GREEN PEBBLES

The lingerie is handcrafted with soft silks, lace, crepe de chine, tulles and chiffon. The palettes of both collections contain creams, pale hues and floral prints, which capture the essence of an endless summer. 

The newest collection, 'Smoke and Mirrors', offers longline soft bras with long lace trims that can even be worn as outerwear - an essential for S/S 12.

Michelle Blenkinsopp, the UK-based founder, has a passion for vintage lingerie and slip dressing. 'Smoke and Mirrors' looks back nostalgically to the 1930’s Jazz Age. The collection sees provocative and flirty designs kept elegant, thanks to its refined 1930s details. 

Shell Belle Couture creates delicate and luxurious pieces ‘that will carry you elegantly, from Beach to Boudoir‘. To see the full collection, visit www.shellbellecouture.com.

Already a firm favorite with some of the UK's top fashion magazines, ANJLI LONDON 's jazzy clutches have now become a favorite with the Green Pebbles Girls!

Available in just about every colour of the rainbow and in a plethora of shapes, sizes, and patterns we're sure you'll find one  (or more for that matter!) which will suit your outfit down to the ground!

The Mirror Clutch & The Hollywood Silver Bangle

 

Designer and owner Anjli Shah derives her inspiration from traditional and exotic designs from around the world: particularly Eastern Africa and India, juxtaposing them with London's chic fashion scene.

 

Based at the Chelsea Harbour atelier Anjli couples vibrant colour and a playful enjoyment of texture with reworked classics and bold styles to create the concept of Modern Couture. n Couture .

 

The Peacock Clutch

 

All ANJLI LONDON clutches and bangles are individually and fully hand made by independent craftspeople located around the world.

 

To offset all carbon emissions in the manufacture and transportation processes  ANJLI LONDON sources locally to the town of base production. 

The Baby (Spice) Clutch

You can purchase your Anjli London clutch bags and cuffs online from the Anjli London online store 

For more information about Anjli London or to find out where your nearest stockist is please contact the Anjli London Customer Service Team via email info@anjlilondon.com or telephone +44 207 351 6013

The Lace Clutch - Neon

MOYNAT's re-birth is the result of true passion, love and admiration for all that MOYNAT stood for and still stands for today: discrete elegance, innovation, superior craftsmanship and a bold personality!

We join Guillaume Davin and Ramesh Nair, respectively MOYNAT's President and Creative Director,  on their voyage to bring one of the oldest trunk makers in France to worldwide success.

Guillaume, you come from an incredibly successful career culminating in your roles as Head of Parfums Christian Dior Japan and as Senior Vice President at Louis Vuitton Japan, and Ramesh you have worked as a senior designer for some of then most important and influential luxury maisons, such as Hermès. What compelled you both to leave it all behind and jump into a completely new adventure?  How did it all come about?

It was a heaven-sent opportunity for both of us, who had been dreaming of giving new life to a great name. This happens once in a lifetime, so we had to take the opportunity. You could say it was a gift of God -- or maybe a lucky accident!

The "Manufacture de Malles" MOYNAT was established in 1849 and lived through more than a century of success.  The house lost this position sometime in the 1950’s, because it hadn’t changed with the times. While the house is no longer known, it has a bold personality, and a tradition of innovation and superior craftsmanship.

Reviving a house like MOYNAT, preserving its personality, returning it to the summit of craftsmanship, regaining the success that it had achieved as a result of its quality and discreet elegance is an exciting challenge.  When we first looked at the archives, we were moved by the same elements: the color palette of the wardrobe trunks and the curves of the limousine trunks. We soon discovered that cabin and wardrobe trunks were painted in the owner’s color of choice (often a bright color) and automobile trunks were shaped to match the curves of the car. We had never seen this before and felt that these were differentiating points for MOYNAT.

Then we learned that MOYNAT was founded before most of the other malletiers, that it was led by a woman, that it had patented a waterproof trunk before anyone else and that it had pioneered the invention of automobile trunks.

We knew that the challenge would be balancing continuity with change: adapting age-old techniques to products reflecting the modern era. It isn’t only about reviving / mastering old techniques and keeping the tradition, but about making that tradition relevant today.  This is very complex.

Inside MOYNAT 348 Rue Saint Honoré Paris

Why MOYNAT?  What was it about MOYNAT which made you and Bernard Arnault, President of LVMH amongst other things, think that this was the right company to ‘re-awaken’ and the right time to do it?

Mr Arnault's passion for the house and his desire to revive a sleeping beauty was key in our decision. At the same time, we felt that, around the world, there is a deep fascination with French heritage brands and fine malletiers. The malletiers club is very exclusive.

MOYNAT PAULINE  - City Bag in Matt Crocodile Porous

 

What would you consider to be your greatest achievements and your greatest challenges at MOYNAT since you commenced your voyage?

Guillaume. :  Giving freedom to Ramesh and challenging the craftsmen to express their talents!  

Ramesh : One of the biggest achievements for me has been breathing new life into this unique brand, staying focused and true to the essence of MOYNAT.

