The Designs of Frank Gehry

For as much as I seek out fine design in jewelry, I am also a novice architecture buff. In my recent travels I have been awestruck by two new buildings designed by award-winning architect Frank Gehry. One building is the new home of the New World Symphony in Miami and the other is a large scale apartment building in Manhattan. These buildings gave me pause to return to the jewelry designed by Mr. Gehry for Tiffany and Company.

While jewelry design and architecture are certainly both art forms, their designs are on vastly different scales of size and intimacy. Mr. Gehry has perfected them both. He has designed eight collections for Tiffany & Company since announcing his collaboration in 2006. While Mr. Gehry is rumored to be partial to Fish (one of the collections), I am taken with the Torque collection. The architectural design of the sterling silver and light gray cement ring and wide bangle bracelet are probably as close as I will ever come to owning a building designed by Mr. Gehry. His ability to envision angles and materials that one might consider impossible to pair is unparalleled.

Frank Gehry was born in Toronto in 1929. He moved to Los Angeles early in his adult life, where he completed his education. In 1962 he opened his own design firm. Mr. Gehry’s buildings can be found worldwide. He has received numerous accolades for his work in design including the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, and in 2010 was named the “most important architect of our age” by Vanity Fair Magazine, which published a peer review survey and subsequent article on contemporary architecture.

Designer Tiffany Chou Auctions Necklace for Japan Disaster Relief

Jewelry designer Tiffany Chou is giving back. Her custom design “Conched Out” necklace, shown at the left, is being auctioned now to support Japanese disaster relief.

The necklace is designed as a gold-plated conch shell pendant suspended from a 24” gold-filled chain. It is hip, versatile and was featured in the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. The bidding has already begun and will continue until Monday, March 28. To participate in the auction please visit www.tiffanychou.com/pages/coral-reef-alliance and click on the link “Bid Now”. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the American Red Cross to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami throughout the Pacific.

Tiffany, now based in New York City, grew up on the island of Maui. It was there that she developed the passion for nature and the ocean that serves as the main source of inspiration in her art. Since launching Tiffany Chou Jewelry in early 2010, Tiffany’s designs have developed a following among top fashion editors and stylists. This is a great opportunity to own one of Tiffany’s designs while helping those in need.

“I think it’s important to always be grateful for what you have and to give back when possible.” -Tiffany Chou

To Bead or Not To Bead?

The answer is bead.

Beads are a fantastic way to add an early splash of color for the new season. Classic coral or turquoise beads are always great for bringing a little Spring to any outfit. Wear them in a single strand of large beads or multiple strands of smaller beads with anything from a suit to a maxi-dress.

Spring fashion is about color. My pick is this “Bohemian” bead necklace by Ben Amun. Paired with (just about anything) this necklace will really add the perfect finishing touch to your favorite tunic or caftan.

While hunting for beads, I found Prada beads at Eva Gentry Consignment! Bright oranges and yellows or bold blues are definitely the colors to look for your Spring/Summer wardrobe.

Fabulous bead necklaces are everywhere!