DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Borgioni

I am so excited about today's Designer Spotlight on our incredibly talented, mother/daughter design due behind the fine jewelry collection BORGIONI. Tiffany & Rhonda Bartolacci are one of a kind - and their jewelry...well, sensational to say the very least.

This is edgy chic at its absolute finest - Buddha’s, evil eyes, medusa heads, peace signs, spider webs, roses, snakes and more - the idea of course, is "more is more." We love to pile on their famous stackable beaded bracelets, different colors, diamonds, pearls, tsavourites, unique beads, wood. And we mix them with their incredibly cool handcuff bracelets which are available in a bevy of metals - including rose and black rhodium gold.

Heavenly, this is a collection we could (and do) obsess over for days. And like I said, as cool as the jewelry is - Tiffany & Rhonda are even cooler. Check out what they have to say about their greatest indulgences, favorite movie, assets, flaws and even more...

1. What is your greatest indulgence?
Tiffany: I would have to say handbags and shoes, and of course an armful of bracelets of some sort.
Rhonda: Shoes and Jackets. Just can't resist a great pair of shoes and an awesome jacket.

2. Tell me your biggest fear.
Tiffany: To not be able to live life to the fullest. I try to live life with no regrets!
Rhonda: Really afraid of rats and large bugs

3. Your favorite red carpet moment of all time?
Tiffany: I hosted a Swedish TV show with my husband for a day. It was such a blast! I don't know if this qualifies for a red carpet moment, but it was definitely a great TV memory. Our friends and family in Sweden were entertained.
Rhonda: Probably, Walking my daughter down the aisle when she got married. I was so proud of her, she looked so beautiful and it was just a very special moment for me.

4. Your most treasured piece of jewelry, and why?
Tiffany: Can I have two? My wedding band of course, and a silver turquoise ring from and Indian designer that my grandmother gave me months before she passed. I hold a lot of memories in that ring that I really cherish.
Rhonda: My Mother's green diamond ring. I always tried to take it from her as a joke.

5. White gold, yellow gold or mix it all up?
Tiffany: Definitely mix it all up! For the record, I'm a sucker for rose and black rhodium gold.
Rhonda: Definitely mix it all up. Love to blend colors

6. Who is your favorite fictional character?
Tiffany: Dr. Seuss.....he brings me way back. He taught me how to read!
Rhonda: I have three....the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion in the Wizard of OZ. They represent Brains, Heart, & Courage. Three very important must haves in life!

7. Your greatest love is…
Tiffany: my husband, my dog and my mom.
Rhonda: My daughter, my father and my animals

8. Who is your hero?
Tiffany: I would have to say my grandmother. She was an amazing family woman. I miss her dearly. We named our line in her memory. Borgioni was her maiden name.
Rhonda: My father. His life sacrifices and accomplishments just truly amaze me. He always seems to have the answers to your questions. We always go to him for advice.

9. Who is your favorite jewelry designer? (Other than yourself)
Tiffany: Loree Rodkin is one of my favorites. Her pieces are unique and easy to wear. I have collected a few over the years prior to starting our line.
Rhonda: Loree Rodkin...I love her gothic style.

10. Who do you most admire, alive or deceased?
Tiffany: I know this sounds completely cliché, but my grandfather. He is an incredible business person and can still calculate figures like he did 40 years ago. The dedication and time he spent to build his own business I am finally able to understand. He is my go to for business advice.
Rhonda: My Mother. She was a wonderful and supportive mother and wife. Always there for you. We miss her. We honored her by naming our company after her.

11. Your favorite movie?
Tiffany: This is a tough one. Meet the Fockers. I love Robert De Niro and a good comedy. Analyze This would probably be the runner up.
Rhonda: The Wizard of Oz. I've watched that movie a gazillion times.

12. Newspapers & magazines: print or online?
Tiffany: Magazines in print. I like to rip out the pages of things I find interesting or inspiring.
Rhonda: Definitely Mags in print. Love to check out the latest fashions

13. Your favorite ice cream flavor?
Tiffany: Mint Chocolate Chip. Unless in Europe, then it's mango gelato.
Rhonda: Lemon gelato

14. Facebook or Twitter?
Tiffany: Facebook. I find Twitter to be incredibly annoying.
Rhonda: Definitely Facebook.

15. Style icon?
Tiffany: Brigitte Bardot. Such a versatile, eclectic style, and she's an animal activist.
Rhonda: Cher. I always watched her when she had her show on TV and always loved her fashion and individuality. Her concerts are amazing!

