Oscars 2011!

Hi Fragments Fans!

How are you all doing? Happy Monday! I am excited to share with you my Oscar 2011 fashion feedback. It is my favorite show of the year; I watched for 6 hours because I look forward to seeing the stars and their visual interpretations of beautiful jewelry and fashion.

This year I noticed a major story happening on the red carpet. There is a strong movement towards pairing clean, simple jewelry with ornate fashion and the opposite -- designed and decorative statement jewelry with architectural, clean-lined fashion. Halle Berry "wowed" with a glamorous Marchesa gown featuring intricate detail, crystals and ruffles and paired it with eye popping and dazzling Neil Lane diamond solitaire drop earrings. She is a goddess.

Then there was Gwyneth Paltrow in fluid Calvin Klein Collection - it was simple, incredibly chic and a beautiful compliment to her colorful highly-designed Louis Vuitton statement jewelry (earrings, ring and brooch.)
I also loved Mila Kunis in lavender Elie Saab - this was my favorite gown of the evening. I loved it because it was feminine, flowing, sexy and my favorite color. She, like Halle, paired it with simple but stunning diamonds.
Anne Hathaway's first look of the night (red Valentino) is another example of major color, silhouette and intricate detail (floral applique) juxtaposed with classic diamond pieces by Tiffany.

The red carpet is a great place for us to pull inspiration and translate it into our everyday and evening looks. Last night's red carpet was a perfect representation of what's currently going on in fashion - bold color, simple minimalistic silhouettes, architectural influences as well as the soft femininity of lace and chiffon.

We will show you our offerings this season so you can dress like a star! Fragments has the perfect combination of bold statement jewelry as well as smaller, more personal pieces and we're all about mixing both into your wardrobe. For your more classic and clean fashion silhouettes, I recommend Anton Heunis for his intricate, interesting and colorful statement jewelry like this cuff or this ring. I also love Millianna for larger-scale, bold jewelry. These earrings would be the perfect compliment to a modern, clean look and the price is right. Their cuffs dress up the simplest of outfits. Miguel Ases is another talented designer who understands color, detail and silhouette; his jewelry is perfect to add "wow factor" to tee shirt dressing or black tie moments.

For your more dramatic fashion choices, I recommend Suzanne Kalan jewelry. It's modern, romantic and the perfect final touch without being too overwhelming. These earrings serve the same purpose as Halle Berry's 20 karat sparklers (and under $1,000,) but can easily be worn day to night - so check them out! Other great designers to achieve this look are Phillips Frankel, Deanna Hamro & Sethi Couture. Pieces from these collections are exquisite and forever - but they will let your fashion do the talking!

All of these pieces and more are available now on Fragments.com.

I would love to hear your thoughts on last night's Oscars - who was your favorite and why? What would you wear for your red carpet moment?
I hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts and found it helpful as you build your treasured jewelry collection. Have fun and thanks for following Fragments! I'll be back soon...
Love,
Janet

Anton Heunis, JA New York & The Oscars!

Dear Fragments Followers,

How are you all doing?
Everything at Fragments has been fantastic - we have been busy in market and have had a very successful few weeks. Anton Heunis' new collection is here (he showed at D&A) and it's exquisite! With inspiration from Barbarella, Casino Royale and Charlies Angles...you can expect to see a lot of mixed metal graphite, spikes juxtaposed with feminie crystals, that "retro futuristic" feel, luxurious color, intricate detail, gemstones and more. Everyone is loving it!

We are also looking forward to the upcoming JA New York Winter Show (February 27 through March 1st) where two of our designers, Katie Decker & Suzanne Kalan will be showing. We're hearing registration is up and so we're very excited for a successful and interesting show...and of course, beautiful & new designs.

Fragments is also gearing up for Fall 2011! Although it seems so far ahead of us, in the fashion and jewelry world - it's right around the corner. We're hearing alot of buzz about color blocking, RED in particular (in all shades like plum, cranberry, magenta and more) graphic black and white, sophistication/lady chic, heavy metal, lace touches and more. We can barely contain our excitement while we prepare for the upcoming season...it's always so much fun to watch our designers evolve and create.

Last, but certainly not least...we cannot wait for the OSCARS on Sunday! It is our favorite award show of the season not only because we love and appreciate the film business...but the FASHION! We can't wait to see our red carpet favorites like Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman, Halle Berry, Gwyneth Paltrow...who will sparkle the most, what jewels they will wear, what colors will be important, who will take a risk...how high will the shoes be? One of our favorite things to do is "predict a gown" on People.com - check it out, it's addicting and so much fun!

We'll be back on Monday with a full blown Oscar recap and we can't wait to hear all of your thoughts on the big show. Goodbye for now and have a great, glamorous weekend!

Love,

Janet

RISING STAR AWARDS

Dear Fragments Fans,
Happy Friday! How are you all doing?

