BEAUTY + BANGS

LE FASHION BLOG BEAUTY HAIR POST ALL ABOUT THE BANGS FAUX BANGS SHAG JANE BIRKIN INSPIRATION NUDE LIPS LIPSTICK BRONZER TAN CLUMPY MASCARA CRISP LIGHT BLUE BUTTON UP COLLAR SHIRT CROSS SMALL DIAMOND PENDANT NECKLACE  ELLE SPAIN ESPANA 1
LE FASHION BLOG BEAUTY HAIR POST ALL ABOUT THE BANGS FAUX BANGS INSPIRATION NUDE LIPS LIPSTICK BRONZER TAN BROWN SHIMMER EYESHADOW  BEADED TURQUOISE NECKLACE NUDE MESH TOP ELLE SPAIN ESPANA 2
LE FASHION BLOG BEAUTY HAIR POST ALL ABOUT THE BANGS FAUX BANGS SHAG ALEXA CHUNG INSPIRATION NUDE LIPS LIPSTICK BRONZER TAN BROWN SHIMMER EYESHADOW CAT EYE LINER CABLE KNIT NAVY BLUE SWEATER PRINT BANDANA NECK SCARF TIE ELLE SPAIN ESPANA 3
ph: ELLE España

Does this not make you want to reach for the scissors?
I've always had a love/hate relationship with bangs. This makes them look so tempting!

Get the look...

Some of the Best Luxury Watches from SIHH

Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours

The recently concluded Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) tradeshow in Geneva, featured only 16 luxury brands but their output of quality timepieces provided a showcase for innovation, craftsmanship and design that remain the hallmarks of the Swiss watch industry. Below are a few examples of some of the timepieces that were on display.

Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Calibre MB R220

Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours
The hour display of this watch (top and above photos) is made possible by Montblanc’s new Calibre MB R220, which has a patented mechanism consisting of two rotating discs positioned one atop the other, to show not only the individual 12 hours, but to also indicate whether its day or night. The Arabic numerals 1 to 12 are on the upper disc, which is situated above the bicolor day/night disc. The 12-hour disc rotates continually, while the day/night disc turns in intervals and at variable speeds to produce the desired color change (blue for the night, black for the day) in the cut-out numerals. This motion is controlled with the aid of a Maltese cross-shaped mechanism consisting of two cam-like wheels. In addition to this double-disc mechanism, four other disc displays rotate. The day of the week is shown in a window at the 9 o’clock and the date appears in an aperture at the 3 o’clock. This is the latest version of the collection named after the inventor of the chronograph.  


A. Lange & Söhne Grand Complication
The German watch brand has developed a timepiece with a host of complications that include chiming mechanism with grand and small strikes; minute repeater; a monopusher type split-seconds chronograph, with minute counter and rattrapante function and jumping seconds accurate to a fifth of a second; perpetual calendar with date, day of week, month in four-year cycle; and moon phases. The movement is a Lange manufacture Calibre L1902, manually wound. The white enamel dial reveals a railway-track minute scale and the four characteristic, symmetrically arranged subsidiary dials. This exclusive collectors' item is housed in a 50mm pink gold case comes. It is available in a limited edition of six watches.


Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Grand Complication
The mechanical heart of this 44mm timepiece is its three advanced functions, forming what is considered in the industry as the basis of a Grande Complication movement. Its traditional selfwinding movement combines minute repeater, split-second chronograph and perpetual calendar functions. It’s also equipped with a minute repeater mechanism, enabling it to sound the hours, quarters and minutes on demand. And it houses a perpetual calendar complication that also displays lunar cycles. It affords the possibility of performing timing operations and reading off intermediate or “split” times due to the split-second complication, which is an Audemars Piguet signature in its Grande Complication models. The selfwinding Calibre 2885 has 648 parts. It is available in a titanium case (pictured) or an 18K pink gold case. Both models are limited to three pieces each.


