Moissanite is Here to Stay

Gone are the days where the old adage is only applicable to diamonds! Humans have been using diamonds as precious stones for hundreds of years, and from the more famous applications, such as the Crown of England, to everyday applications, like engagement rings, diamonds have been the stone of choice to denote stability, prosperity and hope. But diamonds come at a far higher cost than just being expensive. Their history is also rooted in blood, conflict and corruption, as natural areas are decimated for their mining, and poor workers exploited and abused for below minimum pay. This major ethical consideration is driving more and more people to a kinder alternative.

Goodbye diamonds, hello moissanite

Moissanite is a mineral compound that was discovered by a scientist named Henri Moissan, from whom the stone takes its name. However, the initial site of discovery was near a meteor impact site, and the original silicon carbide crystals could not be used as moissanite directly. A series of scientific interventions must occur in order for the silicon carbide to be usable in the form of moissanite as we experience it. Visually, there are several significant similarities between diamonds and the more affordable moissanite such as the fact that they are of similar brilliance and hardness.

Advanced laboratory processes ae used to manufacture moissanite jewels. Although far cheaper than diamonds they provide a high-quality, ethical alternative, which not only benefits those with restricted budgets, but also those with ethical objections to the use of diamonds.

Getting the best Moissanite Gemstone

A great stone does not come into its own without a great setting. Its neutral color allows the band to be set in almost any color metal, such as yellow, rose, or white gold. Like diamonds, the right cut is also crucial to get the right degree of fire from the stone. Moissanite is well known for its refractive abilities, creating a rather spectacular rainbow effect. It also has a far higher sparkle value than a diamond, making it appear far more radiant. Buying a moissanite will also have you considering weights and measurements, which is similarly measured in carats. The big difference comes into the price to weight ratio. For a stone of equal size, you can expect a significant and pocket-pleasing difference in price.

Taking the first step

Engagements, birthdays, anniversaries – you can be sure that there is a moissanite out there that will meet your needs. I cannot reiterate the value of the correct setting enough – remember that you are not dealing with a cheap diamond replica – you are dealing with a significant jewel in its own right, and the money you spend will be wasted if the setting is poor. Make sure that you go through your buying process in the right way and get the full value of the money you spend. All that remains is to enjoy the extreme sparkle and beauty of your new purchase. Because there are no ethical considerations attached to them, you can breathe easy and know that you are not contributing to anything sinister through your purchase.

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Vitra and Virgil Abloh drop limited edition "Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra: US Edition" collection on Basic.Space

Swiss design company Vitra and Virgil Abloh have collaborated to drop three limited edition "Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra" products, available to U.S. consumers for the first time via online marketplace Basic.Space. Products will be available for sale globally through the site's digital storefront, which will livestream the collection and a special DJ music performance by Pedro Cavaliere from a 6-day pop-up installation in Miami's Design District. The installation was created by Abloh's London-based studio Alaska Alaska and is powered by Cash App as part of the company's ongoing efforts to support the creative community. Additional, Abloh and Vitra CEO Nora Fehlbaum will have a conversation about the collection that will air on Abloh's IGTV channel.

"Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra: US Edition" explores the urgent need for inclusivity in design, and invites people of all generations, races and backgrounds to have conversations about both social issues and design topics. Virgil Abloh is known for pushing boundaries and using creativity to communicate socio-political messages while Vitra has a long history of undertaking experimental projects with designers, architects and artists that test the limitations of design's predicted norms.  Driven by the new mindset of Generation 'Next' – a forward-thinking psychographic that transcends age, gender, race, ethnicity and income – Basic.Space provides forward-thinking brands such as these with an innovative approach for reaching new audiences, turning the traditional retail model on its head. The Basic.Space community of creatives makes it possible for brands to speak and connect with this new generation that is changing the way we see the world.

"My mission has not changed. My hopes for this collaboration are to further strengthen this bond with the new generation, providing them with further inspiration, as well as room for thought and a sense of inclusion. This collaboration invites the new generation into the conversation – my work is meant to open doors for them," says Virgil Abloh.

"What I find particularly inspiring about Virgil Abloh is that he comes to the table as an outsider, with a fresh look at our collection and a different pace, free of constraints," says Nora Fehlbaum, CEO. "I'm interested in the way that he structures knowledge and passes it on to a new generation in such a condensed manner. He manages to shift the topic of design classics away from the discourse of an intellectual elite to make them accessible to a wider public."

