WHY DON'T YOU .. 2012 edition

In honor of still one more book being published this week based on the illustrious life and career of Diana Vreeland, I dedicate this week’s series to her and her spirit.  The book’s title is Empress of Fashion: A Life of Fashion authored by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart.  So, this author’s version will be dedicated to a large number of those who are my INTERNATIONAL “friends” on Facebook; the ones who carry on in the tradition of great style and fashion and offer the most original and superior goods and services imaginable.  So, this week will be all about... WHY DON’T YOU?

Verdura… WHY DON’T YOU  buy the famous “Greta Garbo” linked bracelet for your significant other or maybe the nuts and bolts cuff links in gold?( http://www.verdura.com/ ) maybe a vintage piece of Belperron?

Ragamont… WHY DON’T YOU arrange for a picturesque luxurious and epicurean winter getaway without having to travel to Gstaad or make your next dinner party a sleepover with all your nearest and dearest  and let Pete Hathaway make all the arrangements ?(http://www.ragamont.com/ ) 

Mark Powell … WHY DON’T YOU  give your significant other a plane ticket to London, book a suite at Claridges and arrange  for the bespoke services of one of London’s most famous Savile Row tailors? (http://www.markpowellbespoke.co.uk/ ) and then arrive hours later as a surprise.

Fromental … WHY DON’T YOU commission a mural of your ancestral digs for your dining room or of your favorite Orientalia for wall coverings in any room? (http://www.fromental.co.uk/ )

Talon Rouge … WHY DON’T YOU  take that ratty old Birkin,  make it like new again or refurbish your old JM Weston’s and you can do it by Fed ex or travel off to Paris for a weekend of rejuvenation and stay at the Meurice and use the Valmont Spa every day?  (http://talonrouge-pierrepaul.blogspot.com/ )

Richard Haines WHY DON’T YOU commission a portrait of your other half by one of the world’s greatest and most renowned illustrators?  Miuccia loves him! (http://designerman-whatisawtoday.blogspot.com/ or (haines.richard@gmail.com)

Mark Belford … WHY DON’T YOU arrange for a HAUTE Couture gown which will make you a frequent flyer to Toronto and arrange for a standing reservation for your room at the Hazelton? (http://www.markbelford.com/ ) ask Princess Charlene what she thinks…

Miracle Icons … WHY DON’T YOU truly get into the “spirit” of the season with “sainted” bracelets for all of your loved ones? (http://www.miracleicons.com/ ) Bruce Springsteen and Colin Farrell don’t leave home without theirs.

Creel & Gow … WHY DON’T YOU shop here and find the most original of gifts for the person who has everything? (http://www.creelandgow.com/) perhaps a lobster en tremblant!

M. de Phocas … WHY DON’T YOU lavish your man with the gift of fine bespoke jewelry? Or maybe the designers can be convinced to make matching earrings for you! (http://www.mdephocas.com/ )

The men of M. de PHOCAS

Fashion is an odd business; it is far easier and more common to sew a dress and start a business than it is to start a fine jewelry business.  In fact, it is even more difficult and rare to establish a business in the tradition of the great jewelers, i.e. Cartier, Tiffany, Verdura or Van Cleef and Arpel.  I refer to M de PHOCAS and the multi-talented Jesus Torres and Alexis Zambrano.

These two young men have begun on a journey that will no doubt take them to great heights of recognition by way of offering objects of great desire for many in the same way the legendary jewelers did in their times.  The focus of their business, at the moment, is men which is again a rarity, especially in the fine jewelry business.  They take much of their inspirations from nature as well as from the art of fine jewelry making.  Whether it is the exquisite diamond and sapphire studs with matching cufflinks, the black coral scallop shell cufflinks or the crab stick pin, the level of artistry is beyond the pale and their appeal is timeless.  These men also display a wonderful sense of humor in their work as you see in the black diamond crow stick pin, the fly on coral stick pin, the squid cufflinks as well as the shoes and bow tie links.

The humor and respect for the art and craft of jewelry making are what set them apart from the contemporary flock of designers.  Their commitment to offering original and exquisitely designed and rendered jewelry is certainly not taken lightly when you consider the plethora of designers who opt for “bridge” collections which are far more commercial rather that stepping all the way up to fine and precious jewelry.  Hands down, it is evident that these two are gentlemen, in every sense of the word, possess a refinement and taste level that is unique amongst their peers. 

Features of the collection are that each style can be offered in 18k white, yellow or rose gold as well as sterling silver. Their choice of “stones” is a bit more particular to their tastes as they use coral, turquoise and agate as well as the usual variety of precious stones.  In the very near future, this design team will be offering a capsule precious leather collection (totes, wallets, belts) and by that I mean… think croco, as well as the more standard varieties of skins.  At the moment all pieces are made to order and in the true tradition of “bespoke,” they can be customized to the buyer’s specifications.  Keep in mind that cuff links are easily converted to earrings so that any woman of discerning taste can partake of M de PHOCAS as well.

Please visit their website and book your appointment ….  http://www.mdephocas.com/

Special thanks to James Andrew for bringing these gentlemen to my attention

http://www.examiner.com/slideshow/international-style-meet-the-designers-of-m-de-phocas