Richard Mille RM58-01 Tourbillon World Timer
The 12-year-old watch brand is an infant when it comes to the venerable world of the Swiss watch industry, but it has grown up at lightning speed with technical innovations and partnerships with athletes in sports ranging from track and field to soccer to auto racing. This manually winding movement has hours, minutes and a 10-day power reserve shown on an indicator at 2 o’clock. The caliber RM58-01, 34mm in diameter, is supported on a baseplate of grade 5 titanium, a material also utilized for the bridges. The tourbillon, positioned at 9 o’clock and oscillating at a frequency of 3Hz, is accommodated in a four-part case made from titanium and red gold. The shot-blasted, satin-brushed and polished rotating bezel bears the names of 24 world cities, symbols of the international 24 time zones on its brown upper flange. The RM 58-01 does not need any adjusting push-piece to change from one time zone to another. The time is set by rotating the bezel anticlockwise, making adjustment a quick operation. All the traveler needs to do is position the name of the city where he or she has just landed at 12 o’clock, which automatically sets local time and the time in the other 23 world cities due to the 24-hour scale engraved on the flange. The black and white disc distinguishes day from night for the user automatically, so there is no possibility of confusion. The timepiece, produced as a limited edition of 35 timepieces, was made in partnership with Jean Todt, a French motor sport executive, who wanted a watch to travel the world with. Profits from the sale of this watch will be transferred to two key initiatives close to Todt’s charities: the Global Campaign for Road Safety and the ICM Brain and Spine Institute, which he co-founded.


Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatuor
This deep grey watch is made of silicon, chosen for its low weight and its incomparable hardness. It is half the weight of titanium, which is half the weight of steel, yet it is four times harder. Silicon has a similar atomic structure to diamond and working with it requires just as much skilled expertise. The brand also boasts a technological advancement in which four carefully positioned sprung balances work in pairs to compensate immediately for the rate variations caused by the changes in position of the watch when worn. “What the tourbillon achieves during the course of a minute, the Excalibur Quatuor achieves instantly,” the brand says. A classic watch operating at a frequency of 4 Hz is considered to be highly precise. But the Excalibur Quatuor operates at a frequency of 16 Hz. As each balance oscillates four times per second, the frequency of the watch is multiplied by four as the balances do not oscillate simultaneously. The ticking of a classic watch is replaced by what which the brand describes as “the gentler sound of truly high precision.” The timepiece is limited to a production of three pieces. There is a pink gold version of the watch that has a run of 88 pieces.


Cartier Montre Rotonde Double Mystery Tourbillon
Cartier unveiled its new movement at SIHH: the 9454 MC Double Mystery Tourbillon, certified by the Geneva Seal. The flying tourbillon, which turns once on its own axis every 60 seconds, appears to be floating completely free in space, with no visible connection to any gear train. The illusion is complete when the same tourbillon cage performs a second rotation at a rate of one turn every five minutes. The slate-colored dial is made of galvanised, guilloché, silvered open-work grill. The watch hands are sword-shaped in blued steel. It’s all contained in a 45mm platinum case with the crown set with a sapphire cabochon.


Baume & Mercier Clifton Complete Calendar – Moon Phase, Blue Dial
This is one of a series of Clifton watches released by the Swiss watch brand at SIHH This version of the line, the 43 mm Clifton Complete Calendar, has a blue, sun satin-finished dial. The case back has been opened up to allow lovers of fine mechanics to observe the components of its automatic movement (Dubois Dépraz 9000). Its calendar display is mounted upon an alligator strap, which is closed by a triple folding clasp with security push-pieces.


Parmigiani Tonda Woodstock
In order to project a colorful and musical dynamism, the Swiss watch brand turned for the first time to the refined and delicate art of marquetry. This ancient process consists of cutting out and assembling veneers—wooden veneers in this case—on a flat surface in order to create a decoration for the timepiece. The Tonda Woodstock’s special dial is designed with a Gibson guitar motif with an American flag in wood marquetry.


Piaget Emperador Coussin Ultra-Thin Minute Repeater
Thin is in at Piaget and Emperador Coussin unveiled at SIHH shows it continues to set standards in its development of ultra-thin complications housed in ultra-thin cases. This 48mm 18k pink gold watch boasts the Piaget 1290P, which the brand says is world’s thinnest mechanical self-winding minute repeater movement (4.8 mm). The case itself is also considered the world’s thinnest at 9.4 mm. Details of the movement finishes include sunburst guilloché bridges, bridges hand-beveled and hand-drawn with a file, blackened and polished screws.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

Sotheby’s Hits a Record-Setting $460.5 Million for 2012 Jewelry Sales

Beau Sancy diamond, one of the most important royal diamonds ever to come to auction, was one the Sotheby's biggest sales for 2012, fetching $9.7 million.

Sotheby’s marked its highest-ever total for a year of jewelry sales in 2012, achieving $460.5 million. Statement diamonds and private jewelry collections fetched the strongest results for the year. Auction locations throughout the world posted strong results.

Among the 2012 highlights:

* Sotheby’s Geneva set a new world auction record for any various-owner jewelry sale in May at $108.4 million.

* Across its worldwide salesrooms, Sotheby’s jewelry auctions sold an average of 84 percent by lot.

* 72 lots sold for more than $1 million, with six of those lots selling above $5 million.

