Showing posts with label rodrigo otazu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rodrigo otazu. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Why Don't You? 2015 style



This series is dedicated to Diana Vreeland and how she came to the world’s attention followed by eternal admiration.  While the suggestions might not be as outrageous or imaginative, these articles will have one unified theme and that is the gift giving season of 2015.


Today it is about those silent signals that one emits when they assemble themselves for “public consumption” so to speak. Today is about transmitting something, an indication of who you are and what your standards may be when it comes to fashion and style when you are in view of others. These signals are not always flashy or highly noticeable or even recognizable but what they do is scream chic and tasteful to those savvy enough to spot them .Colleagues and resources from around the world have sent me their ideas of what would make a great gift for a friend, a dear one or even yourself. The selections cover everything from commissioned artwork to handbags to collectibles to fine jewelry to scent and even personal styling sessions for men and women.  All of them are accessible online, at brick and mortar establishments or by phone so shop on!


With the Festival of Lights (Chanukah) already under way and Christmas just around the corner, let the games begin and my question to you is “Why don’t you?”

·          
h   Why don’t you surround a loved one’s wrist with precious stones executed upon the exotic stingray leather cuff from Shiroiy Darius Cama or maybe drape the neck of your significant other with a statement making bib suitable for a Maharani or a Marquessa? Make her the center of attention and hopefully she will tell anyone who will listen that you bestowed such beauty on her. Find him and his creations on Facebook or inquire at gmsandjewls@aol.com







·       Why don’t you link up with a significant other?  The possibilities for satisfying the sartorial needs of a Fran Leibowitz or even a David Beckham might be sourced through Pedro Boregaard. You may grow oaks from acorns and politely tell someone to screw themselves, in sterling silver of course but the kid in you is always ready for an Easter egg hunt and what  a prize you would find when one of these is waiting for your discovery.  And, let’s not forget the plethora of choices when it comes to stacking rings right up to the first knuckle!  Find Pedro at 101 Main Street in Narrowsburg, NY or www.boregaard.com






·       Why don’t you do something politically correct as well as chic as hell? You might want to purchase a Scotstyle braided elephant hair bracelet (remember Hunting World) with choices of either sterling or rose, white and yellow gold closures and for those who rank very high on your list, there is platinum as well. Now, the PC part is that a substantial portion of your purchase goes to combat poaching (www.tusk.org) and that’s Prince Willie’s fave these days, so in essence your purchase will be a charitable contribution and now isn’t that just too divine for words at this time of year. For further information contact Scott at SRnelson61@msn.com





·       Why don’t you offer your lover a chance to own a piece of haute couture? Well for men that is, but Marc -Antoine Barrios might be convinced to whip something up for your lady friend as well if asked nicely and BTW, he does sublime white shirts as well. Not only does he do la nouvelle couture but he also offers a range of items that are for all of your friends and lovers. For instance who wouldn’t want his version of the MAB ID bracelet rendered in gold or sterling with 21st century understated chic. Well, kids it surely will be clear who has chic and who doesn’t, after all diamonds aren’t always befitting the wearer. Find him and his collections at 6 Rue de Budapest in Paris 75009 or www.marcantoinebarrois.com





·       Why don’t you purchase an amazing piece of either fine jewelry or fashion jewelry from that up and coming designer Rodrigo Otazu. Yes dear ones, he is all over the world these days but calls his home New York City. The rose gold pieces are particularly au courant as well as rings, bracelets and necklaces of every conceivable configuration. If you are able to reach him directly you might want to ask about his latest venture which is haute couture but don’t tell anyone I told you that. Contact him at Rodrigo@rodrigonewyork.com for further details.






·       Why don’t you bestow some uber luxury on yourself or your honey? And by uber luxe we speak of mink and Russian sable. Well of course you know that sable is to fur what a tiara is to jewelry. It just doesn’t get any better especially when they are given the 21st century star treatment by none other than the uber fab Norman Ambrose, he of the super exquisite couture like apparel. If that’s not enough then you add in the fact that these and others are reavailable at the showroom of legendary Alixandre furs and well, by god it’s a love match if there ever was one. So if you are on the hunt for that extra extravagantly and guaranteed to be well received gift, then you need to contact Alixandre Furs at 150 west 30th Street in NYC or call 212-736-5550 to set up your appointment. By the way, this is a silent signal that does nothing short of screech. Tu comprends mes amours?