MOYNAT QUATTRO

Rather than the traditional approach of building the brand image through the usual means of advertising such as the notoriously expensive marketing campaigns in print etc, MOYNAT’s approach appears to be more that of building a luxury brand.  Indeed Bernard Arnault was quoted as saying “The first goal is not sales. The first goal is to tell the story.”  Through exclusivity, divine craftsmanship, finest fabric and leathers, classic yet contemporary designs whose appeal never fades and exceptional client relationship building, MOYNAT seems to be directed more to the connoisseurs and luxury bag ‘purists’ who are not only loyal but devout to the brand, and creating more of these ‘devoutees’ rather than the ‘fashionistas’, would you agree?

This is not merely a renovation of what existed. The result is something brand new. We stripped the house’s interior down to its bare structure, with its defining elements allowing us to reinvent the layout completely and incorporate modern elements. The Limousine briefcase is a great example of this re-invention: it is a demonstration of our skills as trunk makers, an homage to our curved Limousine trunk and a functional yet bold design in the way it contours to your legs when you use it. It is an object of restrained and tranquil elegance. Tradition in movement! It appeals to people who are independent in their tastes and choices and not influenced by fads, but looking for beautifully made objects.

Ramesh:  You are said to have spent a huge amount of time in your first months at MOYNAT researching the DNA of the brand, going through its extensive archives but also scouring internet and luxury and antique markets trying to track down long lost models of MOYNAT’s trunks and designs.  What has been your your greatest find, and is there an item in particular that still eludes you? 

The greatest find was in assembling the story of the brand itself.  There was no single “most-fantastic” find because each piece had its own fascinating history, and so each one contributed to the bigger story of MOYNAT.  It was like a treasure hunt, or solving a puzzle.  That said, we are still looking for some of the more eccentric pieces that we saw in the old MOYNAT catalogues, like the trunk in green crocodile that belonged to Gabrielle Réjane and was used in one of her stage productions, or the trunk that was fitted to the side of an automobile and contained a tent that unfolded to become a traveling house.

Henri Rapin who was the Artistic Director of MOYNAT throughout the Art Deco period, heavily transformed and  influenced  MOYNAT, allowing MOYNAT to win several gold, silver and bronze medals and of course the Diplôme d’Honneur at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels,^[6] , particularly thanks to his ‘red morocco leather trunk, thus defining MOYNAT as the leading French trunk maker ‘par excellence’.  What part in particular Rapin’s work and artistic direction and influence did you both feel would be imperative to carry through to the next generation of MOYNAT collections?

The idea of working with an artist like Henri Rapin was very innovative at the start of the 20^th century.  Rapin worked with MOYNAT during the Art Deco period, which was a very interesting creative era, and is echoed in the design and architecture of the store.  There is a strong Bauhaus influence, which was of course coherent with the way MOYNAT married design with engineering, form with function.  That tradition is imperative for us to continue in the shapes we create and the functional details we incorporate.  In terms of specific elements, the original “toile initiale” with the repeating ‘M’ was originally designed by Rapin, and we have evolved and updated it, and continue to use it today.

Ramesh you were heavily inspired by the automobile trunks and designs from the past creating a strong bond with MOYNAT's heritage but how much of Ramesh Nair would you say is in this collection and which design in particular do you feel represents you best?  Do you have a particular favorite?

We are not creating the brand from nothing, so I work within a framework.  The objective is to create the right fit between the history of the brand and my design ideas and philosophy.  Just like the trunks, which worked by following the contours of the car, I work to create a fit between myself and MOYNAT.  As for my favorite, it is difficult for me to choose just one. The audacity of the Quattro and the proportions of the Pauline Haut make them very special.

MOYNAT PAULINE HAUT Pétrole & PAULINE Coral

Guillaume what is your favorite from the collection and why?

The Pauline 24H is my favorite piece. It is lightweight, elegant, functional and unique in its style and shape. It is simple yet unlike any other travel bag. I have used the first prototype for over one year and it still looks and holds perfectly. People in the Eurostar approached me to ask where I bought the bag. When people tell us they love a bag that took us one and a half years to develop, and that takes an artisan 10 hours to craft, it is very rewarding. We have created an emotion! What strikes us with trunks, beautiful vintage luggage and travel, is the emotional impact that they have on you. Beautiful luggage has high emotional value for the owner. We enjoy creating contemporary objects, made with exceptionally fine craftsmanship.

MOYNAT PAULINE 24H Bordeaux

What has been the best selling item from the collection to date?

The Quattro cabas, the Pauline and the Ballerine.

MOYNAT BALLERINE

What has the reaction of the 'pre Arnault, Davin, Nair ' MOYNAT clients been to the collection, and to the pretty radical changes in general?

People who own and know MOYNAT’s vintage trunks have been quite proud to come to the store, share their stories and rediscover the brand.  We’ve even had some bring us products for restoration.

When it was first announced that Groupe Arnault had bought the company in 2010 several critics suggested that the intention was that of purely using the Maison’s name without taking into account or valuing its heritage, and turning it into ‘just another brand name’,  would you say that their fears have been allayed?

Groupe Arnault bought the company in 2010, but creating just another brand was never the intent; otherwise why take on the constraints inherent in something that existed before?  Each and every step has been focused on connecting today’s MOYNAT to its heritage and giving new body and life to what we discovered in the archives.

We have personally worked on each aspect of the brand’s revival and we can assure you that it has been a very deep, very intense and emotional journey.

Guillaume, in the interviews you have given your passion for MOYNAT, for its heritage but even more so for the creative direction it has now taken is tangible.  What is it that you love about it so much?