Yesterday, we attended the Fashion Group International's Rising Star Awards, where one of our designers - MORITZ GLIK - was nominated in the fine jewelry category. It it truly an extraordinary honor to be recognized by the Fashion Group, and we were thrilled to accompany and support our very talented star, Moritz.

Norma Kamali spoke beautifully about always being a star and never giving up on your dream. We were so inspired and motivated by her words and it was a perfect start to the afternoon. Other notable speakers were Linda Fargo, Catherine Malandrino, Jamie Pallot and many more.
It was a fun and very special afternoon where we honored sensational young talents in the fashion and accessories industry. For those of you not familiar with Moritz's work, here are some images. He is a true talent - an artist - inspired by international culture, museums all over the world and antique jewelry from the 1700s/1800s. His jewelry is quite architectural, yet fluid, modern and incredibly beautiful. Working with full cuts, single cuts and rose cut diamonds as well as oxidized silver, yellow gold, white gold and white sapphire (where the diamonds are often enclosed) - Moritz never ceases to amaze us. His collection is available at Fragments: 212.334.9588, 116 Prince Street in New York City. Enjoy and have a great weekend! Love always, Janet.

Fragments Update!

Dear Fragments Fans,
How are you all doing? I know it's been so long since I have blogged - forgive me, we have been crazy busy! We just wrapped up at the ENK show last week and it was really successful. I saw lots of emerging trends - neon and bold colors like coral and turquoise in Miguel Ases & LK Designs. And on the opposite end, neutrals were also a big hit like in Millianna & Dana Kellin. I love watching all of the designers come out to display their newest creations and show the market what's next - it's very exciting! One of my favorite moments from the ENK show that you will also love was when I layered a Huichol beaded cuff with a Miguel Ases bracelet over it. We are so excited about this new combination - the response has been amazing and soon these bracelets will be available on Fragments.com so you can achieve the same look!

We're still in market and all of the stores are coming to visit to see & buy the latest in beautiful, unique fine & fashion jewelry. They're loving what they see from designers like Gem Kingdom, Wendy Brigode, Millianna, Dana Kellin, Miguel Ases, LK Designs, KALA, Shery Shabani and many more! Shades of honeysuckle are everywhere, the color of Spring 2011, and we're loving how everyone has incorporated it into their collections in different ways.
Fragments is also gearing up for CENTURION in Arizona, a fine jewelry show where two of our designers, Arman and Suzanne Kalan, will be showing their newest collections. We're having fun preparing and feel confident that this will be a very successful, exciting show. I'll be sure to fill you all in afterwards...
We have also been getting some amazing press! Recently our designers have been featured on the covers of Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Inside Weddings, Self, Women's Health and inside books including Vogue Gioello, JCK Magazine, Alexa, Harper's Bazaar, MUSE, MORE magazine, W, Houston Magazine and many more. We're so proud of our talented designers and there is nothing more rewarding then seeing them featured so prominently in the press.
I will be back with more next week! Thanks for reading our blog and remember to become our fan on Facebook for daily updates!
Love,
Janet

Art Basel Roundup!

Dear Fragments Friends & Family,

How are you all doing? Enjoying the beginning of the Holiday Season? I hope you're all having fun celebrating the holidays, giving and receiving lots of love and thanks, and admiring the sparkling lights all around us. I love it all.

Speaking of celebrations and special moments...I have just returned from an amazing week at Art Basel in Miami, Florida. There was sensational art everywhere I looked and in the most unexpected places. The week was filled with extraordinary talent, love, creativity and celebration - every second was truly exquisite. I am so proud of my daughter, her restaurant Wynwood Kitchen & Bar has been such a success since it's opening early last week - even being named the "hottest restaurant of Art Basel." How exciting and what an accolade! Here is a beautiful shot of a live performance one night at the restaurant:

And take a look at the outdoor seating - isn't it sensational? It's all about uniqueness and creativity, celebrating the world of art and the talent that's around us everyday. It is so inspiring.

This was one of my favorite exhibitions called "friends with you," - it is so happy and unique, too much fun and brings me back to my childhood. The exhibition is made up of all giant balloons in the design district.

Another amazing installation was by reknowned graffiti artist, PHASE 2. I find this to be incredibly edgy and modern - very exciting and of course inspiring. Art keeps me going - it always inspires me to seek new and unique talent in the jewelry world and bring it to the marketplace. This piece does just that - I especially love it's use of neon color. What a pop!

I also find this "Retna" for Primary Flights mural very intriguing. It's dark, but incredibly inspiring and very stylish and regal.

These are only bits and pieces from our amazing experience at Basel this year. I will be posting more photos on our Facebook fan page - Fragments Jewelry - please become a fan to see photos and stay up to date with Fragments news. Thank you all and have a wonderful holiday season!