Wednesday, June 24, 2015

chatting with designer Rodrigo Otazu



Here’s the thing about “creatives.”  They are rarely satisfied, usually driven beyond the scope of most, always thinking, often moody, always on the move (as if propelled by an alternate power source) and always their own worst critics. They constantly challenge themselves!


Rodrigo Otazu is a designer who knows that there are no limits for him. He is a jewelry designer (both fashion and fine), a performer, an entrepreneur, a dreamer and of late a showman.  He spends his time in both North and South America as well as in the Far East and Europe.  He is a man who has decided that it is within his power and grasp to be a well-known and recognizable brand as well as a world class designer. He is doing what most wish they could and that is promoting himself and his brand on an international stage.


 I have been tracking this man for over a year now and I think it’s high time for more of you do the same. He is “findable” on Instagram as well as his website so pay attention!!!

PS. The answers are literally being spoken to you with little to no alteration ….




1-what are your current inspirations?
Freedom of expression … that is why the wings of Freedom are key for creativity … I think, when people in general, not only artists, are free and happy can’t get much  better in life, I am celebrating my freedom

2-you do both fashion and fine jewelry; what do you love about each classification?
I love both as a father love any of his “childs”, you can’t explain why you just love them unconditional



3-since we last spoke you have literally taken your “show” on the road... please fill us in on the details.
You know what they say if the mountain don’t come to you, I shall go to the mountain LOL …  The truth of the matter is that it’s important to bring the message of your art to different places, this can help you not just for people to know your work and look your art closely …. This helps you to get to know who are your “lovers”... who is the true people who cherish you work and help you to open new horizons.  As much as I love my home NYC, the remote control of the world is important to get out of your seat and do things. This is really inspiring to me. 
The show starts with wings, that is the representation of freedom for a woman in power who can show herself to the world and be fearless, this was the beginning of it all … then I design futuristic pieces made put of ZINK … to show that a simple yet amazing metal can do such amazing effects right in front your eyes. I work with over 300 people, I made simple dresses and very elaborated jewelry … 65 models on stage and 4 months working on each detail … I am ready to do it again !  ….. One thing that I will like to mention is that this show is the representation of my spirit and state of mind and is paying tribute to my pret porter collections that are coming from this source of inspiration  FOR THE FULL SHOW  …… www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxV_b4US-VA&feature=youtu.be

4-can you give us a brief run down about what you have been up to in the past year?
I have been going to school leaning new techniques and that was a lot of fun. I open a shop in Japan and this was a huge challenge. I have designed a couture collection of clothing which was something that I wanted to do for such a long time. Is fun to set yourself in different situations. I find it healthy and provocative, in a good way, to your soul so you can move on and progress personally and in an artistic way 

5--what are your plans for the future?
So many … My life is a constant evolution and is exciting to see what your brain can do… I am counting my blessings and thanking god for the energy that he is pouring into my life …. Just wait... is a lot more of me coming!




6-what is your favorite thing about doing what you do? And why?
My work is a tool for me to express my soul …. I feel so lucky that I don’t feel my work is my work, you know what I mean? 
I get up in the morning and I open my eyes…before I have even a coffee and open my computer to see what the worlds have for me
I am so happy and blessed that my life is not a routine, I am not made up for a 8 to 5 job … I have work all my life to be where I am today

7-if you were not creating jewelry, what would you be doing and why?
I will be designing buildings … HUGE buildings around the world. Did I say that???  this my next adventure …. Well …Stay tuned! LOL

Thursday, December 11, 2014

meet designer and brand .. RODRIGO OTAZU



There are isolated characteristics that set Rodrigo Otazu apart from the flock:  Rodrigo Otazu is a designer’s designer and he is a designer that designs. The nuance and intricacy of his pieces is of great interest to the seasoned observer; for the less educated or knowledgeable, it is simply the visuals that he creates that attract. No matter your orientation, frame of reference or skill set, the jewelry that this man creates is of the highest quality in every way.