Both Ramesh and I have the same passion for details and believe in the timelessness of luxury. We are passionate about nurturing MOYNAT and piloting a process of restoration, reinvention and beautification. The project is very close to our hearts.

MOYNAT VOLTIGE

Fear of a challenge and competition does not seem to belong to the management team at MOYNAT as you chose to open the store on famed Rue Saint Honoré, home to luxury leather goods names such as Hermés and Goyard.  What do you believe distinguishes MOYNAT from the rest?

The main challenge consists in restoring MOYNAT to the splendor it enjoyed in the early 20th century. It is about continuing the tradition and inviting new fans to fall in love with the house, and less about competing with other houses rue Saint Honoré.

Our "maison de vente" is located 5 minutes away from our original house in the original Paris trunkmaking district. Competition was fierce at that time with over 100 trunkmakers in a small area. MOYNAT was founded by a woman, which was very rare in 1849 and gives a particular personality to the maison.  There is grace and lightness in the overall aspect, and yet there is innovation and engineering that comes through in the details, the shapes, the colors.

 

 

You have both worked in luxury business for a long time.   How would you define luxury and how do you believe MOYNAT fits into your vision of luxury?

We share the same objective of getting back to the real meaning of luxury: to offer objects that contribute to fine living, objects which will become known for their craftsmanship, endurance, discretion, elegance and their innovative design rather than bowing to the trends of the day.  Ramesh has said that his definition of luxury is never having to explain.  If luxury is an object, it should be timeless: always beautiful, always relevant.  When something is luxurious, its proximity to perfection becomes self-evident in every way.

Some luxury companies have subscribed to a rather more democratic view of luxury redefining it as ‘accessible luxury’, do you subscribe to this view or is luxury in your opinion strictly tied to ‘exclusivity’ through limited supply and of course price?

Exclusivity is not about keeping people out or creating artificial scarcity.  Top of the line materials are naturally scarce. Then an artisan needs to invest the skill, time and focus necessary to turn those materials into high quality objects.  And developing the skill is itself the result of time and focus!  It is that rarity and effort that makes luxury objects exclusive and valuable.  Luxury is not an objective, it is a consequence.

 

 

 

Antoine Arnault stated some months back that consumers in once called ‘emerging markets’ and now defined by most luxury market analysts as ‘growth markets’ have now developed their taste for luxury becoming more refined and leaving behind their quest for all that was ‘branded’ in favour of heritage, craftsmanship and durability.  Would you agree with this statement and have you found this to be the case with MOYNAT, i.e. has there been interest for a brand which not withstanding its heritage and excellence is still in the process of making its mark out there in the general market?

There are different kinds of luxury customers.  Some do want a recognizable brand because it can function like a membership badge for a particular group.  For others, carrying a recognizable object is part of the “theater” of life, so it is more about personal expression.  Still others, who see luxury objects as being “best in class”, see them almost like an investment.  And there are many more.  And these differences exist in all markets, both mature and emerging. Brands need to stay true to their own values and to their own followers rather than trying to satisfy the entire market, which is impossible.

MOYNAT Vintage Trunks

With this in mind many companies are trying to return to their ‘artisan roots’, and many find that the skills and traditions have been lost through lack of investment in this sector.  Indeed one company in particular re-hired all of its original artisans in a bid for them to train a younger generation of artisans - a rather expensive enterprise to say the least!  What is MOYNAT's policy in this regard, and what difficulties if any did you have recruiting artisans with skills that were traditionally passed down from generation to generation and have over the last couple of decades been lost?

We don’t have the luxury of relying on older artisans to help us nurture the skills.  We’re doing it ourselves by scouring the profession for talented individuals who have done this kind of work.  Our trunk maker is a “compagnon du devoir”, roughly translated, a guild member who trains younger artisans in his craft.  So the artisans we work with have the skills we look for, but they don’t often find the opportunity to do the kind of work we do.  Luxury today has become very fast moving and sometimes we have to re-train artisans in the “MOYNAT way”.

The scourge of counterfeits is rampant when it comes to luxury handbags in particular (although I am sure you’ll be happy to know that a recent report suggested interest in counterfeits has dropped significantly over the last year or so) how does MOYNAT combat this phenomenon and what are the distinguishing marks a MOYNAT client should always look out for?

First and foremost, there is only one Moynat store in the world today, so all clients have to do to ensure their bags and luggage are the genuine article, is to purchase only from our stores.

Of course, we have also taken steps to ensure that all our designs are patented and registered.

5 Star Hotel Le Meurice, Paris - The Restaurant

As you point out you currently have one point of sale:  the fabulous flagship store in Rue Saint Honore' in Paris, do you plan to open more stores over the next few years or will your clients have to travel to Paris to order their bag (not that we are complaining of course, wanting to purchase a MOYNAT is a wonderful excuse to  ‘have to’ travel to Paris!)?

We intend to keep one unique Maison de Vente for a long period -- as MOYNAT did for over a century at the Place du Theatre Francais -- to offer the best possible service to our clients. We also feel that the purchase of a beautiful bag should be linked to a moment in your life, a memorable visit to Paris, a visit to us on rue Saint Honoré, which could be followed by a coffee at Angelina, lunch at the Hotel Meurice or a drink at the Ritz.

MOYNAT PARADIS

 

A question many of our readers will be wanting to know is : “How long does one have to wait from ordering the bag to finally being able to walk Rue Saint Honore' clutching their beloved Pauline or Paradis?”