* Sotheby’s saw its highest-ever total for a day of jewelry sales in the Americas, when its December auctions in New York reached $64.8 million

* Sotheby’s annual total of $114.5 million in Hong Kong marked the company’s second-biggest year of jewelry and jadeite sales in Asia.

* Prominent private collections fueled strong sale results, including jewels owned by Brooke Astor, Estée Lauder, Evelyn H. Lauder, Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, Suzanne Belperron and Michael Wellby.

* Two rare “white glove” auctions—“Jewels from the Personal Collection of Suzanne Belperron” in Geneva in May, and “The Jewellery Collection of the Late Michael Wellby” in London in December—sold 100 percent by lot.

Among the individual sale highlights:


* A 10.48-carat fancy deep blue diamond (pictured left) sold for more than $10.8 million—establishing a new world record price per carat for any deep blue diamond at auction ($1.03 million per carat) and a world record price for any briolette diamond at auction. The diamond was purchased by Laurence Graff.

The Beau Sancy, the property of the royal house of Prussia, sold for $9.7 million. The 34.98 carat modified pear double rose cut diamond—with its 400 years of royal history—was one of the most important royal diamonds ever to come to auction. 


* A fancy intense 6.54-carat flawless pink diamond and diamond ring by Oscar Heyman & Brothers from the Collection of Evelyn H. Lauder (left), sold for $8.6 million to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. It was the top lot in a December sale from the collections of Estée Lauder and Evelyn H. Lauder that benefitted the foundation founded by Evelyn Lauder. The collections together sold for more than $22. 2 million, well above its overall high estimate of $18 million.


* An 8.01-carat square emerald-cut fancy vivid blue diamond (left) set on a diamond ring sold for $12.7 million—the second-highest price per carat for any fancy vivid blue diamond at auction.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

NUDE NAILS | BURGUNDY TIPS

LE FASHION BLOG BEAUTY POST NAIL NAIL POLISH NAIL ART MANICURE NUDE CLEAN NAIL OXBLOOD BURGUNDY TIPS ALTERNATIVE FRENCH MANICURE PYTHON SNAKE CLUTCH PAMELA LOVE SILVER RING VIA SHOPBOP BLOG SHOPTALK DOKIA VAMPY
LE FASHION BLOG BEAUTY POST NAIL NAIL POLISH NAIL ART MANICURE NUDE NAIL OXBLOOD BURGUNDY TIPS ALTERNATIVE FRENCH MANICURE DONNA KARAN DEBORAH LIPPMANN FALL WINTER FW 2013 SHOW NAILS BACKSTAGE VAMPY
ph: Shopbop Shoptalk | Vogue UK

Love this simple nail inspiration. A burgundy tip looks great over bare nails or over a layer of nude polish. To get the look, try this burgundy + this nude polish.

ps- how great do the nails look with that Pamela Love ring + 3.1 Phillip Lim clutch?!

Fabergé and Gemfields Finalize Merger

Gemfields has already started promoting its emeralds through an advertising campaign.

The iconic luxury brand, Fabergé, has completed its merger with colored gemstone miner and distributor, Gemfields. The merger, first announced in November, creates what has been planned all along for Gemfields since its founding fewer than 10 years ago: a way to produce a mine-to-market template for its colored gemstones.

Gemfields owns a majority stake of the Kagem mine in Zambia, which produces emeralds and amethysts, a mine in Mozambique for rubies, and prospecting licenses for other gemstones in Madagascar. Emeralds from Kagem are by far the company’s biggest product.

The plan is that Gemfields will provide an ethical and traceable source of providing its gemstones to consumers, thus fueling demand for its product. To help create this demand, Gemfields already begun an advertising and marketing campaign for its Kagem emeralds.

The merger was managed by private equity mining giant, Pallinghurst, which owned indirect equity interests of 33 percent in Gemfields and 49 percent in Fabergé and also held certain loan interests in Fabergé. After the transaction, Pallinghurst now owns 48 percent of the enlarged Gemfields. The deal reportedly values Fabergé at $142 million and was funded with 214 million shares in Gemfields.

Arne H. Frandsen, Pallinghurst chief executive, previously said that the merged company is the “next step in realizing our vision and strategy for our gemstones and luxury platform…. Once consummated, we will be well on the way to creating the colored gemstone equivalent of what De Beers has created for diamonds.”

“This transaction creates the world’s number one colored gemstone company, operating at both critical ends of the value chain,” Brian Gilbertson, Pallinghurst chairman, said Wednesday. “Gemfields can now take its vision for colored gemstones to the next level and Fabergé becomes the obvious consumer choice for high‐end, ethically supplied colored gemstone jewelry.”