With the ever changing retail landscape, apparently fashion jewelry, read costume jewelry, has taken a back seat to what we now refer to as bridge or contemporary jewelry and then of course there is fine jewelry. Even fine jewelry has become splintered to include haute joallier. That being said, Mr. Otazu solves the issue by being part of ALL of those classifications. There are very few brands/designers, if any, that come to mind who criss cross all these categories, let alone as successfully and as seamlessly as he.




Even though many of the editorials where his collections/pieces appear  to be more trend driven, my eyes are drawn to the simplicity that shows of the jewelry in its own space rather than with all the bells and whistles. It is the purest way for the eyes to see the product and appreciate the product.




So now it is time to meet the designer and hear what he has to say in his own words about himself and his brand…..


1-from where and whom do you take your inspiration?
I just need to open my eyes then close them and work on what the world is offering, and by now after so many years of doing my job not repeating myself and investigating something new and fresh will make my life and people life more fun … so I pay attention what is going on and turn things in my way to make it new

2-You currently work in both precious metals/gemstones as well as in fashion jewelry... which medium do you prefer and why?
I am crazy about pink gold and the glow of this metal is just unique… who does not like to work with diamonds… so I love it all  but again I love designing an extravagant piece with crystals and brass chains …. So I really enjoying working within both worlds…  is really fun to do high quality faux bijoux collections too!  
3-where do you currently sell? And where would you choose to sell?
I hope a shop in Japan this month that I am super proud, Russia, Dubai, Australia, London, Milano, Spain but I want to work a lot more in US   ... and NYC is home …so I have a lot in my plate
4- Can you tell us where the pieces are made and why you chose these factories?
I work with people from all over the world … in US they have great factories …  Italy is great for leather …  Belgium and Amsterdam have amazing diamonds France have great craftsmen to produce diamond jewellery … Israel too …Austria does great crystals so all depends what I am busy with  
5- In today’s world of fashion, especially in the area of haute joallier, how do you feel about loaning your pieces for a celebrity to wear?  Who would you love to see wearing your jewellery?
well first is not the quantity is celebrities who to loan but the quality of celebrities who I prefer to choose my work … this is a window to the world so is important and necessary from Tiffany & Co. does it and Dior pays a lot of money to have people wearing they designs so I guess for us designers without the money machine behind and we are chosen by Sarah Jessica Parker to wear my work is more of a triumph I feel because they really love it and they feel identified with my style 
6- Let’s switch gears here and have you tell us about you ... where you are from, where you live and how did you arrive at being a jewelry designer?
I am from Argentina, I move to Europe when I was 18 and work with many great amazing people Christian Lacroix was a great man to work with Alexander McQueen ( Lee for me ) have been few of those who I work and learn to be good at what I do … the reason to be a designer ?  It was in the stars
7-if you were not designing jewelry what would you be doing and where would you be doing that?
I love music and I love film so you can find me shooting or recording music I love spending time in the gym … I am a man of the world so u can find me in the more odd places … I am really reaching to spend time in the dessert on a motorbike ride  
8-if you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
NY NY NY!!! I looooove NY!  Is a hard city with a sweet soul 
9-imagine a dinner party with only 5 guests ... who would you invite?  Anyone from the past or present and why?
well let’s see … Elisabeth Taylor and Lady Di … these 2 woman are incredible people who care about human kind ad try to help others and of course amazing fashion timeless goddess Mother Teresa and Dalai Lama because is important to cultivate your soul and spirit and they have key elements that will bring me and every one a step forward as a human being and first lady Obama because she is elegant great style and modern sophistication 

10-do you have a dream collaborator?  Past or present... And why?
The entertainment ?  John Lennon 
yes I do I would have love to work with Nelson Mandela  an do a charity event  to raise awareness of HIV in Africa and the rest of the world