Lights, Camera, Oscars!

All eyes were on the red carpet last night for the 84th Annual Academy Awards. Starlets were dressed to the nines with fabulous and perfectly-polished ensembles.

This year stars wore light hues and what better color to pair diamonds and gems with than heavenly white! Milla Jovovich wowed in a one-shoulder white Elie Saab – truly channeling old Hollywood glamour with set waves and red lips. Her diamond drops were the perfect accessory. Gwyneth Paltrow walked the red carpet in a minimalist, stark-white Tom Ford dress with matching cape. She accessorized with bold jewelry - a diamond encrusted statement cuff and large diamond ring. Even Rooney Mara, known for only wearing black, went white for the Oscars in an Art Deco-inspired Givenchy gown.

You Say It's Your Birthday

Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for the month of February. Here are a few interesting facts about this stone for those who celebrated birthdays this month...

- Although this gemstone is always purple, it appears in a wide range of shades from light lilac to deep purple. The pale colors are sometimes called "Rose de France" and can often be found in Victorian jewelry like this antique Rose de France Amethyst ring in Vintage Rose Gold Setting, circa mid-19th Century.

Fall 2012: Trendspotting

February is the month for love and of course, Fall/Winter fashion. This Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was an exciting and very eventful one for me. The CIRCA Accessories Salon was back in full force, exhibiting the new collections of today's most innovative jewelry designers, along with a spectacular selection of recent CIRCA estate jewelry purchases. The runways were, as always, full of inspiration as I look forward to another season. Here are some of the top trends:

Trend I: Fun Fabrics 

This season tweed, buffalo check, and houndstooth made their way onto multiple runways. J. Mendel combines a dark tweed mini dress with splashes of leather – a classic, fall look with a bit of an edge. Milly by Michelle Smith used a vibrant color palette with classic black collar and outlining. L.A.M.B. mixed oversized houndstooth with bright colors. Michael Kors enlarged the iconic buffalo check print, creating a beautiful black and white poncho. These busy patterns take center stage, so stick with a simple cuff to accessorize.

CIRCAstyle: Reports from the Runway

Wednesday, February 15th


Michael Kors - A phenomenal runway show with a collection that can be worn from Manhattan to Aspen.

Best Accessory: big fur hats.

CIRCA recommends: a versatile necklace.

CIRCAstyle: Reports from the Runway

Tuesday, February 14th


Narciso Rodriguez - Models were draped in an interplay of matte and shiny fabrics.

Best Accessory: alligator and suede boots.

CIRCA recommends: two-tone earrings.

Melissa Joy Manning at the CIRCA Salon

Jewelry designer, Melissa Joy Manning, was featured at the CIRCA Accessories Salon today, February 15th, at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Here, Melissa talks about how nature inspires her work and the importance of sustainability in the luxury industry.

CIRCAstyle: Reports from the Runway

Monday, February 13th


Carolina Herrera - Always effortlessly feminine, Carolina keeps chic day looks to navy and black.

Best Accessory: Manolo Blahnik wedge booties.

CIRCA recommends: an elegant ring.

Dean Harris at the CIRCA Salon

Jewelry designer, Dean Harris, was featured at the CIRCA Accessories Salon on February 14th at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Here, he discusses how his love for jewelry began.

 

Guest Blogger - Hassan Pierre

Hometown: Miami Beach, Florida

How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?

There are a few ways which I incorporate sustainability within my design; I create classic beautiful clothes that could have been worn 20 years ago, they can be worn today and they will be able to be worn 30 years from now. Part of being sustainable is creating things that stand the test of time; secondly I use organic & sustainable materials in my collections to further the notion of luxury sustainability.

CIRCAstyle: Reports from the Runway

Sunday, February 12th


Diane von Furstenberg - Continuing her history with prints, DVF introduced frocks with chains, music notes, jigsaw pieces even interlocked hands.

Best Accessory: oversize sunglasses.

CIRCA recommends: hoop earrings.

Gemma Redux at the CIRCA Salon

Rachel Dooley's jewelry line, Gemma Redux, is featured today at the CIRCA Accessories Salon. Here, she talks with us about her recent creations.