Gemfields previously articulated a number of benefits of the transaction. They include:

* Positioning U.K.-based Gemfields with Fabergé’s heritage operating in the two most profitable segments within the gemstone supply chain;

* Advancing Gemfields’ “Mine and Market” strategy;

* Positioning Fabergé as the colored gemstone retailer of choice within the hard luxury retail sector, a sector with an estimated turnover of $54 billion in 2011 according to the Bain Luxury Market Study;

* Creating marketing, communication, management and supply synergies to deliver operational efficiencies; and

* Creating a platform to further increase Gemfields’ market share within the colored gemstone sector, while gaining exposure to luxury sector multiples and greater influence over product positioning and consumer awareness.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

WHITE + BRIGHT

LE FASHION BLOG STREET STYLE ALL WHITE LOOK SPRING SUMMER INSPIRATION NEON BRIGHT YELLOW SANDALS HEELS STACKED NEON PASTEL BRIGHT BRACELETS LONG OMBRE HAIR SIMPLE BLACK ZIPPER CLUTCH STYLE LOVELY CHIC TO CHIC BLOGGER AGOSTINA GOSSIPMADEMEFAMOUS
ph: Style Lovely | Chic to Chic

Love this mix. Throw on a white, flowy dip-hem button up, cuffed white denim, a few bracelets, a simple black clutch, a great pair of bright, yet simple statement heels + you're set!

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Inside the World's Most Exclusive Watch Show

Montblanc, which added Swiss watches to its diverse luxury portfolio in 1997, used its showroom to display many of the contemporary art pieces that are on permanent display at its headquarters in Hamburg. All of the work includes an interpretation of the iconic Momntblanc star. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

GENEVA — The big news last week in this small country with a mighty economy and far-reaching global influence was the annual World Economic Forum held in Davos. Although overshadowed, another important annual event was being held: the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), arguably the most exclusive watch show in the world. 

By far the youngest and arguably the most innovative of watch brands today, Richard Mille displayed some of this innovation not only in the materials and concepts of its watches, but in its 3D presentation to the press during SIHH. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

The most recent installment of SIHH ended with the 16 watch brands, among the most prestigious in the world, introducing their latest timepieces, often the result of years of intensive research. It’s an invitation only event held each year at the Palexpo exhibition center. This year I was among the more than 13,000 invited guests (which included international retailers, journalists and brand representatives) to attend. 

Roger Dubuis introduced its Excalibur line of watches with a Bird of Prey as the centerpiece of its showroom. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Twelve of the watch brands exhibiting are owned by Richemont, the Geneva-based luxury holdings company, which is why the event (held Jan. 21 – 25) is often referred to as the Richemont show. 

Decked out for racing the IWC Schaffhausen showroom was one of the most popular during SIHH. the display was used to introduce its Ingenieur Chronograph Racer and Ingenieur Silberpfeil, the second watch dedicated to the famous Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow racing car. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

There’s been talk about a slowdown in the luxury business, (particularly watches). The growth is slower than the astronomical rise in sales of the past few years, led by China. In fact, one could say that the growth in sales is now at a more normal pace. Richemont numbers point to this as the company reported that third quarter sales increased 5 percent, year-over-year, to 2.86 billion Swiss francs. Its “Specialist Watchmakers” group saw even more growth at 9 percent to 784 million Swiss francs. In addition, annual Swiss watch sales, which are expected soon, are expected to surpass 20 billion Swiss francs for the time ever. 

Butterflies were used tomillustrate the delicate intricacies of Van Cleef & Arpels' new watch and jewelry lines. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

There was some caution among the brand officials when talking sales, but overall, life remains good in the Swiss watch industry. 

The main gathering area at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

A giant replica of its new Grand Complication timepiece was the major design element of the A. Lange & Söhne showroom. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

A look inside Baume & Mercier's summer-in-the Hamptons themed showroom. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

Report: 7% Increase in Interest for Haute Horlogerie, Led by BRIC and Asian Markets

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak,
such as this 'City of Sails' piece,
is the most sought-after
haute horlogerie
watch model in the world.
Is there a slowdown in the luxury watch market? Maybe. But global interest in luxury timepieces (haute horlogerie) not only remains strong but actually increased by 7 percent in 2012, according to the preliminary results of a global report.

Luxury industry market intelligence firm, Digital Luxury Group, recently released the results of the haute horlogerie category (18 brands) of the WorldWatchReport, based on an analysis of watch-related search queries typed into major global search engines. Among the findings:

1. Compared to the previous year, the highest-end category of luxury watches, haute horlogerie, experienced a 7% increase in brand interest. “This marks the third year in a row that the online interest of this highest-end segment of luxury watches has increased, showing the continued strength of haute horlogerie within the overall market,” said Florent Bondoux, DLG head of Strategy & Intelligence.