16. If you could design a piece of jewelry right now, based on your current mood and surroundings, what would it be?
Tiffany: An engagement ring. I love the idea of designing something for someone that is so special and so unique and meeting the challenge of creating a little piece of art that someone else will cherish forever. That's what is so much fun about designing jewelry. It has the capabilities to bring someone back into a specific moment in life or be a memory that can last a lifetime and be passed down from generation to generation. This whole concept is so exciting to me.
Rhonda: I just love bracelets! It would be another diamond and gold bracelet that would signify protection and guidance. I think that we all need both at some point in our lives.

17. Black or white?
Tiffany: Black
Rhonda: Black rhodium gold, I love it!

18. The best part of New York City is...
Tiffany: the energy and the fashion. Can I add that I always manage to find an amazing pair of boots here?
Rhonda: The fashion and the shopping, and the excitement that goes with it.

19. Tell me your greatest asset and your biggest flaw.
Tiffany: I would have to say that my greatest asset is my persistence. I don't give up till the point of being irritating to others, which is probably my biggest flaw as well. When I have an idea in my head, I'm not happy until I see it through for better or for worse.
Rhonda: Biggest flaw is definitely lacking of patience. Asset, not sure, maybe my easy going personality but don’t get me upset.

20. If you could have any piece from Fragments, what would it be?
Tiffany: A cocktail ring from Arman. His pieces are beautifully crafted statement pieces, and a cocktail ring would be a perfect accessory to any outfit. Not to mention that he and his wife are lovely people.
Rhonda: Any piece from Arman. He is a great talent.

We hope you are as in love with Borgioni as we are...

xoxo,

Janet

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Deanna Hamro

Hi everyone, how is your week going? It is starting to feel like Fall, but I don't know if it will last. You all seem to be loving our Designer Spotlight section, thank you so much for the positive feedback. It is very exciting!

Today, we are featuring one of Fragments' extraordinary fine and fashion jewelry talents, Deanna Hamro. Deanna's fashion collection, made of handmade oxidized sterling silver chain and swarovski crystal is unlike anything out there. Each crystal is set with diamond setting tweezers; her work is so unique, flawless and of course - nothing but chic.

It is boho glam, gypset - all about layering and color, making the maximum impact with your jewelry. Deanna has certainly mastered that and we absolutely adore what she has done and what she continues to do.

Check out what Deanna has to say about her greatest love, favorite jewels, ice cream and much more...

1. What is your greatest indulgence? dark chocolate, flowers and 4" heels
2. Tell me your biggest fear. routine
3. Your favorite red carpet moment of all time? when Serena Williams made her rounds at the various Oscar parties (Vanity Fair & Elton John) in my Pave earrings and Pave necklace.
4. Your most treasured piece of jewelry, and why? 10ct columbian emerald and diamond ring which I waited 6 years to set.
5. White gold, yellow gold or mix it all up? always mix!
6. Who is your favorite fictional character? bond girls
7. Your greatest love is…my work
8. Who is your hero? those who are happy and optimistic in spit of overwhelming adversity
9. Who is your favorite jewelry designer? (other than yourself) Jar
10. Who do you most admire, alive or deceased? The Buddha
11. Your favorite movie? North by Northwest
12. Newspapers & magazines: print or online? Print!!
13. Your favorite ice cream flavor? chocolate
14. Facebook or Twitter? Facebook
15. Style icon? Talitha Getty, Audrey Hepburn, Kate Moss
16. If you could design a piece of jewelry right now, based on your current mood and surroundings, what would it be? a diamond pave cuff in the texture of alligator skin with one large diamond slice in the cnter
17. Black or white? white for day, black for night
18. The best part of New York City is...it's intensity and vibrancy
19. Tell me your greatest asset and your biggest flaw. my tenacity and passion/procrastination
20. If you could have any piece from Fragments, what would it be? something from Wendy Yue

Don't forget to check out pieces from Deanna's collection on our website! And for more information, you can call Fragments - 212.334.9588.

Enjoy and have a fabulous day!

xo, Janet

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Wendy Brigode

I am so excited about today's blog because its a Designer Spotlight (which everyone loves) - on a tried and true talent that has been part of the Fragments family forever. Wendy Brigode, the mastermind behind the iconic Tin Cup Necklace is back - this time with The New Tin Cup...and more amazing jewels. Check out what she has to say about her style icon, favorite jewelry, greatest indulgence and much more. We adore Wendy and know you will feel the same!