"We're excited to partner with Virgil Abloh and Vitra on this thought-provoking collection, one that embodies inclusivity and design, while inviting a new audience to experience something unique.  This collaborative release captures the essence of Basic.Space where brands and creatives can manifest their vision effortlessly both online and offline," said Jesse Lee, founder of Basic.Space.

"Basic.Space offers a unique shopping experience that seamlessly integrates our digital and physical worlds. The platform is authentic, socially conscious and design-centric -- traits that are inherent to our company and important to our customer. This partnership allows Vitra to interact with a new audience and the opportunity to meet the next generation of young design collectors," says Melissa Shelton, Vitra North American President.

The "Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra: US Edition" collection is a spin-off to an earlier collaboration that dropped in 2019 on Vitra's Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany during Art Basel alongside a futuristic exhibition TWENTYTHIRTYFIVE. The three pieces – a Ceramic Block, along with the Petite Potence lamp and Antony armchair originally designed by Jean Prouvé, are reimagined in baby blue that Abloh intends to stand alone as an object with a function. The "hacked" Prouvé pieces represent the power of design to evolve in order to speak to a new generation.  

"Jean Prouve worked as a craftsman, designer, manufacturer, architect, teacher, and engineer - he truly was a multifaceted designer and not limited to one "discipline". His many talents translate through his work – intertwining art with social consciousness. I feel interconnected with Prouve in light of, I too, work within many worlds; art, fashion, music and philanthropy– meshing my ideas from these many realms together for a greater message to the world," says Virgil Abloh.

"Practicing and welcoming inclusion – I created the "Post Modern" Scholarship Fund in effort to do just that. The mission of the Fund is to foster equity and inclusion within the fashion industry by providing scholarships to students of academic promise of Black, African-American, or African descent; recipients will not only be provided with funds, but will also be given access to vital career support services and mentoring. Art and good nature can change the world, I refuse to believe otherwise," says Virgil Abloh.

"The teenager of today has become a creative doer who transforms his memories and experiences, all of the cultural and social influences, into his or her own products, thereby finding a personal field of activity,' says Fehlbaum.

The "Virgil Abloh c/o Vitra: US Edition" installation takes place at 140 NE 39th Street in the Miami Design District, and is open to the public December 3-7, from 11am EST to 7 pm EST, limited to five visitors allowed into the exhibition space at a time, in accordance with city guidelines and enhanced safety measures in place. Visitors can purchase limited edition and numbered pieces and enjoy live and digital experiences at the space.

Ceramic Block 
In the installation, the visitor's gaze is directed to the future with a wall of consecutively numbered bricks: the Ceramic Blocks. These glazed ceramic objects are not just a structural element but also take on a life of their own as storage objects in Virgil Abloh's concept. The limited exhibition edition comprises 999 Ceramic Blocks, in baby blue, each with a noticeable numeral that makes it unique, and can be purchased directly at the Basic.Space "gallery," modifying the structure of the installation, or on the curated online marketplace Basic.Space from December 3 to 7.

Petite Potence
Jean Prouvé created the Potence wall lamp for his home in Nancy in 1942, and the design was soon produced in a range of sizes. Virgil Abloh is fascinated by the industrial clarity of this concept and integrates the smaller Petite Potence in his installation. He has accentuated the 'industrial DNA' of the design with a baby blue lacquer finish that gives it a new visibility, while a striking LED bulb in an oblong cage further enhances the appearance. Virgil Abloh's version of Petite Potence is available in a limited and numbered edition of 150 pieces. 

Antony 
The armchair Antony was developed by Jean Prouvé in the early 1950s for the university halls of residence in Antony near Paris. With its dynamically curved wooden shell and characteristic metal base, this small armchair was one of the French designer's last furniture creations. Virgil Abloh pays tribute to the iconic design with an updated version in his installation, he has transformed the armchair by giving it a frosted plexiglass shell, which is further accentuated by a baby blue lacquer finish. This version is available in a numbered edition limited to 150 pieces.   

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Porsche Design eyewear heritage meets sports car DNA in new 2020 Collection

Exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design is known for offering an extension of the Porsche lifestyle both on and off the road, and eyewear is one of the best embodiments of that philosophy. With the launch of the new 2020 sunglasses collection, Porsche Design is tapping into its rich brand heritage and reimagining one of its most legendary styles, originally designed by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche in 1978. The result: the P'8928, the first square-shaped aviator shades with an interchangeable lens mechanism. But, it is not just about the past, another highlight of this season's collection is the P'8685 Hexagon Gold Limited Edition: highly-engineered sunglasses infused with true sports car DNA and strictly limited to 500 models worldwide.