We don’t have a “waiting list” but it is true that our standards for the artisans mean that each bag takes time to make. This is the reason that sometimes clients have to place orders for a particular model or colour.

However, chances are that you will walk into our store, select your bag and walk out in a few minutes carrying your choice.

Ryoanji Dry Garden Kyoto, Japan (image via Blog Odisea)

Guillaume, you worked and lived in Japan for many years, a country of dichotomies as someone once described it: heavily steeped in culture and tradition which it holds onto very tightly yet at the forefront of advancement and innovation. How do you think that experience changed you and how do you believe it influences your work at MOYNAT?

Japan is a place where tradition meets innovation. The Japanese people respect tradition but love innovation: they actually hate change but love newness, a paradox! They protect their ancient crafts, ceramics, lacquer, textiles, woodwork, but expect the artisans to fuse modernity with ancient skills. It is a place where you can develop an eye for quality and a refined sensibility. It will be a great testing ground for our quality.

Institut Français de la Mode

Ramesh you grew up in India and trained in France at the Institut Français de la Mode, how important is your heritage to you and how do you think it influences your designs, if at all?

Being Indian and coming from a country with a 5000-year strong culture, this cannot help but be part of who I am and my of design psyche.  There are many areas that are a great fit between my own heritage and that of Moynat, such as the emphasis on the hand-made and artisanal approach.

Another aspect is the importance of details, because as in Indian tradition, these are very important. Each detail carries significance and is not just added on as adornment, but tells a complex story about the object, about the person who made the object and about the person who wears or carries the object.

 

Our final question: Le Point described Moynat as the Sleeping Beauty does that make you, Guillaume and Ramesh and of course Bernard Arnault three ‘Prince Charmings’ who have awoken the princess?

That’s very flattering, but we hope this has been more than just a fairytale! We hope to become known for our quality, endurance and discreet elegance more than bowing to the trends of the day. We hope to be and remain a fixture of the French luxury goods scene for a while.

I and all the Green Pebbles Girls for that matter, are sure they will be!  

MOYNAT: THE PHOENIX EMERGES FROM THE ASHES, AND IS SET TO STAY!

Should you wish to find out more about Moynat's history, you can purchase a wonderful book "Moynat: la réussite d'une audacieuse"

 

 

Limited Edition of "Moynat: la réussite d'une audacieuse"

Natalia Dodi Migliorini

blog@green-pebbles.com

After New York, Paris, London, Tokyo and Milan LACOSTE L!VE finally arrives in Geneva too!  This new, fun and bright 90m2 store is spread over two floors and overlooks the City through its 4 large windows.  On the corner between Rue Verdaine and Rue Vieux-College the brand brings the premises of the famous Descombes library back to life!

The LACOSTE L!VE Store at Rue Verdaine 6 - 1204 Geneva

Young Genevan socialites will be able to browse through the Spring Summer 2012 collection which now also caters to girls! Colour blocks, flashy hues, graphic or daring prints such as the leopard motif (re-interpreted of course!) allow for looks to be worn anytime day or night!

The Magnetic Wall at the LACOSTE L!VE store where all the season's key looks are displayed!

Shoe fanatics out there can enjoy and marvel at the 30m2 basement of the LACOSTE L!VE store with its space totally devoted to worshipping feet!  More than 150 models of sport and sportswear shoes are on display!  Sneakers are made from leather, canvas or nubuck and are bold and colourful, in addition you'll be able to find the limited editions here since the store holds the largest choice of LACOSTE shoes in Switzerland!

The Impressive Shoe Mural at the LACOSTE L!VE store in Geneva!

 

THERE IS NOTHING SLIPSHOD ABOUT THIS STORE!

 

Opening times:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday from 10:00 to 19:00,  Thursday from 10:00 to 20:00 and Saturday from 09:30 to 18:00.

 

 

 

 

 

blog@green-pebbles.com

 

 

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Blauer Spring Summer Campaign

Bruce Springsteen ringing in our ears after a rather 'noisy' trip to the office today, the sun shining once again here in Geneva inspired our "Born in the USA" look for our trip to the surrounding countryside and lakeside.

BLAUER Tank Top to get those arms and shoulders tanned, shorts (from Blauer again) just in case we actually do decide to wade into the freezing lake waters, and a Star-Spangled-Banner shawl from -yes you've guessed it- the Blauer 2012 men's collection, just in case the Bise wind decides to start up again.

Match those with DIESEL's Denim Back Up Strip ruck sack, to carry your picnic, drinks, rolled up windbreaker and usual odds and sods, a pair of classic iconic RAYBANs  (got to protect our eyes you know) and THE ROW's new sneaker collection for SUPERGA

 

VALEXTRA CAPRI TOTE IN OCRA/CAPRI

 

We love the VALEXTRA CAPRI TOTES! 

 

The Tote is super light, making it your shoulder's new best friend, and it looks absolutely fantastic!  Stylish, elegant, classic yet so very very modern!  Perfect!

 VALEXTRA CAPRI TOTE IN HAVANA/CAPRI

 

Available in different colour combinations and in two sizes.  The Capri Tote is made of a special resin-coated natural jute and cotton canvas which can handle just about anything - even wet nail polish wipes off without a trace!  Trimmed with the finest leathers Italy has to offer in several colour combinations!  If you don't know which one to choose, buy the lot!!  One for each day!

