHY: Because it’s a combination of the sublime, the hip and a genius marketing move by Laurence Graff to get a massive crowd to pay attention to Graff Diamonds.

The Super Bowl is all-American, like hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet. It’s not really a highbrow event, at least that was my opinion until watching the XLVI Super Bowl Sunday night when one of the half-time performers, LMFAO, joined Madonna, wearing beatsbydre headphones studded with Graff Diamonds.

Graff diamonds are the Rolls Royce of diamonds. This collaboration added some Beluga Caviar to the Super Bowl mix. Graff collaborated with Beats by Dr. Dre to create the first-ever million dollar headset (a whopping total diamond weight of 114 + carats).

Those are obviously a one-off because when it comes to the SuperBowl, there’s nothing that’s too over the top.

For everyday life, beats by dre is now on my shopping list and probably soon in my online shopping cart. After asking around, and reading the reviews, it seems that beatsbydre are the ultimate in phones, even if they’re not embellished with Graff diamonds. Most of us would be happy with the new limited edition ones in eye popping pink, orange, purple, blue or titanium.

These Limited Edition Beats by Dre Headphones are a must-have accessory for spring 2012

My pick is the orange pair. Which one do YOU like for yourself?

Rambo’s Picks: Diamonds For the Holidays!

Text, Rambo Kelly

Transcribed by Vivian Kelly

I’m under pressure – I have to come up with a big theme for the Holidays. Okay here goes – DIAMONDS.

I found my theme after knocking over one of the books in the FE Library. It’s title was Elizabeth Taylor – my Love Affair With Jewelry. I really REALLY LIKE “LA LIZ” because she wore her diamonds for everyday. Why have something pretty if you don’t wear it? Dumb, huh?

We read in the LA Times that Thomas W. Burstein of Christie’s said the only time the famous ring left Taylor’s hand was when she offered it up to friends to try on. “She really had this notion that the jewelry should be shared and loved by everybody.” Nice lady, I bet she liked cats too.

My 5 Reasons to Give Diamonds

1. You don’t HAVE to give the real ice. There’s great stuff that looks like it – Carolee has a pretty version of Liz’s Prince of Wales pin they’re calling the “Triple Feather Plume Pin” for $95 that squeaks under that $100 or less budget range.

2. Another of my faves, Marilyn Monroe said that Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend. I look really good sitting next to the giant poster we have of MM in a red dress – shows off my platinum colored fur.

3. Our jeweler friend, Renato of New England Jewelers pointed out that “diamonds go with everything, unlike rubies, sapphires or emeralds”.

4. A little sparkle perks up a blah rainy day like today.

5. That 33.19-carat, emerald cut diamond ring would look great in my Xmas Stocking and Ollie and me could have hours of fun playing soccer with it…

Last Thoughts:

HURRY to Christie’s! Go and see this exhibit, before it shuts-down Dec. 12th. The auction starts Dec. 13th. If I can get through security, I’ll be there. Too bad I can’t hold a bidding paddle!

Fun Fact: The estimated worth of the Taylor- Burton diamond ring he gave ET in 1968 is $2.5 million to $3.5 million.

Ta ta, R-A-M-B-O