GET THE LOOK…AZZEDINE ALAÏA, THE DESIGN MUSEUM

I have recently attended the spectacular new exhibition at the Design Museum, Azzedine Alaïa: The Couturier. Conceived and co-curated by Azzedine Alaïa himself, prior to his death in November 2017, the exhibition explores his extraordinary work, spanning his prolific career from the early ‘80s to his very last masterpieces towards the end of 2017.

I have a special connection to Azzedine Alaïa, as I wore one of his dresses for my marriage civil ceremony. I also paid tribute to him by wearing one of his skirts from the last collections to see this exhibition.

Azzedine Alaïa loved a good party, and he often hosted people at his Paris apartment. So, I wore the Vinyl earrings with aquamarine by FDQ Jewels in his honour.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Alaïa personally constructed each garment by hand and refused to bow to the pressures of fashion week deadlines, instead working to his own schedule. I admire Azzedine’s independence, never compromising the quality of his work. I must admit I am slightly terrified to see what will happen to the brand in the near future but I am hoping for the best.

VINUL EARRINGS BY FDQ JEWELS

SKIRT BY AZZEDINE ALAÏA

PEARL TOP BY ZARA BRAZIL

SHADES BY BALENCIAGA

BAG BY BULGARI

LOAFERS BY NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD

RINGS BY SEVAN BICAKCI, H.STERN

GEMOLOGUE by Liza Urla features exquisite global discoveries, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews – a celebration of fine jewellery, fashion jewellery and vintage jewellery.

*Photographed by Julia Flit. Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE.

Material on this website may not be copied, broadcasted or adapted without written consent.

The post GET THE LOOK…AZZEDINE ALAÏA, THE DESIGN MUSEUM appeared first on Gemologue.

source https://gemologue.com/get-the-lookazzedine-alaia-the-design-museum/

JEWELRY & FASHION-FORWARD PACKING, SHANGRI-LA BOSPHORUS, ISTANBUL

If are looking for ideas for a chic city break or for an exotic destination, I’m going to have it covered. Here is my jewellery & fashion diary from the latest trip to Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul.

GETTING THERE

It is my birthday tradition every year to travel somewhere new and exotic with my husband so that just the two of us can have a romantic celebration. For this birthday we picked Istanbul as I had never been before. I really wanted to celebrate my birthday in a sumptuous style with lots of flowers and Turkish delights at Shangri-La!

Shangri-La Bosphorus is 45 minutes from Attatürk international airport, where I recommend flying with Turkish Airlines. Make sure to ask Shangri-La for a blue sapphire Rolls Royce to pick you up from the airport in order to arrive at the hotel in style.

FIRST IMPRESSION

Just like Istanbul itself, the hotel is grand with a welcoming environment (and a fast check-in!). The two storey chandelier made from contemporary Bohemian glass in the lobby is absolutely striking and takes your breath away. Shangri-La Bosphorus in Istanbul offers 186 spacious rooms and suites, two restaurants, one bar and CHI Spa.

ROOM

My birthday started in my room with my favourite sweets: baklava and turkish delight. Flowers were abundant and everywhere, and they never fail to put a smile on my face!

My Deluxe Bosphorus Suite had a breathtaking view of Bosphorus and the myriad of boats of all sizes floating on the water. The room was spacious, comfortable and luxurious, so absolutely perfect for a birthday celebration. The pastel palette of blue and beige is certainly provides a calming contrast to the chaos of Istanbul’s streets. The bed was divine, and my favourite space in the room was the marble bathroom  featuring a large walk-in shower and a bathtub and filled with Bulgari products. I was also happy to see my favourite Villeroy & Boch ceramics in the suite as little details matter to me.

BREAKFAST

Skip the buffet and treat yourself to a breakfast in bed just like I did for my birthday. The pancakes were yummy and a must-order!

SPA

I was really keen to try the traditional Turkish bath or Hammam during my time in Istanbul. On one of the days, I met a local  –  and a friend of a friend – who assured me that we were at the best Hammam in town. The soothing hands of a skilled therapist at the CHI spa melted away each knot in my body, leaving a sensation of deep relaxation before my birthday celebration in the evening. I loved being covered with foam during the treatment. What is the better way to start a birthday if not with a Spa treatment, spoiling myself!

