Sunday Spotlight: Indie Jewelry

As it's becoming increasingly popular, indie jewelry is a great alternative to the typical jewelry you may find in mainstream stores. Choosing from the large pool of eclectic talent, CHAOS profiles five of New York City’s most creative indie jewelry designers.

See our picks below the jump...

The Late Charles Nolan's Dream Lives in NYC

Before cancer took his life early this year at the age of 53, designer Charles Nolan asked for one thing: that his store in the Meatpacking District of NYC would remain open, despite the fate of his label after he passed.

As a designer for Bill Blass, Anne Klein, and Ellen Tracy, the charming Mr. Nolan was successful in the sportswear market, and also founded his signature label in 2004. He mentored countless designers through the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).

Surpassing great struggles and a challenging year of obstacles to keep his dream alive, the NYC location has remained open, and is currently ran by Nolan's youngest (of eight) siblings, Carola, who now manages the 30 Gansevoort Street shoppe. Carola reached out to FIT, inviting recent graduates to sell their work in the store. She also welcomed local artists to display their work there, and a plethora of Nolan's friends started to sell their clothes there, too. Racks of glitzy dresses by Vicky Tiel and artful felt jackets by Brooklyn label Mel en Stel are a few of the many new additions to the store.

Nolan's signature shirtdresses and sequined hoodies are also still there. Many others have started selling their creations, as well as services (like yoga), and Carola is looking for more designers to add to the mix, too. Maybe her next extension will be from you.

Text Brittney Schering
Image New York Times

Give the Gift of Tastiness: Marshmallows for Toasting

'Tis the season of giving, and this year is no different. If you're anything like us here at CHAOS, then we're pretty sure you've already started thinking about gifts for friends and pesky relatives. While a tad cliché, beauty gift sets are always a great go-to because nobody can say no to a little at-home pampering, and we're thinking about giving something a little tastier this year.

Beauty brand Philosophy recently launched their Marshmallows For Toasting trio set, containing delicious shower gel, lotion, and lip shine! Sweeter than candy, the trio is freaking adorable and the perfect gift for your gal pals, aunts, sisters, and mommies. Infused with a potent perfume of marshmallows, each product will leave its user smelling absolutely yummy and perfectly pampered. 

Check out the gift-set online at Sephora! 

Text Lauryn Stone

Sources Philosophy, Sephora

Harry Winston's Largest Jewelry Collection

"If I could, I would attach the diamonds directly onto a woman's skin." - Harry Winston

The famous jewelry house is launching its largest collection ever, which will include 40 one-of-a-kind diamond and platinum necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings called Ultimate Adornments. Dressing a woman in diamonds serves as the inspiration, taking cues from seven dress adornments.

Art Director Sandrine De Laage says the story of the collection comes from different cultures and a different part of time. Collectively, the jewelry will reflect the language of all of these cultures combined.

Harry Winston wants the jewelry collection to celebrate the extraordinary, meaningful moments in life. The jewelry house first unveiled the collection in Hong Kong to couples who are jewelry connoisseurs. The collections will also be shown in Beverly Hills and New York in the coming days.

Ultimate Adornments got its start over a year ago when the company began looking through over 100,000 archive sketches. The seven ultimate inspirations are Indian caftans; guipure lace; Point d’alençon lace; the Chinese study of form called Qipao; the traditional structured Mongolian dress known as Deel; the style of the late jeweler’s wife, Edna Winston; and, finally, the drapery of old Hollywood glamour.

The launch of the collection comes at the perfect time, as the Harry Winston brand is expanding to various parts of the world.

Text Quinn McBee 
Image and Source WWD

STOLEN Part Deux: Louis Vuitton

Earlier this month, we reported the theft of Marc Jacobs’ spring 2012 collection, which took place during the transfer from Paris to London and caused the cancellation of the show. Now, we brief you on a second sketchy scenario, this time revolving around French fashion house Louis Vuitton. Unlike the robbery that plagued Marc Jacobs, this time the situation was more valuable — and more violent.

Last weekend, approximately $400,000 worth of Louis Vuitton goods were stolen from the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. At the scene, masked thieves held employees hostage as they loaded nearly half a million dollars worth of goods into their truck. This is nearly six times more expensive than the Marc Jacobs merchandise, which was valued at about $60,000. Police officials are working hard to track down the criminals who fled with the Louis loot. In the meantime, LVMH had no comment on whether or not this caper is connected to the recent robbery of the Marc Jacobs collection.

In light of current events, it's hard to ignore the law enforcement look from the fall 2011 runway at Louis Vuitton. The police-inspired hats are indeed ironic considering the ongoing police investigations surrounding the high fashion heist.

Text Jennifer Bernard 
Image and Source Elle