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

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL: Nancy Bacich

Today's Designer Spotlight is a very special one. Nancy Bacich is a dear friend of Fragments, a fabulous jewelry designer and a whole lot of fun. I am so happy to have her back in our showroom with her edgy and unique creations - handbags, cuffs, layered mesh chain necklaces and of course, her staple item - the mesh wrap bracelet in a bevy of metals.

Right now our absolute favorite of the wrap bracelet collection is this fabulous two tone rose and gunmetal available exclusively on Fragments.com and in our store (116 Prince Street, New York City) through the month of October. Other than it being incredibly chic, feminine, edgy and insanely comfortable, we are so in love with this piece because it's our way of giving back to something very special. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month - something that we know touches the lives of women worldwide every day. That being said, Fragments has collaborated with Nancy Bacich and Women at Risk in the fight against breast cancer. Women at Risk is an organization that educates and supports women who are at high risk for breast cancer. It is our greatest pleasure to support this cause alongside Nancy Bacich with this wrap bracelet, from which 100% of the profits will be donated to Women at Risk. We welcome and appreciate your support so very much.

Now...back to the Designer Spotlight, featuring Nancy Bacich. Enjoy! And please don't forget to spread the word about our amazing collaboration.

1. What is your greatest indulgence? curling my hair
2. Tell me your biggest fear. not curling my hair
3. Your favorite red carpet moment of all time? Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria on the Emmy red carpet in a coral gown with my gold mesh frame bag!
4. Your most treasured piece of jewelry, and why? on my birthday I found a citrine and marquesite star ring at a flea market and the dealer gave it to me!
5. White gold, yellow gold or mix it all up? I'm against that rule to take something off before you leave for the party...I say add!
6. Who is your favorite fictional character? Nasty Lu Lu...by Yves St. Laurent
7. Your greatest love is… my family and friends
8. Who is your hero? my Dad
9. Who is your favorite jewelry designer? (other than yourself) Tony Duquette
10. Who do you most admire, alive or deceased? Peggy Guggenheim, my sister Cathy
11. Your favorite movie? Fellini's La Dolce Vita
12. Newspapers & magazines: print or online? magazines
13. Your favorite ice cream flavor? ice creams counterpart...cookies!
14. Facebook or Twitter? Facebook
15. Style icon? KennyKenny, Lady GaGa
16. If you could design a piece of jewelry right now, based on your current mood and surroundings, what would it be? a mesh cross
17. Black or white? black AND white
18. The best part of New York City is... the skyline
19. Tell me your greatest asset and your biggest flaw. hmmm...that's too close
20. If you could have any piece from Fragments, what would it be? Janet's personal stash...priceless!

We hope you enjoyed today's very special Designer Spotlight! Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo, Janet

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Mary Louise Designs

Today's Designer Spotlight features Mary Louise Young, the designer of Mary Louise Designs. A collection so fresh, fun, and edgy, Mary Louise's jewels are layerable, chic and infinitly wearable. Her pieces are timless, yet distinct and have a romantic feel. Her jewelry is designed using sterling silver beads dipped in 22k gold and white gold, mixed with semi precious stones, cubic zirconia and fresh water pearls. There is also a lovely spiritual element to Mary Louise Designs.


I had a blast asking her my favorite twenty questions and her answers are as fun and fabulous as her jewelry. Enjoy!

1. What is your greatest indulgence?
A good, strong massage, after a long productive day.

2. Tell me your biggest fear.
Fear that my line doesn’t sell for the season! Lol.

3. Your favorite red carpet moment of all time?
Angelina Jolie’s emerald earrings at the Oscars.
4. Your most treasured piece of jewelry, and why?
My grandmother’s antique locket dated back to 1817 with my children’s baby pictures in it.
5. White gold, yellow gold or mix it all up?
Mix it up!
6. Who is your favorite fictional character?
Fanny Brice from Funny Girl, with Barbara Streisand.
7. Your greatest love is…
My two children, Genevieve and Taylor.
8. Who is your hero?
Angelina Jolie, for all the charitable work she does.
9. Who is your favorite jewelry designer? (other than yourself)
Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels for their classic, ornate designs.
10. Who do you most admire, alive or deceased?
My aunt, Genevieve Abraham, who is deceased. She was an incredible role model who always gave back twice as much. Her and her husband adopted five children, they were founders of St. Jude’s hospital, and they were involved in so many different charities.
11. Your favorite movie?
Pretty Woman.
12. Newspapers & magazines: print or online?
Vogue, Bazaar, Elle, InStyle. I watch The Today Show every morning and world news every night.
13. Your favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla. I’m simple!
14. Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook.
15. Style icon?
Audrey Hepburn because of her classic all around style.
Jackie O was a good runner up.