 

 

The removable zippered pochette is a fabulous idea.  Forget having to empty the entire contents of your bag when you are looking for your keys, lipstick or iPhone....it's there in the pochette!  Ideal for the beach where the last thing you want to do is carry around a large bag with all your belongings when infact all you want is an elegant pochette with your bare necessities: iPhone, cash,keys,credit card, lipstick etc.  Whoever designed this bag obviously has enjoyed a summer or two!

For more information contact VALEXTRA's CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM!

blog@green-pebbles.com

24 styles in different colours and special weaves!  The choice is never ending!

Developed in London and handmade in Ecuador, the heart of Panama hats you can get Jackie hat (see below) today from Net-a-Porter!

For additional information contact BABAJAAN

To learn more about Babajaan read our interview with Babajaan founder Sandra Moleirinho!

blog@green-pebbles.com

 

Diamonds have always played an important role in many women’s lives.  This has certainly been perpetuated film and Hollywood were we’ve had some amazing quotes from Marilyn Monroe’s

“diamonds are a girl’s best friend”

to Mae West’s

“I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond!”

Today we meet with Vania Leles, founder of VANLELES DIAMONDS LTD based in London, a luxury company that sources diamonds and creates unique bespoke jewellery for special occasions, who has dedicated her life and career to luxury, gems and diamonds in particular.

VanLeles Diamonds Gift Boxes

A very successful fashion model, a career at Graff Diamonds and De Beers where you created bespoke jewellery and sourced fine investment-purpose diamonds for many clients, including Royals, and eventually your passage to Sotheby’s as a member of the Jewellery Department team where you were the Client Jewellery Manager and oversaw and participated in the auctioning of some of the world's most prestigious diamond and gemstone pieces, including the sale of the one of the worlds greatest diamonds the Superb Pink Diamond of 24.78 carats Fancy Intense Pink bought by Mr. Graff and re-named ‘The Graff Pink’ and of course the sale of the magnificent jewels of the Duchess of Windsor.  One would say that you had achieved the successes many of us simply dream of what inspired you to leave this behind and set up your own business? 

Oh you’re too kind. I am grateful to all the great people I’ve learned from over the years and I feel that I’ve been really fortunate to have gained such a great experience.

It didn’t all come easy to me thought. I remember sending my CV 15 times to Graff as it was the only place I wanted to work until one day they called me up for an interview. Knowing what you want and why is important and being persistent was key and led me to a wonderful career in the jewellery houses I worked for.

While I feel privileged to have been trusted enough to work in such fine companies I knew that ultimately my destiny was to source my own gems and design my own jewellery for my trusted circle of clients. …Vanleles Diamonds is a labor of love.

My inspiration for creating a fine jewellery brand actually developed already when I was a little girl, spending time playing with my mother’s jewellery. Since then I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the most talented designers and craftsmen in the world and this has really helped me find my own voice as a jeweller.

ERB VanLeles Diamonds Collection

You have described your company as a luxury company, how do you like to define luxury? 

Luxury for me is understated elegance, precise, delicate and durable craftsmanship. Luxury is about never compromising and always striving for perfection.

Some luxury companies have subscribed to a rather more democratic view of luxury redefining it as ‘accessible luxury’, do you subscribe to this view or is luxury in your opinion strictly tied to ‘exclusivity’?

By accessible they mean mass production. Something mass-produced, in my opinion, lacks the trained eye and hands of master craftsmen. While this may be acceptable for some type of luxury items, it does not work in diamond and fine jewellery. To me the quality, rarity, beauty and personalized service cannot be delivered in mass. Each client is different and so has to be the way you service each one of them.

Everyone deserves to experience the luxury of top quality diamond jewellery as it is truly amazing. Luxury of course comes with a price that can prohibit many and especially young jewellery lovers from the experience.

EP VanLeles Diamonds Collection

Many of the ‘established’ luxury brands are now finding that their consumers, including those from their newer markets such as Russia, China etc are returning to values such as heritage, craftsmanship, and durability, as stated by Antoine Arnault recently.  How do you feel VanLeles Diamonds will fit into this ‘new vision’ of the luxury client?

We strongly believe in craftsmanship, durability and demure elegance and as you have seen my jewellery collection and the bespoke pieces we have created exuberate precisely that. Whereas many products (hand bags, shoes etc…) benefit from industrial processes, diamond jewellery will always be more precious when created based on good old-fashioned master expertise. We are increasingly serving clients from abroad.

VanLeles Diamonds Yellow Bespoke Earrings for Private Client

When you speak about gems in general your love and passion for the subject is tangible.  What is it about gems and diamonds in particular, that excites you the most?  Where do you think this passion stems from?

My passion stems from the vibrancy in colour and the dance of light in every diamond. These are facets of diamonds that can only be achieved though a masterful process from raw material to a beautifully cut and polished gem.

You were born in West Africa, Guinea-Bissau and later educated in Lisbon, Portugal. You spent seven years working in London, New York and Paris with couturiers, stylists and fashionistas, and now your are based in London.  How have all these different cities, countries and continents influenced you and your designs? 

Great you asked that! They influence me a great deal. However people I have met or seen are my true inspiration. The way they talk, move… I always create jewellery with an elegant and gracious person in mind. When I meet a very elegant and graceful person I imagine what jewellery would help further exacerbate a graceful long neck, a set of beautiful eyes or long beautiful fingers.