1. What is your greatest indulgence?
anything my heart desires, I find some way to work the magic and get it...large diamonds, fine linens, a trip, perfect boots, you get the idea!
2. Tell me your biggest fear

a giant earthquake, yikes!
3. Your favorite red carpet moment of all time?

when I was a little girl spending time with Liz Taylor and Richard Burton
4. Your most treasured piece of jewelry, and why?

My rose gold and diamond bangle I made with my mother's tennis bracelet, I didn't like those but wanted to make something with them to wear every day to remind me of my mom.It did the trick!
5. White gold, yellow gold or mix it all up?

Totally mix it up, or one story one day, another story the next day
6. Who is your favorite fictional character?
eloise and pippi longstocking, rebels!!
7. Your greatest love is...
My dad, my best friend
8. Who is your hero?
I think I am my greatest hero
9. Who is your favorite jewelry designer? (other than yourself)
wow , that's a tough one, I love so many..I love Loree Rodkin, I love Sevan, they carry him at Barney's...and I adore Stephen Webster (in every way!!!)
10. Who do you most admire, alive or deceased
Audrey Hepburn, her gentle giving spirt, Karl Lagerfeld...just so intense, Richard Avedon for his eye
11. Your favorite movie?

Being There...such a sign of the times
12. Newspapers & magazines: print or online?
I am a Town & Country (best horoscopes) Bazaar, Vogue girl
13. Your favorite ice cream flavor?
Karma Sutra ben and jerry's and chocolate chip mint!!
14. Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook
15. Style icon?

Madonna
16. If you could design a piece of jewelry right now, based on your current mood and surroundings, what would it be?
a VERY long strand of exotic pearls mixed with diamond beads that i could wrap a lot
17. Black or white?
Black
18. The best part of New York City is...
My Daughter, Madison
19. Tell me your greatest asset and your biggest flaw
asset totally present, creative, and generous...flaw bad listener
20. If you could have any piece from Fragments, what would it be?
A piece from Mallary Marks, I love her use of color

We are so excited about Wendy Brigode's return, and the celebration of one of the most well known sell-out phenomenas in the jewelry business. The Tin Cup Necklace, as seen on Renee Russo in the 1996 movie "Tin Cup" is back in Fragments Showroom, but this time with an oxidized pave diamond ball. A bit of edge on an essential classic, this is a piece for women of all ages. An heirloom to be passed down - something for the your mother, daughter and her daughter one day. Seriously chic.

For more information on Wendy's collection, please feel free to call the showroom: 212.226.8878

xoxo, Janet

FRAGMENTS PRESS PREVIEW

Hi everyone! How are you? Are you all enjoying August? I must say, I am sad to see summer come to a close - BUT, there is nothing more exciting than fall. Fall fashion, fall breeze, fall temperatures and of course - new jewels!!

Last Wednesday, we hosted a preview for the press to see all of our Winter/Holiday 2010 collections. It was such a fabulous success; we had so much fun showing everyone our amazing collections and mingling. Thanks to Sunny Norton, of GuestofaGuest.com - we have some great pictures I can share with you!

Thank you to all of our amazing donors for helping us create INCREDIBLE gift bags to give to our attendees. They were fantastic and we are so appreciative!

And of COURSE, thank you to ALL of Fragments Showroom's designers for your generous donations to our raffle. Everyone walked away with something beautiful and they were so thrilled about it.

Last, but certainly not least - thank you to all of those who could attend our event. We love all of you and are so appreciative for all that you do for Fragments everyday. You guys are the best!!

Check out the pictures!

http://guestofaguest.com/galleries/2010/8/raffle-breakfast-at-fragments-showroom/

And don't forget about our latest giveaway... once we hit 2,000 fans on Facebook, we'll be giving away those amazing Rodrigo Otazu earrings as featured on Kim Cattrall in Sex & The City!! So - please become our fan, and spread the word!

XOXO,
Janet

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Shery Shabani

Hi everyone and happy Friday! Today, I'm just going to get right into it because I'm so excited about this designer feature. Shery Shabani is a brand new fine jewelry designer to the Fragments Showroom - and we're thrilled about it!

