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.