The Timeless Grace Collection was influenced by the vibrant jolt of the life in New York, and inspired by many of my girlfriends and the classic romanticism of Paris!

VanLeles Diamonds Tennis Bracelet

What in your opinion makes VanLeles Diamonds stand out from the rest? What defines your jewellery?

Everything! We source absolutely the most beautiful certified diamonds in the world. I personally spend a lot of time with our suppliers reviewing their stock and I only pick the absolutely best diamonds. I am known to be a very picky lady in the industry hahaha. I am also very picky when in comes to the craftsmanship and only work with the most talented craftsmen in London, people I’ve known for years. Finally, our clients also appreciate that our prices are fair compared to buying in retail as we buy directly from site holders, avoiding middlemen and expensive retail margins. Most importantly the level of personalized service our clients receive throughout the diamond selection, design and buying process makes VanLeles Diamonds significantly better value than any other jeweler in London. Many of our clients are frequent and very experienced buyers and they only buy from VanLeles Diamonds.

VanLeles Diamonds "Timeless" Pear Shape Earrings

How would you describe your typical client?  Who is the woman or the man for that matter who who buys VanLeles Diamonds?

VanLeles Diamonds ladies want quality, attention to detail, beautiful jewellery and someone that is able to turn a dream into reality. She’s a caring mother or a highflying career woman, sometimes both with a passion for luxury and fine jewellery. The VanLeles Diamonds gentleman is looking for quality, trusted jeweler and a good value for his hard working money. He is typically heavily involved in the fine details of specification and design and expects an excellence service. Both are intelligent buyers that value excellence, service and good prices. Paying 2 or 3 times more for a diamond in Bond Street and Rue du Rhone and being served by an inexperienced client service person isn’t attractive to our clients.

PP VanLeles Diamonds Collection

Your latest collection appropriately named ‘Timeless’ is a collection which returns to the ‘classic roots’ of jewellery worn by icons of style and elegance such as Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Jaqueline Kennedy, styles that have proven to be able to withstand both time and fashion tastes.  What or whom was the inspiration behind the collection?  What was your objective behind it and do you believe you succeeded in achieving it?

I create, design and source inspired by an elegant and gracious person in mind. The HRH Duchess of Cambridge is a modern 21^st century princess and her grace and manner fascinates me. I hope I will have the honour of designing for her in the future.

While at Sotheby’s I learned that the classic pieces were far more popular than the elaborated and opulent designs.

Often clients would even buy this jewellery just to remove the precious stones in order to reuse the stones. So people love classic jewellery design.

At Vanleles Diamonds we design jewellery to be worn. The objective is that you can wear it today and every day. Elaborate designs are for fun occasions where you would also wear a special dress. It is also a very special feeling to wear diamonds that your daughter and eventually your granddaughter can down the line without wanting to change its setting.

Which piece of the collection represents VanLeles Diamonds best in your opinion?

The Timeless Grace Collection is all made with diamonds and platinum, as white as snow, representing purity and innocence so every single piece is truly an ambassador for Vanleles Diamonds.

How would you define VanLeles Diamonds?

Luxury at the most competitive prices.

VanLeles Diamonds Emerald Cut Diamond in Micropave

Which piece of the collection represents Vania Leles best?

They all represent me…Sorry I can't choose I am absolutely in love with them all. (same as question 10 – why would Vania Leles like different things that Vanleles Diamonds?) 

How would you define Vania Leles?

Hard to define oneself without being misunderstood… but I can say that I am a perfectionist, a great listener, hard working and in love with life and lucky enough to do what I truly love.

Which jewellery designer today or from the past do you relate to the most?

I love Verdura and Tony Duquette.

As with most designers you’re already thinking about if not working on your next collection, what can we expect to see?

Yes I am working on our next collection at the moment. I can’t say much but expect more vibrant colors and exotic motifs. I can’t wait to share it with our clients.

VanLeles Diamonds Emerald Cut Diamond in Micropave

In addition to the Timeless collection VanLeles Diamonds also offers an exclusive bespoke service.  Can you tell us more about this?

VanLeles Diamonds bespoke service is the core of what we do.

We take the time to really get to know our clients needs and to create truly unique pieces of jewellery that fits with the level of investment they’ve put aside for the jewellery. Our passion is to create something personal and exceptional that tells a story within the client’s budget and requirements.

Second, we always adhere to strong moral and ethical beliefs and only source diamonds from known and trusted partners. As an African it gives me great pride to only buy conflict-free diamonds.

 Our bespoke creations are all designed and crafted in London by the best craftsmen in the industry.  This ensures that even very unusual designs are flawlessly executed.

VanLeles Diamonds Princess Cut Diamond & Classic Trilogy Diamond Rings

 

Through VanLeles Diamonds you have sourced diamonds for VIPs why do they come to you in particular?

Trust, assurance of buying high quality diamonds at the best price no one in the industry would be able to offer. Trust is imperative, your clients need to feel understood, secure and comfortable to buy from you. Most of my clients have known me for many years and they know that with VanLeles Diamonds they get a more personalised service and a significantly better price than they would with a larger corporation.

RRB VanLeles Diamonds Collection

What has been the hardest gem to source in your experience and why?