2. Of the 20 markets analyzed in the study, nearly half (47%) of global interest for haute horlogerie stems from Brazil, Russia, India, China, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Mainland China on its own compromises 31 percent of the global demand or twice as much as the U.S. market.

3. There’s a downward trend in mature luxury watch markets with the U.S. down by 10.6 percent and Japan down by 11.7 percent in its share of global demand. While relative share of demand has progressively shrank in the past three years in most established markets, for the first time since the report’s launch in 2004, there was an absolute decline in domestic demand in the U.S. and Japan.

4. Patek Philippe remains by far the leading haute horlogerie watch brand with 23.6 percent of brand interest share. Jaeger-LeCoultre takes the second spot with 12.7 percent, closely followed by Vacheron Constantin at 12.6 percent, Audemars Piguet at 9.2 percent and Breguet at 7.7 percent.

5. Along with Richard Mille, Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe also record the highest growth rates in brand interest year-over-year, with 26 percent and 10.2 percent, respectively. Founded in 2001, the Richard Mille brand is the fastest growing haute horlogerie brand (61% over last year), followed by Vacheron Constantin (26%), and Patek Philippe (10.2%).

6. Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, reinforcing its leading position of last year, continues its reign as the most sought-after haute horlogerie watch model, increasing its online interest by 5 percent over the last year, likely an effect of the increased communications surrounding the icon’s 40th anniversary. Though the Royal Oak leads globally, local preferences arise for other models in markets such as Japan (Girard-Perregaux’s 1945), China (Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas), and Russia (Blancpain’s Leman).

Haute horlogerie brands tracked in this preview report were: A. Lange & Söhne, Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Bovet, Breguet, De Bethune, Frank Muller, Girard-Perregaux, Glashütte Original, Greubel Forsey, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jaquet Droz, Parmigiani, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, Roger Dubuis, Ulysse Nardin and Vacheron Constantin.

The full edition of the WorldWatchReport, which this year will cover more than 60 watch brands in 20 markets worldwide, will be available in April.


Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

Alexandra Mor Receives Fashion Group International Rising Star Award

Alexandra Mor
Fine jewelry designer, Alexandra Mor, received the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award in the fine jewelry category. The award was presented by Marion Fasel, InStyle editor and one of the nation’s top fine jewelry experts, who announced Mor’s win with these words, “To the designer of the emerald earrings of my dreams.”

“We believe the award will reflect positively on Alexandra’s talent and will help her as her business expands. Her creativity and craftsmanship are exemplary, and the beauty of her product certainly reflects all that Rising Star represents,” added Margaret Hayes, FGI president.

FGI presented the 16th Annual Rising Star Awards on Jan. 24 during a luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. The awards recognize emerging talents in the fashion and design industries in the following categories: Accessories, Beauty/Fragrance Entrepreneur, Beauty/Fragrance Corporate, Home/Interior Design, Fine Jewelry; Men’s Apparel, Retail and Women’s Ready-to-Wear.

“There's nothing more reassuring to an artist than being recognized for what you do,” Mor said. “I happen to love what I do. And I will continue to work hard and follow my dreams.”

Alexandra Mor Sugarloaf emerald and diamond ring.

Those who regularly read the Jewelry News Network are certainly aware of Mor and her skill as a fine jewelry designer. Her work reflects a style that originates from her family of French-Israeli fashion couturiers. Her limited-edition, one-of-a-kind and signature jewelry collections combine old-world craftsmanship with contemporary styles. Designed and hand-crafted in her New York studio, she has established herself as a private jeweler and artist with a commitment to timelessness and perfection.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

LEOPARD + STUDS

LE FASHION BLOG OUTFIT COLLAGE Topshop Knitted Rib Scoop V Jumper SWEATER Elizabeth and James Charlton CAT EYE Sunglasses ASOS Pack of Mini Hoop Drop STUD Earrings Made Her Think Diamond Marquis Bracelet Sea Leopard PRINT Tie Pants Valentino Va Va Voom Small STUDDED Rockstud Flap Bag Deborah Lippmann WHITE Nail Polish in Amazing Grace ginette_ny Circle Ring Iosselliani Fused Stone STUD STUDDED GREEN GOLD SILVER Ring Set BLACK SUEDE Nicholas Joclyn High Heel Sandals

