Fashion + Jewelry: Andy Thê-Anh + Polar Bear Diamond
Here’s a story equal parts drive, ingenuity, and kismet. After a series of missed connections and mistaken identities, Reuben Tom Kee, creative director of Polar Bear Diamond, and Canadian fashion darling Andy Thê-Anh literally bumped into each other. Apologies and introductions led to the pitch Tom Kee had been waiting for: to incorporate one of his jewelry designs into one of Thê-Anh’s dresses. Thê-Anh considered the concept in relation to his collection. There was a dress that could accommodate it, with a few alterations. “Let’s do it,” he decided.
The collaboration capped two runway walks—at Montreal and Toronto Fashion Weeks, where the Fashion Design Council of Canada billed Thê-Anh as one of Canada’s fashionable Group of Seven—and led to an enhanced partnership: Polar Bear, which was the principal sponsor for Thê-Anh’s Spring/Summer 2008 collection, was also to sponsor the next two lines. Now that’s a fashion connection worth its wait.
This Andy Thê-Anh dress bakes the jewelry right in.
Photo courtesy of Reuben Tom Kee, Polar Bear Diamond
The deco-inspired design features 174 diamonds, 26.30 cts. t.w. Estimated retail value is $55,000 (not including the connector sections). Best part? It’s convertible and can be worn sans dress.
Photo courtesy of Reuben Tom Kee, Polar Bear Diamond
The Designers:
Fashion’s Andy Thê-Anh
Photo courtesy of Reuben Tom Kee, Polar Bear Diamond
Reuben Tom Kee, of Polar Bear Diamond, with TQS-TV news anchor and Quebec Cancer Foundation spokeswoman Estelle Begin. A portion of ticket proceeds from the fashion show went to QCF.
Photo courtesy of Reuben Tom Kee, Polar Bear Diamond
Polar Bear Diamond designs
Photo courtesy of Reuben Tom Kee, Polar Bear Diamond
F+J Archive:
Fashion + Jewelry: Ephymol + The Varsity Project
Fashion + Jewelry: Luca Luca + Doyle New York
Bronwen commented:
Rueben's necklace is so unique and original! It's like nothing I've
seen before...
Darlene R. Rieux commented:
Hey Reuben!....your positive energy & enthusiasm is
contagious.... stunning jewelry design! You are on your way!
Liz - model commented:
absolutely goooorgeous dahling !!! stunning collaboration of
fashion and jewellery - piece de resistance frankly !
michele ade commented:
Hi Reuben, Nice to meet you. What a hoot it was at We're madly
marvelous today. Oh joy glad to be in the fashion show. PS I luve
the POLAR BEAR jewellery you designed dahling. Michele
Gina Hillcoat commented:
Very interesting concept - taking bling to a whole new level!
Dipannita from Alpha US Group and Savarn commented:
Congratulations, Reuben! Exquisite, innovative, gorgeous designs 'n
creations. Cheers!
Miranda commented:
Absolutely breathtaking! Reuben, you are such an inspiration.
Maryse Campbell commented:
A veritable marriage of jewelry and dress! Reuben, it is gorgeous!
Judy Richards commented:
Stunning creations! Keep up the high fashion look. It proves Canada
isn't behind anyone.
Viresh Pujara of CoverModels Management commented:
Beautiful!!! Congratulations Reuben.
Bryan commented:
The dress and jewelry are wonderful together. What an imaginative
combination! Congratulations on the success of this collaboration.
Thanks for your support of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. We look
forward to following the growth of your career and future
collections.
Jacenta commented:
What an absolutely beautiful and exquisite design. Its the perfect
balance of creativity and ingenuity!
Annette Martin commented:
Congratulations Reuben! From all of us at the Canadian Liver
Foundation and our "What a Girl Wants" committee, we wish you all
the best. We know your collaboration with Andy is going to be a a
great success! Thanks again for your support and all the best in
the new year.
Heather Kirk commented:
Congratulations Reuben! This is another stunning addition to your
collection. From all of us at Channeluxe, it's a delight working
with you.