Ever since Porsche Design unveiled the brand's inaugural sunglasses in 1978, the P'8478, the world's first sunglasses with an interchangeable lens mechanism, the brand has stayed true to its iconic design philosophy to optimize function. Extraordinary design and quality materials without any frills or excessive ornamentation.  Applying the same vision and design process that led to the legendary Porsche 911, allowed F. A. Porsche to bring a new perspective to the eyewear segment that caught the eye of many – including true Porsche enthusiasts as well as notable celebrities. 

Iconic: P'8928 – a design icon reborn
The P'8478 were the first glasses to offer an interchangeable lens mechanism that allowed the lenses to be easily changed based on lighting conditions – or personal taste. The P'8478 remains a true style icon recognized for both its well-thought out functionality and timeless design. Now, Porsche Design is building on that legacy and introducing the P'8928 – a modern, squared aviator reinterpretation of the classic with the same unique interchangeable lens mechanism. Revamped, yet unmistakably Porsche Design. Each pair comes with an additional set of colored interchangeable lenses, and new lens colors are introduced each season. Exclusively manufactured in Japan, using ultra-light and durable titanium, the frame makes the P'8928 extremely comfortable to wear. RRP starting from $550.

Sports car DNA and high-tech precision – the P'8685 Hexagon Gold Limited Edition
The limited edition P'8685 Hexagon Gold sunglasses are a perfect fusion of Porsche Design philosophy and uncompromising engineering. Inspired by the engine block of a sports car, eight hexagonal screws hold the solid titanium front in place giving the glasses their unmistakable and bold look. Exclusive manufacturing underscores the precise construction with each frame being crafted individually by hand. Limited to only 500 pairs worldwide. Lightweight temples made of high-performance RXP® and polarized lenses ensure maximum comfort. RRP: $1,150.

Fusion models – striking contrasts in shape, material, and surface
Also new are the Porsche Design Fusion models, featuring striking contrasts in shape, material and surface. High-performance plastic RXP® meets metal while polished and matte surfaces intersect giving them an edgy and futuristic design. The P'8366 squared aviator correction glasses and P'8690 sunglasses are the fusion highlights from this new collection.

Ultra-Light – purely the essentials
The Ultra-Light line features a design language that is reduced to the minimum – timeless, simple and elegant with a diligent focus on functionality. High quality titanium is used in the frames only where absolutely needed while the temples and front are characterized by clear lines and flowing style. With the frame weighing only five grams, they are the lightest and most minimal glasses designed by the brand.

After 42 years of iconic and forward thinking eyewear innovations, Porsche Design continues to tap into its heritage while keeping an eye on the future in order to engineer unique glasses that guarantee optimal performance and timeless style. The new collection is the next chapter in the brand's eyewear story and the latest models remain true to the core principles while offering state-of-the-art eyewear features. Whether behind the wheel or on the go, Porsche Design glasses offer maximum quality, design and engineering that stand the test of time.

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Privé Porter Opens Up First Ever Storefront in Miami's Uber-Luxury Brickell City Centre

*Photo credit World Red Eye; Hermès 20cm Birkin Faubourg Night & Hermès 20cm Birkin Faubourg Day the extremely rare set, in unused condition, on sale for $450,000

Privé Porter, the leading reseller of the most coveted Hermès Birkin handbags and luxury accessories, opened its first official brick-and-mortar storefront in Miami's uber-luxury Brickell City Centre. The new 1,250 sq. ft. location expands Privé Porter's luxury resale services from social media to retail, providing the Miami community with unparalleled access to the world's most exclusive Hermès handbags.

"With the demise of traditional retail anchors, shopping centers are looking to new, innovative brands such as Privé Porter to further attract affluent customers, and we couldn't be more proud to bring our unique offering to the Miami community at Brickell City Centre joining all the top names in luxury," says Jeffrey Berk, Managing Director of Privé Porter. "This pop-up is an audition to show that we bring the same Richard Mille-level customer whenever Privé Porter sets up shop. In a time when most retailers are shuttering stores and focusing on e-commerce, Privé Porter is seizing this opportunity to provide a first of its kind retail experience, shattering the 'glass ceiling' of secondhand luxury, legitimizing Privé Porter as a staple in the luxury community."