Her luxury collection is the perfect mix of edge and timelessness. It's classic styles with a very modern, fresh and glamorous feel. With Shery's jewels, it's all about piling on the diamond bangles - an array of sizes of course - and mixing them with beaded and pave bracelets. Her bold earrings are major statement makers. We're loving the whole collection and we can't wait for you to see it all. Shery's father is a diamond finisher, and so she grew up learning to work with precious stones. And boy does she do it beautifully!


Jewelry this chic and exciting can only be created by someone just as fabulous. I loved asking Shery my list of favorite questions - he answers are as cool as her jewelry, and she is just as amazing!

1. What is your greatest indulgence? A pair of pumps or a killer bag.

2. Tell me your biggest fear. Flying, what a nightmare!

3. Your favorite red carpet moment of all time? SJP at this year’s Oscars was stunning in Chanel. She does such incredible things with fashion.

4. Your most treasured piece of jewelry, and why? A beautiful pair of turquoise earrings my mother wore on her wedding day. It’s something I can wear and feel a deep connection with at the same time.

5. White gold, yellow gold or mix it all up? Mix it up!

6. Who is your favorite fictional character? Marvin K Mooney from Dr. Seuss Books.

7. Your greatest love is… my children. They are my everything.

8. Who is your hero? My mother. She is an inspiration.

9. Who is your favorite jewelry designer? (other than yourself) I die for Harry Winston’s pieces.

10. Who do you most admire, alive or deceased? Again, it would have to be my mother. There just isn’t anyone that I look up to more than her.

11. Your favorite movie? 9 Months. Hugh Grant is so loveable in that role!

12. Newspapers & magazines: print or online? Print. There’s nothing like the feel of the newest issue of Vogue in your hands.

13. Your favorite ice cream flavor? Coffee, I cannot get enough of it.

14. Facebook or Twitter? Facebook. I’m a little frightened by this whole twitter craze.

15. Style icon? Coco Chanel. Classic 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 I love the look of chains, so it’d have to be a polished diamond version of them. I love the hardware feel of chain links, and adding shinning diamonds to it creates such a beautiful contrast.

17. Black or white? Just like the Rolling Stone Song, “Paint it Black”!

18. The best part of New York City is... I love the feel of SoHo. It’s the first place I try to visit whenever I go to the big city.

19. Tell me your greatest asset and your biggest flaw. My biggest asset has to be my discipline. But having said that, my biggest flaw is I have an extreme case of Type A personality. It’s a challenge … sometimes.

20. If you could have any piece from Fragments, what would it be? I love Sethi Couture’s flower earrings. So adorable, yet incredibly classy.

I hope you enjoyed my interview with Shery! Her jewelry will be available soon on Fragments.com, so stay tuned! In the meantime, you can check out her beautiful collection on her website: Shery Shabani.

Have a great weekend everyone!

xoxo,

Janet

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Nola Singer

Hi everyone! How are you all doing? Fragments is super busy preparing for market, but of course we're having lots of fun and obsessing over all of our new collections. There is so much fabulous fine and fashion jewelry roaming around our showroom, I don't even know where to begin. And my wishlist is starting to need an office of its own.

Before I tell you about one of our newest designers, Nola Singer, I wanted to share my thoughts on the most recent movie that I saw. Salt, starring Angelina Jolie, was action packed and seriously cool. Angelina is fabulous, a real life action hero. The movie is exciting, thrilling - a bit cartoonish and fast moving fun. She paves the way for all of us girls; the best thing since wonder woman, move over James Bond! I highly recommend checking it out with your gal pals, or even your significant others. Either way - you will have a blast!

Back to the jewels...I had a chance to sit down with one of our newest fashion jewelry designers, Nola Singer. Nola is known for mixing exquisite vintage materials and pieces to create modern, yet old world pieces. She has a super feminine aesthetic - really understands women and how we want to feel glamorous in our jewelry. She works with rhinestones, chains and flowers galore - we simply cannot get enough of it. And to top it off, Nola is as sweet and wonderful as her collection. Check out our little interview:

1. What is your greatest indulgence?

I love Christian Louboutin shoes. I wish I could collect them--they're such works of art. I don't indulge often, but can always justify my shoes because they get so much use. His shoes are comfortable and make any outfit look stylish. They also make me taller, which I like since I’m 5”1. I can throw on a tee, a few of my own pieces and Christian Loubutain shoes and feel effortlessly chic! I also have a weakness for chocolate and margaritas. I wish I had more willpower to not indulge myself so often.