1. Topshop Knitted Rib Scoop V Jumper
2. Elizabeth and James Charlton Sunglasses
3. ASOS Pack of Mini Hoop Drop Earrings
4. Made Her Think Diamond Marquis Bracelet
5. Sea Leopard Tie Pants
6. Valentino Va Va Voom Small Rockstud Flap Bag
7. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in 'Amazing Grace'
8. ginette_ny Circle Ring
9. Iosselliani Fused Stone Ring Set
10. Nicholas Joclyn High Heel Sandals

DARK DETAILS

LE FASHION STYLE DARK DETAILS ALL BLACK LOOKS Dušan DUSAN RUNWAY BLACK DARK SUIT TWEED KNIT SLEEK MINIMAL EFFORTLESS NINETIES INSPIRED CHIC SLOUCHY PANTS TROUSERS NATURAL BEAUTY
LE FASHION STYLE DARK DETAILS ALL BLACK LOOKS AFTERDRK SABRINA ISBAEL MARANT SUIT CROPPED PANTS LEATHER EUDON CHOI TOP EFVA ATTLING WATCH MINIMAL EFFORTLESS CHIC
LE FASHION BLOG STYLE DARK DETAILS ALL BLACK  VERA WANG 2011 PLEATS BACK SKIRT SKINNY MOTO PANTS KNIT SWEATER NUDE NAILS RUNWAY
ph: Dušan | AfterDrk | Vera Wang

Yes! Love these three looks for their simplicity + the dark details.

Get the look...

Sotheby’s 2012 Watch and Clock Auction Sales Increased 43%

Patek Philippe tonneau minute repeating wristwatch engraved with the Graves family coat-of-arms.

Sotheby’s global watch and clock auctions in 2012 saw a year-over-year growth rate of 43 percent to total $85 million in sales, the highest-ever annual total for this category at the international auction house. 

The Hong Kong sales brought in $28.3 million, well above pre-sale total estimate of $20.6 million and a 20 percent, year-over-year increase. Europe sales in Geneva and London totaled $30.3 million, while New York achieved $26.48 million—an 83 percent increase from 2011.

“With the reconstruction of the department we have seen tremendous and unprecedented growth in the company’s watch and clock auction and private sale business, with record-breaking results in Hong Kong, New York and London, and clients participating from nearly 70 countries around the world,” said Tim Bourne, Sotheby’s Worldwide Head of Watches.

In the U.S., the New York June auctions of watches from the Collection of The Late Reginald H. Fullerton, Jr. and His Grandfather Henry Graves, Jr., offered in a dedicated sale, was 100 percent sold by lot and achieved $8.3 million, almost tripling its estimate, Sotheby’s said. The auction was led by The Henry Graves, Jr. Yellow Gold Minute Repeating Wristwatch by Patek Philippe (pictured) that sold for nearly $3 million, soaring above its $800,000 high estimate to achieve the highest-ever price for a wristwatch at Sotheby’s.

In December, Sotheby’s set a new auction record for any clock and the second-highest price for any timepiece at auction when the Duc d’Orléans Breguet Sympathique sold for $6.8 million. In addition, a Patek Philippe Ref. 2512/1 wristwatch sold for $962,000, more than nine times its pre-sale low estimate.

In Hong Kong, the April auction saw world records achieved for a Patek Philippe Dufour wristwatch ($617,949), as well as Patek Philippe Ref. 5079 ($510,256). In October, a Patek Philippe Ref. 5104 wristwatch sold for $633,333, while a Patek Philippe Ref. 5002P Sky Moon Tourbillon fetched $1.35 million.

Sotheby’s watch sales in Europe were highlighted by the landmark London auction of The George Daniels Horological Collection in November which achieved a total of $13.2 million with a remarkable 98.5 percent of the 137 lots belonging to the great British horologist sold. All of the nine watches made by George Daniels saw strong demand, selling above their high estimates. The top lot of the sale was George Daniels’ Space Traveller’s Watch, which fetched more than $2.1 million—establishing not only a new record for Daniels at auction, but also a record For an English watch and for an independent watchmaker at auction.

Sotheby’s Geneva spring and autumn auctions were led by rare models of vintage and modern wristwatches, including a most probably unique example of Patek Philippe Ref. 2524/1 retailed by Tiffany & Co, which doubled pre-sale expectations by selling for $571,328 in November. A further highlight was the sale in May of a 1825 carriage clock by the celebrated watch and clockmaker, Breguet, which was bought for $452,202 by the Breguet Museum, Paris.


Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Web site.

Breguet Tourbillon Exhibit Opens in Geneva and will Tour the World

A modern-day Breguet tourbillon timepiece

Swiss luxury watch brand, Breguet, is celebrating the invention of the tourbillion through an exhibition titled, “Breguet, the innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon,” at the Cité du Temps exhibition space in Geneva.

