Like Clockwork

The early 1900’s produced some of the most impressive decorative clocks ever created. With the world’s leading jewelry houses taking the reigns from the traditional artisans, clocks were not only being made for their mechanical capabilities but also as an art form. The highest form of this is the Cartier “mystery clock”, first produced in 1912.

Guest Blogger: Tracy Reese

After her successful runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, CIRCA sat down with top CFDA Designer Tracy Reese to find out what her style influences are:

Name: Tracy Reese

Hometown: Detroit

When did you first start designing: As a young child, maybe 6

A Taste of Spring

Spring has officially arrived, and the floral motif of these Tiffany & Co. sterling silver spoons has helped put us in the mood. These dainty and delicate demitasse spoons, translated from French word for “half cup”, are used to stir in sugar, milk, or cream when serving coffee or tea. Demitasse spoons are generally small, measuring about three to four inches in length, the perfect size to rest beside the cup on the saucer.

Seeing Green

I don’t know if I’ve become caught up in the spirit of the revelers along the 5th Avenue parade route, or if it’s the ghost of St. Patrick himself, but lately I’ve been seeing green!

But no, I realize that it’s not leprechauns I’ve been spotting. As I look back over this awards season, there were emerald hues everywhere - from the spectacular designer gowns at the Golden Globes to the magnificent gems at the Oscars. Do I detect a trend?

Emerald was certainly the choice of the season on the red carpet at the Golden Globes. And why not? Emerald gowns make a beautiful statement and lend a certain ‘pizzazz’ when the cameras are flashing. Celebs such as Angelina Jolie (in Atelier Versace), Mila Kunis (in Vera Wang), and Elizabeth Moss (in Donna Karen) all stepped out in this lush color. However, my favorite was the tiered old-Hollywood style Monique Lhuillier gown worn by the always stunning Catherine Zeta-Jones (pictured at right).

Guest Blogger: Rebecca Minkoff

After her successful runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, CIRCA sat down with top CFDA Designer Rebecca Minkoff to find out what her style influences are:

Name: Rebecca Minkoff

Hometown: San Diego, CA

When did you first start designing: I started sewing at 8 years old and was immediately hooked. I’ve been designing ever since.

CIRCA at the Field Museum

CIRCA Chicago recently hosted a private tour of the Gold exhibit at the Field Museum for more than 150 clients and invited guests. The tour was led by Director Ruth Thuston and Ed Hartman and featured an amazing array of coins, shipwrecked bullion bars and recovered jewels from the days of pirates. Also featured was some exquisite jewelry and vanity cases from Cartier, VCA and Tiffany. Each guest left with a booklet entitled, "Golden Treasures", which showcased some of CIRCA’s iconic jewelry purchases. One lucky guest was the winner of the raffle and left with a $20 gold coin that CIRCA had recently purchased.

“Thanking our clients in this fashion is the perfect way to spend a winter day”, said Ruth Thuston, Director of CIRCA Chicago. “I challenge anyone to stand in a room covered in gold leaf and feel gloomy!” The gold leaf room in the exhibit was on Thuston’s list of highlights for the tour.

Guest Blogger: Dennis Basso

After his successful runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, CIRCA sat down with top CFDA Designer Dennis Basso to find out what his style influences are:

Name: Dennis Basso

Hometown: New York, New York

When did you first start designing: I started designing in 1983 and had my first show at the Regency Hotel that September.