CIRCAstyle: Reports from the Runway

CIRCAstyle: Reports from the Runway
Thursday, Feb. 9th 

The CIRCA Accessories Salon has prime real estate at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, so we’ve had a front row seat to what’s happening at Lincoln Center. While the clothing claims the majority of the spotlight, we all know accessories - especially beautiful jewels - are what complete an outfit. So, we’re giving you a daily recap of our favorite ensembles, and how best to accessorize.

BCBG Max Azria – Bundle up in statement coats in a color palette of rich autumn hues and mixed patterns like wool, leather and fur.

Best accessory: Hair with an engineered shape.

CIRCA recommends: a bold, statement cuff.

Guest Blogger - Kris Humphries

Today at the CIRCA Accessories Salon we are showcasing Sector Watches. We recently sat down with spokesperson and NBA star, Kris Humphries to see what influences his style. 

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota

When did you realize that basketball was your future? 

I’ve always loved playing basketball since I was really young, but I was actually very competitive in swimming. Oddly enough, I still hold the US national record for the 50M and 100M freestyle for boys 10 and under. But I’d have to say when I was 12 I started to realize my true potential as a basketball player, and love for the sport.

CIRCA Salon Presents: Melissa Joy Manning

Jewelry designer Melissa Joy Manning will preview her Fall 2012 collection at the CIRCA Accessories Salon at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. We recently sat with Melissa to find out what influences her style: 

Hometown: Alameda, California

At CIRCA, we believe that every jewel tells a story. What’s your story?

I’ve always made jewelry. I made my first necklace in Montessori school and, as a kid; my idea of play was making things. It was just a matter of time before I left Fimo & beads and pursued a formal education in jewelry design and sculpture. Shortly thereafter I started my business by asking local boutiques if they would carry my work. I feel blessed every day that I am able to pursue my passion. I love what I do and am continually inspired to create jewelry. October will mark 15 years in business and I look forward to the next 15!

CIRCA Salon Presents: Dean Harris

Jewelry designer Dean Harris will preview his new collection at the CIRCA Accessories Salon at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. We recently sat with Dean to find out what influences his style:

 Hometown: New York City

At CIRCA, we believe that every jewel tells a story. What’s your story?

I began making jewelry 14 years ago by taking night classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). However, because I was traveling so much for business, I ended up missing much of what was being taught. So, to get some experience at the bench, I would sneak into the back of a class and quietly work. Because I never really learned how to work in wax or with CAD, as most people are taught, I had to figure things out on my own. This allowed me to develop my own style of manipulating wire by melting, hammering, and forming it, which became the signature of my work.

CIRCA Salon Presents: Gemma Redux

Jewelry designer Rachel Dooley of Gemma Redux will preview her Fall/Winter 2012 collection at the CIRCA Accessories Salon at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. We recently sat with Rachel to find out what influences her style:

Hometown: Grand Rapids MI; now living in NYC

At CIRCA, we believe that every jewel tells a story. What’s your story? 

I began designing jewelry while studying for the NY Bar Exam, as a creative outlet and a way to unwind. I’ve always been passionate about travelling, and over the next several years while travelling through Asia and Africa, I began collecting loose semi-precious and precious stones, including my favorite stone, a tanzanite gem I found while on honeymoon in Tanzania. My travels and love of industrial materials from my days as an engineering student sparked a passion to design. I created the brand Gemma Redux, which means “reconstructed gems” in Latin, to showcase these unusual materials in statement-making silhouettes. I continue to travel to discover new materials and techniques, and constantly strive to create pieces that are unique in the market.

CIRCA Presents: Irene Neuwirth

Jewelry designer Irene Neuwirth will preview her Fall 2012 collection at the CIRCA Accessories Salon at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. We recently sat with Irene to find out what influences her style:

Hometown: Los Angeles, California.

At CIRCA, we believe that every jewel tells a story. What’s your story?

I was born and raised in Los Angeles. My creative ability comes from my mother, a painter, and my entrepreneurial spirit is inspired by my father, a businessman. I emerged early on as a free-spirited and creative child, captivated by the beauty of my natural surroundings.

CIRCA Launches New Creative Campaign

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