Privé Porter's Brickell City Centre store is bringing high fashion, luxury shopping and one-of-a-kind exclusive products to the Miami area, with Italian furnishings, chic Enno furniture and inventory handled only by certified staff. The store is fully secured with locked entrances and exits to limit the number of customers who can experience the exclusive handbags within the shop.  Each bag is an unused, pristine example of one of the different sizes of an Hermès Birkin or Kelly, ranging in price from $15,000 to $250,000 depending on the styles on display. Privé Porter continues to maintain a robust inventory through its passionate community of collectors, and specializes in sourcing rare and unique Hermès styles for clients including new 2020 color ways such as Vert Criquet, Sellier Rainbow, and Bleu Brume.

"Privé Porter is a unique re-sale concept that we are very excited to welcome to Brickell City Centre," said David Martin, Vice President, Retail, of Swire Properties. "Re-sale is an increasingly important part of the luxury eco-system, and increasingly desirable to discerning shoppers. It will allow them to dip their toes into the ultra-luxury side of fashion, and fits perfectly with Brickell City Centre's exciting mix of retailers and restaurants." 

While Berk founded Privé Porter in 2008, it wasn't until his wife, Michelle, took over with her love, knowledge and experience of the luxury goods market that turned the brand into the largest and most reliable source for brand new Hermès collectible handbags and accessories. Privé Porter was a first adopter of Instagram e-commerce in 2013, gaining a cult following of consumers who wanted hassle-free access to Hermés handbags, without the notorious roadblocks. Stars such as Kris Jenner, Paris Hilton, Cardi B, Keyshia Ka'Oir, Jeffree Star and more have become avid customers, turning to Privé Porter to not only source rare Hermés styles, but customize them as well.

To-date, Privé Porter's most expensive bag ever sold was a rare Hermès 30cm Gris Cendre Diamond Himalaya Crocodile Birkin with 18K Gold Hardware, selling for an impressive $500,000, close to three times more than what it retailed at Hermès. The brand's new storefront ushers in a new chapter for the luxury reseller, bringing their exclusive shopping experience to the affluent community of Miami, cementing their place as a pillar in the new age of luxury retail.

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Nina West And Dolly Parton Team Up For "Dolly X Nina: Kindness Is Queen" Collection

Kindness is Queen! As revealed exclusively through Entertainment Weekly, The Nina West Foundation is thrilled to announce an incredibly special, first-of-its-kind partnership between Country Music legend Dolly Parton and Drag Superstar  and LGBTQ+ activist Nina West. These two Queens of Kindness have teamed up for the Dolly x Nina: Kindness is Queen collection to foster kindness and hope during this difficult time.

"When I approached Dolly with the idea for a collaboration between the Nina West Foundation and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, I was looking for an opportunity to continue to spread my message of kindness while building on the work I've done through my foundation supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families," said Nina West. "Dolly is the Ultimate Queen of Kindness and I am so thrilled that she agreed to this collaboration! We both want to spread the message that Kindness is Queen and that being kind is something that is desperately needed in our world right now!"

Proceeds from the Kindness is Queen Limited Edition T-shirt, Tote Bag and Enamel pin will go to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a book gifting program that promotes literacy by providing free high quality books to children of all ages, and the Nina West Foundation which supports organizations and services that support LGBTQ+ youth and families. The collection is available now at www.ninawest.com/kindness for a limited time.

Remember, Kindness is Queen and may she ever reign supreme!

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Jason Wu collaborates WILD BEAUTY Exclusive Florals

Today, 1-800-Flowers.com®, one of the world's leading floral providers, announced it has collaborated with global design talent, Jason Wu, to release an exclusive assortment of modern and elegant bouquets. The Jason Wu for Wild Beauty™ collection, which is now available nationwide, features on-trend arrangements that embody the designer's signature aesthetic of femininity and sophistication. Behind-the-scenes content, specially designed 'thank you' notes and the ability to preview select bouquets in 3D will allow customers to have an immersive digital experience as they are introduced to the new collection. This marks Jason Wu's first collaboration with a floral and gifting brand.

"Jason Wu is one of the world's most renowned fashion designers and we are thrilled to collaborate with him on this truly original collection, which reflects his unique point of view in floral design and bouquet presentation," said Valerie Ghitelman, Vice President, Product Development and Design, 1-800-Flowers.com. "We are excited to not only share these beautifully crafted arrangements with our customers, but to engage them with distinctive content that provides insights into Jason's design influences and more."

"Playing a role in the intimate decision of what one chooses to wear each day is such an important part of what I do," said Jason Wu. "To extend this concept to the graceful details people bring into their homes is an honor. This collection with 1-800-Flowers.com is especially meaningful to me because of my lifelong love of flowers. Floral elements continuously inspire me and have been a consistent theme throughout my entire career. I'm thrilled to celebrate the beauty of flowers in this new and special way."