DINING

As I was born the Far East of Russia and regularly travelled to China with my family, the authentic Cantonese dishes at Shang Palace restaurant were perfect for my birthday dinner. The dish I am  already craving again is the crispy Sinchuan style fried sliced beef with honey-vinegar sauce: absolutely a must-order!  Shang Palace provide authentic delights in the elegant ambience of its spacious dining area.

JEWELLERY BOUTIQUE

Taking advantage of being a jewellery blogger, I picked a few of my favourite jewels to wear on my birthday! The hotel jewellery boutique, Arte Diore, by the reception is impossible to miss: it has a strong magnetic power even I could not resist!

THE VERDICT

Shangri-La is great place to stay in Istanbul, because of specular views of the Bosphorus, a convenient location to explore the city, and a beautiful Hammam to relax in after a long day of adventures in the Turkish capital.

What did you think of my experience at Shangri-La Bosphorus? I would love to hear what you think by leaving me a comment in the box below. Thank you!

VELVET DRESS BY RAEY

 CAPE WITH FEATHERS BY EKATERINA KUKHAREVA

VELVET LOAFERS BY NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD

JUMPSUIT BY OSKLEN

LOAFERS BY NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD x EVA FEHREN

RING BY STAURINO FRATELLI

DRESS BY A.W.A.K.E

RINGS BY ARTE DIORE

EMERALD AND SAPPHIRE RINGS BY ARTE DIORE

 

DIAMOND EARRINGS BY ARTE DIORE

DRESS BY RHODE RESORT 

VELVET LOAFERS BY NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD

AMBIENT LIGHTING PALETTE BY HOURGLASS

EARRINGS BY SILVIA FURMANOVICH

VEIL MINERAL PRIMER SPF 15 BY HOURGLASS

MAKEUP BAG BY SMYTHSON

DRESS BY RHODE RESORT 

 

DRESS BY RHODE RESORT 

VELVET LOAFERS BY NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD

VELVET DRESS BY RAEY

PEARL NECKLACE BY TATIANA BERENGUER

GEMOLOGUE by Liza Urla features exquisite global discoveries, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews – a celebration of fine jewellery, fashion jewellery and vintage jewellery.

*Photographed at Nobu Hotel Marbella. Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE.

Material on this website may not be copied, broadcasted or adapted without written consent.

The post JEWELRY & FASHION-FORWARD PACKING, SHANGRI-LA BOSPHORUS, ISTANBUL appeared first on Gemologue.

source https://gemologue.com/jewelry-fashion-forward-packing-shangri-la-bosphorus-istanbul/

SAFI KILIMA MARQUIS TANZANITE RING REVIEW

To help jewellery designer Safi Kilima raise awareness of the gorgeous gemstone known as Tanzanite, I’m reviewing one of her beautiful rings. Set in 14k white gold, the marquis-cut tanzanite gemstone in this ring is encircled by a half carat of diamonds, as if they’re trying to capture the jewel’s stunning blue-violet beauty. This wonderful hue comes from the mineral zoisite and gives the gem a pleochroic quality, meaning it takes on different colours depending on the light and angle. It’s the perfect gemstone for women who also take on different characters depending on the day! Purple is the colour for 2018, so it’s the ideal choice for a new addition to your jewellery box.

In 1967 the Masai tribesman Ali Juuyawatu discovered the first-ever blue-violet zoisite gemstone in Tanzania. It was later named Tanzanite by Tiffany & Co to recognize the birthplace of this magnificent violet-blue jewel. Tanzanite is only found in one place near the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, and is said to 1000 times more rare than a diamond. It is a gemstone for the adventurous and its 50th anniversary is being celebrated by Safi Kilima.

The Safi Kilima Marquis Tanzanite Ring features a rich saturated violet-blue hue that is the most valuable of all. The eye-catching design resembles art with its stunning tanzanite jewel wrapped in a tender embrace of glistening diamonds. Isn’t it time you gave yourself the gift of tanzanite?

GEMOLOGUE by Liza Urla features exquisite global discoveries, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews – a celebration of fine jewellery, fashion jewellery and vintage jewellery.

*Photographed by Julia Flit. Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE. Make-up by Viorela Calota.

Material on this website may not be copied, broadcasted or adapted without written consent.

The post SAFI KILIMA MARQUIS TANZANITE RING REVIEW appeared first on Gemologue.

source https://gemologue.com/safi-kilima-marquis-tanzanite-ring-review/

SILVIA FURMANOVICH BOTANICA FINE JEWELLERY COLLECTION LAUNCH, SAO PAULO