Love,

Janet

Art, Jewelry & a Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello Fragments Fans and Followers,

How are you all doing? Getting into the Holiday spirit, I hope! I sure am. I am blogging from Miami, Florida with my family and lots of exciting things are going on. We're getting prepared for Art Basel, my favorite time of year where I get to indulge in the most sensational art and appreciate some of the most amazing talent that the world has to offer. The Wynwood Walls, located in Florida's art district (10 minutes of Miami,) are completed and absolutely exquisite. This is an art installation by street artists from around the world including Shepard Fairey, Kenny Scharf and other notable artists. Art is all about freedom of creative spirit, having the opportunity to see whats happening, whats new and what the future holds. This kind of exposure to the world of art allows me to grow personally, it gives me a creative edge. It allows me to have a true grasp of the avant garde, opens my mind to possibilities and inspires me to seek new talent in jewelry design. It's all about art, color, taking a risk and having fun with your creative spirit. Here are a couple of photos I've taken along the way...

And in more exciting news...my daughter Jessica, also opened Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, a spectacular modern American Brasserie and it's all about the art (and of course, delicious food.) The bar is designed by Shepard Fairey and the dining area is filled with paintings from Berlin artist, Christian Awe. The restaurant is on the corner of Northwest 2nd avenue and 26th street, right across the street from my son Joey's modern Italian cafe, called Joey's. So, this is what's happening and what's exciting in Wynwood. Here is a great photo taken inside the restaurant.

Lastly, all of my friends and colleagues are asking me what jewelry I will be wearing on Thanksgiving! I of course love the holidays because it's just another reason to get dressed up and indulge. I am wearing a Millianna antique gold bracelet and bib necklace because the beads have a delicious warm glow to them and the chunkiness will be a reminder of my own personal Thanksgiving message "too many desserts and stuffing and I can be chunky too!" Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

Janet

Designer Spotlight: Katie Decker

Hi Fragments fans and followers! How are you? How was your Halloween! I would love to see all of your costumes. Halloween is so much fun...

On another note, I am so excited to tell you about our newest fine jewelry designer, Katie Decker. At just 22 years old, Katie is being represented by Fragments with a fully developed and STUNNING fine jewelry collection. Katie finds the perfect balance between old world glamour and new school edge. Sensational and stackable diamond bangles and cuffs, incredibly vintage-like cocktail rings, layerable chains and stand out pendants - we can't get enough of this collection. All pieces are available in 18k rose, yellow and white gold and include diamonds and more! Be sure to check it out on our website, right here on Fragments.com.

It was my pleasure to spend some time with Katie and get to know her. I can assure you will love doing the same...

1. What is your greatest indulgence?

I LOVE to travel anywhere and everywhere. Experiencing new places and cultures is one of my favorite things to do.
2. Tell me your biggest fear.
Eating nuts or shellfish…I am allergic.

3. Your favorite red carpet moment of all time?

Eva Mendes in the white dress and turquoise and diamond Van Cleef and Arpels necklace. It was a major jewelry moment.
4. Your most treasured piece of jewelry, and why?

An amethyst ring my grandfather gave to me as a Christmas present when I was 10 years old. He was a jewelry lover too. I guess it runs in the family…

5. White gold, yellow gold or mix it all up?
Mix it all up and add some rose gold too!
6. Who is your favorite fictional character?

I used to read all the Nancy Drew books when I was a kid and pretend to solve crimes with my clipboard in hand. Aside from the fun of it I think she taught me to be imaginative and industrious.

7. Your greatest love is…spending time with my friends and family.

8. Who is your hero?
My mom. I do not think I would be where I am today without her.
9. Who is your favorite jewelry designer? (other than yourself)

Sevan Bicakci.

10. Who do you most admire, alive or deceased? My dad. He is the most disciplined person I have ever known and works extremely hard. If I only inherited half of his work ethic I think I am doing pretty good.

11. Your favorite movie? Almost Famous

12. Newspapers & magazines: print or online?
Print please– Vogue, Town and Country, Bazaar, Marie Claire – I love them all!

13. Your favorite ice cream flavor?

Mint Chocolate Chip and Cookies and Cream. A scoop of each would make the perfect dessert!
14. Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook

15. Style icon?

Grace Kelly—everything about her is sophisticated and timeless.

16. If you could design a piece of jewelry right now, based on your current mood and surroundings, what would it be?

Well since it is 85 degrees in Houston right now I am already feeling like designing for spring it would be a piece with big, bright colored stones.
17. Black or white?

Black 99% of the time. I do love white every now and then!

18. The best part of New York City is...Fragments! If you have not been you should go to look at all the beautiful jewelry.

19. Tell me your greatest asset and your biggest flaw. I am the definition of a perfectionist. Although it can be an asset I mostly drive myself and everyone around me crazy.

20. If you could have any piece from Fragments, what would it be?
A piece from Vibes because I love baroque pearls.

You can get to know Katie even better by taking a look at her interview with Fashion News Editor for Examiner.com, Virginia Nam. Enjoy!

xoxo,

Janet