The exhibition will run till February 24 and then will tour cities in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the United States.

On June 26, 1801 (or rather on 7 Messidor Year 9, since the Republic calendar was still in force at the time), the French Minister of the Interior awarded Abraham-Louis Breguet, the founder of Breguet, a patent for the invention of the tourbillon. This new type of regulator was developed in response to a longstanding problem: the detrimental effects of gravity on the regularity of a movement by generating variations in rate. Breguet understood that in order to reduce such errors, he would need to install the entire escapement within a mobile carriage that would perform a complete rotation, generally in one, four or six minutes. The regular repetition of the variations would allow them to compensate for each other.

This invention turned out to be difficult for Breguet to produce and implement. One reason is because the tourbillon must not weigh more than one gram, and yet be robust enough to avoid inducing rating errors rather than eliminating them. This inherent difficulty was compounded by the delicate work of finishing more than70 tiny parts that must fit and mesh together with absolute precision. Making a tourbillon was not within reach of all watchmakers, and only the finest proved capable of producing one after the 10-year patent had expired.

La Cité du Temps

La Cité du Temps, owned by the Swatch Group, is a public exhibition center focusing on the world of time. It hosts a variety of exhibitions and activities. It’s the only place in the world where you can find a permanent exhibition of Swatch watches.

The Swatch Group, the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of finished watches, acquired Montres Breguet in 1999.

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A GREAT MIX

LE FASHION BLOG STYLE TRENDS STREET STYLE EDITORIAL VOGUE CHINA TOMBOY MASCULINE BRONZER BEAUTY SLEEK HAIR BURBERRY COATS PINK NUDE CLUTCH CELINE LEOPARD PRINT SLIP ON SNEAKER SWEAT PANTS MASCULINE IMPRESSION AMY TROOST MODELS Chiharu Okunugi Ji Hye Park Tian Yi Sung Hee Kim ALASTAIR MCKIMM 1
LE FASHION BLOG STYLE TRENDS STREET STYLE EDITORIAL VOGUE CHINA  BRONZER BEAUTY SLEEK HAIR FRIZZ ENDS LIGHT BLUE BALMAIN STRUCTURED SHOULDER JACKET PANEL SHIRT GOLD BELT MASCULINE IMPRESSION AMY TROOST MODELS Chiharu Okunugi Ji Hye Park Tian Yi Sung Hee Kim ALASTAIR MCKIMM 2
LE FASHION BLOG STYLE TRENDS STREET STYLE EDITORIAL VOGUE CHINA  BRONZER BEAUTY SLEEK HAIR FRIZZ ENDS LAYERED COLLAR SHIRT NAVY JACKET THE ROW WOOL CAMEL COAT SWEATER LEATHER QUILTED PANTS WRIST CHAIN CLUTCH BAG MASCULINE IMPRESSION AMY TROOST MODELS Chiharu Okunugi Ji Hye Park Tian Yi Sung Hee Kim ALASTAIR MCKIMM 3
LE FASHION BLOG STYLE TRENDS STREET STYLE EDITORIAL VOGUE CHINA  BRONZER BEAUTY SLEEK HAIR SHORT BOB WHITE LEATHER COLLARLESS JACKET PRINT COLLARED SHIRT MASCULINE IMPRESSION AMY TROOST MODELS Chiharu Okunugi Ji Hye Park Tian Yi Sung Hee Kim ALASTAIR MCKIMM 4
ph: Vogue China

Love this editorial- a great mix of masculine, minimal + edge.

Get the look...

BOLD LASHES

LE FASHION BLOG BACKSTAGE BEAUTY GUCCI SS SPRING SUMMER 2013 BOLD MAJOR FALSE EYELASHES LASHES CLEAN NATURAL SKIN NEUTRAL BARE NUDE LIPS LIPSTICK
LE FASHION BLOG BACKSTAGE BEAUTY GUCCI SS SPRING SUMMER 2013 BOLD MAJOR FALSE EYELASHES LASHES CLEAN NATURAL SKIN NEUTRAL BARE NUDE LIPS LIPSTICK
ph: Vogue UK

Major crush on the bold lashes at Gucci S/S 2013. I know false lashes are normally associated with over-the-top party looks, but with clean skin + neutral lip color they're understated + chic.
My favorite way to get the look is with Illamasqua false lashes + Duo black eyelash adhesive.

