A Jeweled Response
Remember the red satin ribbons that were the accessory of choice on Oscar night? John Singleton, Anjelica Huston, Susan Sarandon and Billy Crystal were among those who pinned them to their evening outfits. And Richard Gere explained from the presenter’s podium they were worn to bring attention to the fight against AIDS. Now there is a version that won’t wilt with time. New York jewelry designer James Arped is making one in red crystals. The profits from the $100 pins will go to AIDS charities. Look for them in local stores, soon.
SO THAT’S WHERE SHE SHOPS: There was a beaded ski coat and a see-through lace wedding dress in the graduate fashion show at Otis Parson’s School of Art and Design. But Jean Kasem (wife of Casey) was more enchanted by a nude colored body suit and bat-wing cape that opened to expose brilliant streamers and real balloons. It was designed by Romero Koeinan, and Kasem bought it. Such extremes were sprinkled among a presentation of more austere fashion directions. The school’s designer of the year award went to Susan Matheson, whose white and green duchesse satin gown appliqued with shamrocks was a blend of imagination and practicality.
FASHION BAGGAGE: Daniel Tribouillard, the French fashion designer for Leonard, is so smitten with Ivana Trump that he named his spring collection, “Ivana.” Upon hearing about the Trumpette’s nationwide book tour, Tribouillard quickly stitched up a coat dress, ball gown, bathing suit, dress and a pullover for her public appearances, which to date include K marts and Price Clubs.
FROM BAGS TO RICHES: Judith Leiber, creator of elaborate evening bags favored by wealthy socialites, has joined forces with jeweler Harry Winston. The result is a jewelry collection, semi-precious stones set in vermeil to diamonds in 14-karat gold, designed by Leiber and produced by Winston. In a phone interview from her New York office, Leiber says the quality of costume jewelry produced in the ‘70s deterred her from making her own line until now. “We have had other offers,” she explains, “but we just couldn’t resist (Winston).” Leiber says she hopes to keep retail prices for her necklaces, earrings and bracelets between $100 and $10,000. They’ll be shipped to stores--and available through Harry Winston--in time for the holidays.
IT MUST BE THE HEAT: What other explanation can there be? I. Magnin is hosting a Carolee jewelry show Saturday afternoon in its Beverly Hills store, where patrons are invited to bring their dogs to see necklaces inspired by dog tags, dog biscuits and the like. And a new fragrance, Body Mind & Spirit, from Tova 9 is scheduled to be launched tomorrow during a four-hour promotion on cable television. It starts at noon on QVC, a shopping channel. And there’ll be a full hour of perfume partying from the Bistro Garden restaurant, broadcast on the Fashion Channel starting at 4 p.m.