Our clients often have very specific wishes that are not easy to satisfy. This is a great personal challenge for me that I love to be involved in. As a very recent example, I have just sourced a rare and very beautiful round pink diamond that I’ve been looking for since November.

As the luxury market finally sees a significant upturn in business with many of the luxury brands posting phenomenal sales results for this fiscal year’s third quarter there is a desire for expansion and consolidation of their brands.  What are VanLeles Diamond’s plans for the short term and long term?

Well, in our experience the luxury market has held up very well in the past couple of years and we have now started to design our next collection.  We expect the luxury market, especially the market for diamond jewellery to continue growing. As more people invest in diamonds we also expect that prices will continue to rise, especially on unique precious stones.

Where can we purchase your latest collection?

In our studio in Belgravia, London, United Kingdom. We have a ‘by appointment only’ schedule as we would like to spend as much time with our clients without being interrupted.

2 Eaton Gate, Belgravia London UK

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VALEXTRA NAMASTE' BIG IN AMETISTA & ARGILLA

This simple, ergonomic, clever yet stylish, elegant and stunningly eye-catching design is at the basis of what VALEXTRA's raison d'être Elegance, class, luxury and functionality all rolled into one!

VALEXTRA NAMASTE' BIG TURQUOISE

The finest leathers Italy has to offer combined with VALEXTRA's second-to-none exquisite craftsmanship (Valextra's artisans are renown throughout the world for their abilities and traditions passed down from generation to generation) makes the NAMASTE' a bag that you will be using in another 10 years time because its lines, its colours and its functionality transcend time and trends!

VALEXTRA MINI NAMESTE' IN PERGAMENA WHITE & ROYAL BLUE

Available in different sizes and versions, leathers and colours!  Every woman should have at least one VALEXTRA NAMASTE' bag in her wardrobe! 

Wear it with a suit or wear it with a pair of jeans the Namaste' will match each outfit to perfection! 

VALEXTRA NAMASTE' MEDIUM NEW VEGETABLE

If there is one bag you should invest in this season... this is it!

You won't regret it!

Available from Valextra's e-shop and from Barneys New York

VALEXTRA NAMASTE' DUETTO SMALL NAVY BLUE

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ONE IN EVERY COLOUR AND YOU'RE SET TO GO!

The SWATCH New Gent Lacquered collection combines super sleek and stylishly-shine lacquered surfaces with fab colours: black, eye-popping pink, wonderful white, perfect purple, bold indigo, tangy orange, greyish-blue garish green, sunny yellow,  hot red!

The mechanisms of the watches have been left fully exposed and are all lacquered in contrasting colours, ensuring an endless source of fascination and admiration.

Simple as it may seem this is the result of a highly complex production process and is seen as an indication of SWATCH'S ongoing commitment to technical excellence!

THE GREEN PEBBLES GIRLS WILL HAVE ONE IN EVERY COLOUR THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

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Well trust a solution to come out of what is slowly becoming the centre for luxury goods, afterall Richemont, Bulgari and The Swatch Group - with all its brands including OMEGA are all based here in Switzerland (along with your Green Pebbles Girls!)

 

 

An LV lover and collector for many years JOYCE KORBAN always wanted to care for her 'master pieces', she therefore invented an original, unique supplementary range to cover, protect and preserve these exclusive items, at the same time keeping their beauty visible for everyone to admire.

So successful was her idea that she went on to develop more and has designed covers for all purposes: i.e.: Apple devices, Blackberry devices and garment covers....( Phone and iPod ,iPad covers  and more will be introduced shortly).

 

Each and every JOYCE KORBAN item is carefully designed with the highest precision, from their handcrafted zip pullers and buttons to their finished products.

Use them once and you'll wonder how you've ever survived without them!

JOYCE KORBAN only uses highest quality recyclable TPU plastic which never smells,  premier quality YKK zip which lasts forever  (so none of those zip disasters!) as well as allowing your clothes to breathe when they are stored away by using premier high quality cotton stitched inside the dress covers ,(perfect for placing your lavender or moth repellent to keep those nasty odours and munching moths at bay).

Available to purchase online from Joyce Korban's online store.   For further information please contact the Joyce Korban customer service team:   assist@joycekorban.com

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The long lost art of enamelling is passed down from generation to generation, and there are few left in the world who are masters of the craft.

It is with this in mind that the Green Pebbles Girls are all the more excited to feature the work of SANDRINE TESSIER who not only is a master of fine jewellery and enamelling, but also one of the few left along with her mother and sister who still work ("because we are the last ones left using this technique" ) with a technique from the 16th century called "grisaille" with "Blanc Limoges"!

Today we feature her latest collection Angels & Devils!

You can visit Sanrine Tessier's atelier in Paris' famed Rue Saint Honoré (just up the road from one of our favourite bag makers Moynat as well as Hérmes, Goyard etc). 

Please call for an appointment +33  (0)1 42 61 67 36 or email the atelier using their online contact form.

The passion for vintage fabrics, clothes and upholstery from countries of the Far East combined with a need to make sustainable use of available materials whilst adding artistic expression, always respecting old cultures and traditions is what makes ENIS such a genuinely 'revolutionary' brand.

What you get is an amazing set of original designs which in turn create a hand-crafted effect which is finished with trimmings and embroidery.  Jewels shine on dark colours, new cuts and combinations unite the past with the present, east with west, the old with new, tradition with modernity craftsmanship with technology in splendid harmony.