2. Tell me your biggest fear.

Not living my life to the fullest.

3. Your favorite red carpet moment of all time?

I designed and made Amy Smart the Veronica Necklace to match her Balenciaga blue dress that she was wore to an animal Rescue Benefit. I was lucky enough to be invited to the event and watch her model my necklace on the red carpet. Amy is a friend of mine, and a very wonderful and generous person, who was being honored at the party for her generosity towards animals and the environment. I felt so honored to be there with her and have her wearing something I designed. I rescue animals so it was an event that I am really passionate about as well. It was a magical evening.

4. Your most treasured piece of jewelry, and why?

I have a locket that my Uncle Ben gave me for my 10th birthday that he engraved with my name and birth date on the back. He was murdered when I was twelve, so this locket is very meaningful to me. I think jewelry is such a wonderful gift because it captures the memory and is forever a wonderful keepsake. Of course, since I'm a jewelry designer, I've remade the locket that he gave me into one of my own designs. Whenever I have a something important or feel nervous, I like to wear that locket and feel like he is with me.

5. White gold, yellow gold or mix it all up?

I love to mix it all up. Right now I love mixing rose gold with a vintage piece set in silver.

6. Who is your favorite fictional character?

My favorite fictional character is Snow White. I still believe in fairy tales.

7. Your greatest love is…

My greatest love is for my two dogs. I have a pug named Francois and a bulldog mix named Josephine. They are quite the duo. They love me unconditionally and are always happy to be with me.

8. Who is your hero?

My parents are my heroes. My mom and dad are always there for me and they have been so supportive and selfless. I never would’ve been able to follow my dreams without their support. They have always believed in me and most of all encouraged me to believe in myself.

9. Who is your favorite jewelry designer? (other than yourself)

I love Anthony Nak. I love the way the stones are draped with chains. His jewelry has such a distinct style. I hope one day to own an Anthony Nak piece of my own.

10. Who do you most admire, alive or deceased?

I most admire my grandma. My grandma is 80 years old and looks 40 and lives like a thirty-year-old, but with more wisdom. She loves life. I think she doesn’t age because she is happy, kind and always having fun. Everyone who meets my grandma falls in love with her. She is petite, yet has a big personality. I admire everything about her and hope to live my life to the fullest like her.

11. Your favorite movie?
Tommy Boy. No matter how many times I see that movie, it makes me laugh. I love Chris Farley and that movie reminds me of my childhood

12. Newspapers & magazines: print or online?

I love actual, physical magazines. I love actually flipping through something and even sometimes when I’m inspired, tearing out a page and keeping it for inspiration.

13. Your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookies and cream

14. Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook. I’m a little scared of twitter.

15. Style icon?

Vivienne Westwood. I love how she mixes punk rock with feminine couture. Her designs have a vintage influence yet have a modern sophistication and edge. I think she has incredible style and vision. All of her clothes, accessories and shoes inspire me. I feel like all of her creations are works of art.

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

I would make a necklace with a vintage filigree butterfly. I just found the most beautiful vintage filigree butterflies and flowers. They are all from the turn of the century and were hand made from sterling silver wire. They are absolutely exquisite. I would design something pretty and feminine that would compliment my summer wardrobe.

17. Black or white?

White. It’s summer and I love white.

18. The best part of New York City is

...The Pizza! I live in LA and there is no pizza that even comes close to New York.

19. Tell me your greatest asset and your biggest flaw.

My greatest asset would be my heart. It can also be my biggest flaw at times. I am an Aquarius and being true to my astrological sign, I love to help people. I have a lot of humanitarian instincts. This can be very rewarding but sometimes I see only the good in people and wind up hurting myself. I think a big life lesson for me has been learning to balance my heart and my head.

20. If you could have any piece from Fragments, what would it be?

I really love the entire collection by Colette. I would love to have the flower cuff by Colette and the flower earrings. I love how whimsical and feminine her designs are. I love flowers and color so her pieces compliment my personal style.

We love Nola's collection and hope you enjoyed learning a bit about her! You can check out her jewels here on her website.

Have a great week and be sure to check back on Thursday!

xoxo,

Janet

OBSESSION: Melissa Joy Manning on Fragments.com

Have you checked out the new Melissa Joy Manning on Fragments.com? We are obsessing over it - especially the mixed metal group. Super chic and totally modern, we all want the whole collection! Check it out here: http://www.fragments.com/new_arrivals.aspx

xoxo, Janet