JCKstyle - April 6, 2007
Versatility has long been an asset to fashion and jewelry. Whether functional, like interchangeable watch straps, or aesthetic, like charm bracelets, pieces that adapt capture our imagination, appeal to our sense of individuality, and can make a tough thing like fashion user-friendly.
Versatility has been growing ever more important in jewelry design, and other accessories aren’t far behind. High-end, high quality, convertible shoes, for example, were nowhere to be found until Hillary Chan Latos dreamed them up a little over a year ago. Having worked as a fashion editor, Latos was familiar with the accessories market. She saw style-minded consumers spend big bucks on shoes and figured she could make the goods even more desirable by expanding their capabilities, she tells JCKstyle. After several tries and with the help of an aerospace engineering company, Jour & Nuit was born and will debut this spring. The line—whose name is French for “day and night”—consists of two major components: bases (which come in several different heights and shapes) and straps (which come in a seemingly endless variety of styles). Each base has two places for straps to clasp: near the toe and at the top of the foot. Bases can go with a mix of different straps and vice versa, allowing for many different looks. The sturdy, durable pieces—which can be bought separately or together (full shoes start at $300, straps start at $80)—range from simple to ornate and from casual to fancy (some boast materials including Swarovski crystals and 14k gold plating) and are, quite simply, the epitome of versatile fashion done right.Weekly Gem
Personalized jewelry is now at your fingertips, thanks to a new collection of precious thumbprint pieces. Using a special kit, make a wax mold of your loved one’s fingerprint (or your own) and Marque Creations will transform it into a gold pendant or ring with customizable diamond or gemstone accents. Since no two fingerprints are alike, each piece is one-of-a-kind. Touching.