For more information contact the Montanari Showroom in Milan.

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One can only stare in awe at these amazing wedding gowns from Yaniv Persy from his 2012-13 Haute Couture Autumn Winter Collection.

The bold strong lines of the designs are complemented by the timeless, classic feel of the gowns.  If you want to look like and feel an Haute Couture Princess when walking down the aisle Persy's gowns would definitely be the ones for you.

 

 

For additional information contact the Spring Up Showroom in Milan.

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We met with co-founder Caitlyn Chase, to find out more about Caviar & Cashmere, their products, plans for the future and their new project the Caviar & Cashmere Club.

How would you define Caviar & Cashmere the brand?

Caviar & Cashmere has a true understanding of luxury. Caviar & Cashmere produces unparalleled quality products that can be relished and enjoyed for a lifetime. Caviar & Cashmere strives to embody indulgence in every way - having each item be a premier product of imagination, hard work, and shared passion.

Who is the Caviar and who is the Cashmere between you and your mother?

I named the company Caviar & Cashmere because those are two of my favorite luxury items. I think the name Caviar & Cashmere is synonymous with indulgence and comfort.

Malibu Grey

 

What is luxury for Caitlyn Chase and Marilyn Chase?

My mother and I both believe that luxury is whatever makes you happy.  We strive to design high quality products that our customers enjoy wearing and using for many years.

Caitlyn can you tell us about your latest scarf collection which you designed?

I am introducing a new collection of scarves for Spring/Summer 2012, which I am very excited about. My 100% cashmere scarves sold extremely well last year and I wanted to expand the line, making more fabric blends and designs that appeal to all types of people. The new collection has not only 100% cashmere scarves, but also unique blends such as silk/wool, linen/cashmere, and pure pashmina. The scarves are hand spun and hand woven in India and come in a variety of printed designs for both men and women.

 What was the inspiration behind it?

The inspiration behind all of my products is travel. The new collection of scarves is inspired by various animals, artwork, and architecture that I have encountered all over the world. From exotic leopard prints inspired by safari in Africa to pastel floral prints inspired by the botanical gardens at Versailles. I am extremely inspired by the beauty of the world.

Being a designer must be quite different from being a luxury lifestyle and fashion writer.  What do you find are the biggest differences and what do you love about being a designer?

I do not consider either designing or writing a “job.” I wake up every day excited to express myself creatively and am always looking out for things and people who inspire me. Writing is an outlet in which I can express myself and my opinions on paper, whereas designing is very much similar, in that I express myself in beautiful textiles. I love designing because I love making people happy, and creating beautiful pieces people can wear and enjoy.

Shanghai Cashmere Knit Robe

Both you and your mother have travelled extensively and continue to do so.  Which City has inspired you the most, and which remains your favorite and why?

I have been fortunate enough to travel and see the world from a very young age. My family loves traveling together, and we usually visit a new place every year. I have found inspiration from every city I have visited, each distinctive in its own way. My most recent trip to Greece was very inspiring to me. I took thousands of photos of the magnificent colors, patterns, and textures I encountered while sailing around the islands. I am leaving for India in just 5 days and am very excited to discover that part of the world. I will be traveling to Mumbai, Delhi, and Goa to visit my manufacturers as well as explore the beautiful country of contrasts.

Caviar & Cashmere Jet Set Travel Set On It's Way To New York!

How have your travels influenced your products?

Each product is inspired by my travels. My goal is to design not one item the same, just as not one city in the world is the same.

Travel Set - Zebra                                              Travel Set - Red

Travel Set - Grey                            Travel Set - Leopard

What is the main distinguishing feature of a Caviar and Cashmere product?

Every product is of premier design and the best of the best quality fabric. I travel the world in search for the best quality fabrics and distinctive blends. 

Who is your typical client?

The Caviar & Cashmere client is someone who appreciates quality, luxury, beauty and the finer things in life.

What has been the most successful product to date?

The most successful products have been the scarves, which is what prompted the extension of the line. I think the new collection will have great feedback because the scarves are unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Each is hand spun and woven in India and features a beautiful printed design. The colors on the scarves are so vivid and bright, and will be able to transform an outfit.

What is your average price point?

Now with the introduction of blended fabrics, we have a price point that fits everyone’s budget. Our scarves range from $60 to $600, depending on fabric content.

Where can we buy Caviar and Cashmere’s products?

All 100% cashmere Caviar & Cashmere products are available for sale at www.caviarandcashmere.com. Our e-commerce site is domestic for the United States, but we are able to fulfill international orders via email at info@caviarandcashmere.com. The new scarf collection will be sold internationally, with store listings available in the coming months.

Can you tell us about the Caviar and Cashmere Club?

The Caviar & Cashmere Club is a free membership where clients can sign up for our newsletter, learn about new products and promotions, as well as be invited to excusive events we plan to throw in the future.

What can we expect from Caviar and Cashmere in the future?

I would love to grow Caviar & Cashmere into a full-scale luxury lifestyle brand with an array of different products. My main priority is to stay true to the brand and ensure our customers with the highest quality, innovative designs, and accessible price points.

For additional information please contact Caviar & Cashmere at info@caviarandcashmere.com

For wholesale enquiries please visit the Caviar & Cashmere website

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