16. If you could design a piece of jewelry right now, based on your current mood and surroundings, what would it be?
Diamonds, romantic, and simple.
17. Black or white?
Black.
18. The best part of New York City is...
The food and the shopping.

19. Tell me your greatest asset and your biggest flaw.
My greatest asset is forgiveness, and my biggest flaw is impatience.

20. If you could have any piece from Fragments, what would it be?
Dual diamond 18K hoop earrings.

Be sure to check out Mary Louise Designs on Fragments.com!

xoxo,

Janet

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Millianna

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend. Fall is in the air, fashion week is upon us and we can't wait to celebrate Fashion's Night Out on Friday with the rest of the world. What a testament to our industry; it's going to be a fabulous night. If you're out and about, don't forget to stop by Fragments where we will be offering an exlusive first look (and pre order opportunities) of Melissa Joy Manning's jewelry collection for Doo.Ri. Straight off the runway, these pieces won't be available to the public until February 2011. So - come check it out on Friday, 6-8pm at Fragments, 116 Prince Street. I look forward to seeing you!

On another note, I am very excited to introduce you to one of Fragments' newest and freshest fashion jewelery designers, Millianna. Arianna & Sharmilla, the talent behind the collection, are sincere, fresh faced, eager and exquisite designers. The look is edgy, exciting, new and wearable. The jewels are comfortable and chic, seriously fashion forward and perfect to take you from day to night. I LOVE to wear their magnetic chunky beaded cuffs - they are so statement making and work so well with my collection of Miguel Ases earrings. What a perfect pair. Millianna does layered necklaces that are must-haves, amazing bold earrings and so much more.

Check out what they have to say about their favorite jewelry designers, their greatest indulgences, their heroes and much more...

1. What is your greatest indulgence?
Arianna: Twinkies. Definitely Twinkies.
Sharmilla: I'm a shoe whore.
2. Tell me your biggest fear.
A: Not taking enough risks in life and ending up with regrets.
S: I'm afraid of water--I can't swim!!!
3. Your favorite red carpet moment of all time?
A: I don't really have a favorite red carpet moment, but I thought Angelina Jolie looked quite stunning last year with those emerald earrings.
S: Jennifer Lopez in the green Versace dress from years ago.
4. Your most treasured piece of jewelry, and why?
A: It's a bracelet my mom gave me when I graduated from highschool. It's a silver filigree art deco piece set with aquamarine stones and it used to belong to my great-grandmother.
S: The rose gold Indian bangles my grandmother gave me when I was 5 years old. I've been wearing them ever since, so I can't even take them off!
5. White gold, yellow gold or mix it all up?
A & S: Mix it all up!
6. Who is your favorite fictional character?
A: Hmmm... that's a hard one because I love to read. Right now I'd have to say it's Ken Follet's, Ellen, from The Pillars of the Earth, beautifully played by Natalia Worner in the series that just aired. I read the book years ago and loved how strong she was. She defies authority to stay true to her values, fiercely defends her son and makes medicines out of herbs. Of course she's declared a witch and is forced to live on the outskirts of her village, but she remains a source of strength for many in the story. I always love the independent outcasts!
S: Ada, played by Holly Hunter in, The Piano. She was strong and bore a lot of brutality but triumphed in the end.
7. Your greatest love is…
A: Family and friends.
S: My beautiful, handsome son, Joshua.
8. Who is your hero?
A: I would have to say a hero of mine would be my great-grandmother Renata Biancheri (from where my bracelet comes). She wore pants and cut her hair in the 1920's before everyone else did. She was in a bar with her girlfriends when a group of officers walked in. She pointed to the most handsome one and told her friends that she would be married to him within 6 months. They were married in two, and that was my great-grandfather. She started her own costume company which became a success. She was not an easy person, but she was she was determined and fearless. I love that and when I get scared, I try to conjure up her spirit!
S: I don't really have a hero, but I admire a lot a people. :)
9. Who is your favorite jewelry designer? (other than yourself)
A: How could you just have one?
S: I have a love for Cartier.
10. Who do you most admire, alive or deceased?
A: I admire my parents. It sounds corny, but they're the most dependable, supportive and honest people I know. I admire Elena Kagan for being simultaneously accomplished and charming. I very much admire Jeffrey Sachs. I read his book, The End of Poverty and it changed everything I thought I knew about the poor in developing countries.
S: My grandmother--my mom's mom. She was super feisty and a warrior. Very strong and willful and I remember she would only wear the color, blue. My mom always says I take after her.
11. Your favorite movie?
A: I loved Elizabeth.
S: The Departed, Dangerous Liasons, A Room With A View...I could go on...
12. Newspapers & magazines: print or online?
A & S: We're old school--we love print!
13. Your favorite ice cream flavor?
S: Coffee
A: Pralines and cream.
14. Facebook or Twitter?
A: I don't have anything important enough to tweet about. Definitely Facebook.
S: I have no time to be tweeting! Facebook only!
15. Style icon?
A: Madonna is an unending style icon.
S: Catherine Deneuve, especially in The Hunger.
16. If you could design a piece of jewelry right now, based on your current mood and surroundings, what would it be?
A: Well, considering I'm in WA state right now staring out at a bunch of trees, it would probably be a casting of a branch!
S: I'm not sure, but it would definitely be something very '80's inspired incorporating Tunisian detailing.
17. Black or white?
A: Black!
S: Both!
18. The best part of New York City is...
A: The constant movement and energy. I love the diversity. And the restaurants!!!
S: For me it's downtown and visiting Soho.
19. Tell me your greatest asset and your biggest flaw.
A: I think it's that I'm both right and left brained. My biggest flaw is that I'm both right and left brained. :)
S: My asset is that I'm very detail-oriented, and my biggest flaw is that I'm constantly constantly reworking my designs in the pursuit of perfection!
20. If you could have any piece from Fragments, what would it be?
A: I love Deanna Hamro's collection--it's brilliant. Her chain-link necklace with dangling crystal balls is amazing!
S: I'd take a pair or two of Miguel Ases earrings--they're beautiful!