A Collection Influenced by Jason Wu's Design Aesthetic: Jason's design influences, such as modern femininity and refined style, are reflected throughout the entire Jason Wu for Wild Beauty collection. Chic, gathered arrangements include freshly cut flowers – such as roses, sunflowers, gerbera daisies, thistle, aster and mini calla lilies, among others – that are grown with love at select eco-friendly, sustainable farms. Each bouquet, which includes a mix of textures and florals unique to the season, arrives wrapped in white kraft paper and is nestled inside a signature gift box. Customers can also opt to order a galvanized flower pail to showcase their arrangement. The collection includes:

• Citrus Crush™ Bouquet by Jason Wu for Wild Beauty

• Watercolor Chiffon™ Bouquet by Jason Wu for Wild Beauty

• Wild Cascade™ Bouquet by Jason Wu for Wild Beauty

• Poplin Crème™ Bouquet by Jason Wu for Wild Beauty

• Silken Roses™ Bouquet by Jason Wu for Wild Beauty

Bouquets from the Jason Wu for Wild Beauty collection come with a custom hangtag, which prompts recipients with a QR code to enjoy a mobile web experience. Exclusive and engaging content includes behind-the-scenes footage from Jason's Ready-To-Wear Fall 2020 New York Fashion Week Show and the Jason Wu for Wild Beauty collection photo shoot, both of which took place earlier this year. It also provides access to special 'thank you' notes whereby bouquet recipients can instantly connect with and send a digital message to the sender. Find all this at www.1800flowers.com/jasonwu-connect.

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Eyewear Industry Disrupter Privé Revaux Announces European Expansion Exclusively With GrandVision

Privé Revaux, the affordable, celebrity eyewear brand is taking their industry disruption to Europe in collaboration with exclusive partner GrandVision, a global leader in optical retail. GrandVision is bringing the celebrity-backed brand from Jamie Foxx, Ashley Benson and Hailee Steinfeld across their extensive network of banner stores and e-commerce platforms including optical experts Vision Express in the UK, Trendy Opticians and Vision Express in Poland, Apollo-Optik in Germany, Atasun Optik in Turkey, GrandOptical and Pearle in Belgium, Eyewish and Pearle in the Netherlands.

"We are very excited to bring Privé Revaux's eyewear offering to Europe," said David Schottenstein, founder and CEO of Privé Revaux. "Our goal is to provide the absolute best quality, service and price for the global eyewear market and GrandVision is the perfect partner to achieve this."

Jamie Foxx, Partner at Privé Revaux, adds, "Collaborating with GrandVision to bring our fly and affordable brand worldwide is big achievement. I couldn't be more excited about Privé Revaux's future."

International shoppers can find an impressive assortment of Privé Revaux's handcrafted, fashion-forward and classic style sunglasses and anti-blue light glasses with options to add prescription, starting at $43 per pair. In addition, customers can expect to see a rotating selection of celebrity-designed capsule collections starting with popular styles from American actresses Madelaine Petsch (Riverdale), actress and singer, Dove Cameron and super model Adriana Lima. Each Privé Revaux style is made with high-end materials including acetate and proprietary lightweight, yet durable metal alloy. Sunglasses also have polarized lenses with 100% UVA/UVB protection, while all clear lenses feature blue light-blocking technology to protect from digital eye strain.

Notes Hailee Steinfeld, "Privé Revaux represents such versatility and accessibility with our selection of affordable glasses and sunglasses, and thanks to GrandVision, we can now offer these designs to our friends and fans in Europe." Adds Ashley Benson, "Sunglasses are my favorite accessory and I believe everyone needs a few go-to pairs. "I am thrilled that with we can now offer our incredible value to customers internationally without sacrificing any of the quality. I can't wait to see everyone's reaction to our designs!"

Privé Revaux was built by an elite team with a shared passion for style and quality including serial entrepreneur David Schottenstein, celebrity visionaries Jamie Foxx, Hailee Steinfeld and Ashley Benson, as well as Creative Directors Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn. In two short years the brand has emerged as a leader in the eyewear industry with their high-quality, affordable sunglasses, anti-blue light glasses and readers. Continually on the forefront of design, innovation and craftsmanship, Privé Revaux brings an unprecedented value to customers with the belief that designer eyewear shouldn't be a luxury reserved for a select few.

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