S/S 2013 FAVORITES | LAID-BACK CHIC

LE FASHION BLOG STYLE CELINE AD CAMPAIGN SS SPRING SUMMER 2013 DARIA WERBOWY SHORT HAIR BOB NECK WRAP SLEEVELESS TOP SLOUCHY RELAXED BAGGY SATIN PANTS FLAT SLIP ON FUZZY FUR SANDALS LEATHER WRIST WRAP CUFFS BRACELET MINIMAL 90S INSPIRED BLACK AND WHITE LAIDBACK CHICLE FASHION BLOG STYLE ELIZABETH AND JAMES SS SPRING SUMMER 2013 DROP EARRINGS WHITE TUX JACKET BLAZER SLOUCHY RELAXED BAGGY SATIN PANTS ANKLE ZIPPER SLIT SPLIT FLAT SLIP ON SANDALS WOODEN STACKED BANGLE BRACELETS MINIMAL 90S INSPIRED BLACK AND WHITE LAIDBACK CHIC
LE FASHION BLOG OUTFIT COLLAGE SPRING 2013 FAVORITES CELINE AD CAMPAIGN DARIA WERBOWY ELIZABETH AND JAMES RELAXED BAGGY SLOUCHY PANTS TROUSERS FUZZY FLAT SLIP ON SANDALS CUFFS BANGLES BLACK WHITE Equipment Signature Sleeveless Blouse River Island Wrap Bracelet Jacques an Lanh Wooden Bracelet Cuff Jacques an Lanh Angled Bracelet Topshop Silk Sloppy Jogger By Boutique Topshop Split Front Skinny Trousers Adidas Adilette Flat Sandals in Black Adidas Adilette Flat Sandals in White MINIMAL 90S INSPIRED BLACK AND WHITE LAIDBACK CHIC
ph: Céline | Elizabeth and James

Relaxed, baggy pants + flat sandals? Yes, please! I'm all about laid-back looks that are as chic as they are comfortable, especially when the looks are 90s-inspired minimal with a modern twist. Céline + Elizabeth and James have made my fashion dreams have come true.

Get the look...
1. Equipment Signature Sleeveless Blouse
2. River Island Wrap Bracelet
3. Jacques an Lanh Wooden Bracelet Cuff
4. Jacques an Lanh Angled Bracelet
5. Topshop Silk Sloppy Jogger By Boutique
6. Topshop Split Front Skinny Trousers
7. Adidas Adilette Flat Sandals in Black
8. Adidas Adilette Flat Sandals in White

MODEL-OFF-DUTY | ANDREEA DIACONU

LE FASHION ANDREEA DIACONU PLAID SHIRT LAYERED TEXTURED SWEATER TEE TSHIRT SKIRT THIGH HIGH TIGHTS FLATS BEAUTY HAIR FASHION WEEK MODEL OFF DUTY STYLE
LE FASHION ANDREEA DIACONU PLAID SHIRT LAYERED TEXTURED SWEATER STRIPE STRIPED TEE TSHIRT PRINT WHITE DENIM SHORTS BROWN FLAT SANDALS HEADPHONES BEAUTY HAIR FASHION WEEK MODEL OFF DUTY STYLE 2
LE FASHION ANDREEA DIACONU LEATHER SLEEVE BOUCLE JACKET SHEER TEE TSHIRT PRINT SKINNY JEANS DENIM ISABEL MARANT SUEDE ANKLE BOOTS ALEXANDER WANG BAG BEAUTY HAIR FASHION WEEK MODEL OFF DUTY STYLE 3
ph: Vogue Spain | FashionMag | StockholmStreetStyle

Andreea Diaconu is such a beauty! Love all of her easy + chic model-off-duty looks.
Click below for more + to find out how to get the look...

LE FASHION ANDREEA DIACONU BLACK TEE TSHIRT PRINT IKAT TRIBAL ISABEL MARANT SKIRT LEATHER ANKLE BOOTS LEATHER SATCHEL BAG BEAUTY HAIR FASHION WEEK MODEL OFF DUTY STYLE 4
LE FASHION ANDREEA DIACONU HONEYCOMB SCARF TAN COAT PANDA STRIPES FUZZY SWEATER CAMO PRINT GOLD CROSSBODY BAG LEATHER PANTS NATURAL BEAUTY HAIR FASHION WEEK MODEL OFF DUTY STYLE 5
LE FASHION ANDREEA DIACONU BLACK HAT STRIPE SWEATER BEADED BELT BOYFRIEND JEANS DENIM FLAT LEATHER SANDALS CROSSBODY SATCHEL BAG  ORANGE EYE SHADOW CAT EYE BEAUTY HAIR FASHION WEEK MODEL OFF DUTY STYLE 6
ph: StockholmStreetStyle | Hanneli Mustaparta | Citizen Couture

Get the look...
 

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