Millianna jewels will be available on Fragments.com in the next couple of weeks, but for now check out their website: Millianna Design. Enjoy!

xoxo,

Janet

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Mallary Marks

I am so excited to feature a designer today who I truly admire for her exquisite talent and beautiful craftsmanship. Mallary Marks, a designer who we've been carrying in our store for quite some time, creates stunning, very feminine jewelry, that many people often say resembles candy. She is all about COLOR. Mallary is a long time Fragments favorite, and a very dear friend. So, featuring her in today's Designer Spotlight is a real thrill for me. I'm very excited to introduce you all to Mallary Marks, I hope you find her as fabulous as we do...

1. What is your greatest indulgence? chocolate, travel
2. Tell me your biggest fear. no chocolate, no travel, no clean water left on the planet
3. Your favorite red carpet moment of all time? Julia Roberts in the movie Notting Hill filmed at a movie premier wearing my earrings!
4. Your most treasured piece of jewelry, and why? Impossible to pick. My irreplaceable emerald briollette necklace because I purchased the emeralds 15 years ago and have never seen the color or size of them again. So beautiful and mouth watering. The inspiring antique tribal indian mesh silver bracelet because the way it is made is so simply and yet looks complex and exotic all at once. It reminds me of my first trip to india with my mom. The colored glass necklace I got in england when I was 13 because it reminds me of a wonderful family vacation. Its so colorful and cheerful and has inspired many of my pieces since.
5. White gold, yellow gold or mix it all up? absolutely yellow, it accents the colored gemstones i work with, its warmth and richness like sunshine
6. Who is your favorite fictional character? all of my favorite characters are non-fictional.

7. Your greatest love is… well if we are not talking people then i would say gemstones, gold, travel, the mediterranean, and my dog Gobi
8. Who is your hero? alexander calder, odilon redon, matisse
9. Who is your favorite jewelry designer? (other than yourself) alexander calder, african and indian jewelry, antique jewelry, modern jewelry, bubble gum machine jewelry, i love jewelry
10. Who do you most admire, alive or deceased? alive
11. Your favorite movie? tempest by john cassavetes, moulin rouge, chocolat, my man godfrey are some of my favorites
12. Newspapers & magazines: print or online? PRINT! tactile
13. Your favorite ice cream flavor? mint chip
14. Facebook or Twitter? neither in truth
15. Style icon? hard to pick, you can admire so many people for so many different aspects of their style. simple and pure, romantic, exotic, avant garde
16. If you could design a piece of jewelry right now, based on your current mood and surroundings, what would it be? exotic labor intensive colorful earrings
17. Black or white? COLOR!
18. The best part of New York City is... diversity and everything at your finger tips. i call it the land of instant gratification
19. Tell me your greatest asset and your biggest flaw. easily pleased, easily disappointed
20. If you could have any piece from Fragments, what would it be? something of mine of course

Mallary's beautiful creations can be found at Fragments. Feel free to call, 212.334.9588, for more information and of course stop by and visit! 116 Prince Street, between Greene & Wooster.

Have a great day and a wonderful holiday weekend!

Love,

Janet