JCKstyle - March 24, 2006
Pool parties, jewelry splurges, flashy cars … combined they are the stuff of an extravagant L.A. lifestyle, and one way to introduce a new product with a splash. On Sunday, jewelry designer Judith Ripka and Mercedes-Benz—both sponsors of this week's Fashion Week in Los Angeles—produced "Pool Jewels," a poolside party featuring Ripka's latest collection and Mercedes-Benz's exclusive SLR McLaren model (worth $450,000).
The W Los Angeles Westwood was the venue, setting the scene for a variety of VIPs, including actress Emmanuelle Vaugier and photographer Davis Factor. Attendees sipped on "Diamond Daiquiris" and "Mercedes Mojitos" while enjoying treatments from Bliss Spa. The luxurious life continued post-pool, when guests took home an "Ultimate Pool Jewels Swag Bag," including beach accessories like a Cia.Marítima Beachwear swimsuit and a LeSportsac bag.
Judith Ripka is known for her casual, modern pieces and celebrity clientele like Jenny McCarthy and Kelly Clarkson, who wore Ripka pieces in a print advertising campaign for Candie's clothing. The designer created Nicole Richie's engagement ring and now markets the piece—which retails for $18,000—as The Nicole.
Having made a business of combining luxury with everyday wear, a glam pool party was a natural fit for Ripka. We're just hoping no one took a swim with their baubles on.
Weekly Gem
Having lowered his standards in the '80s (when he hawked Owens Corning fiberglass insulation and Sweet'N Low sweetener), the Pink Panther is returning to jewelry. Created for the first Pink Panther film in 1964, the pink cat was named after a pink diamond featured in the plot of several Pink Panther films. This year, Pink Desire is launching a Pink Panther jewelry collection featuring pink stones (diamonds, sapphires, and semiprecious pink varieties), and restoring the lovable cartoon character's image to its roots.
www.pinkpantherdiamonds.com
