In New York City, the holiday 2021 windows at Bergdorf Goodman are, as ever, a lavish parade of whimsy, fanfare, and kaleidoscopic color. Meanwhile, at Stanley Korshak, the American South’s answer to the Fifth Avenue luxury department store, the windows embrace a similar MO—executed with sophisticated restraint.
Devotees of the Dallas institution will perhaps recognize the artwork that is at the center of the tableau, created by Texas-based artist Michael Tracy.
Tracy is also a jewelry designer, perennially showcased in the store’s jewelry department.
“Tracy’s paintings are reflected in his jewelry. I first met him through Ron and David at Ten Thousand Things in 2001,” says Stanley Korshak fine jewelry buyer Melissa Geiser. “He’s an incredible artist.”
The theme of the windows nods to Diwali, the annual Hindu festival of lights (this year it took place earlier this month). It’s a celebration of peace and joy, the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness.
According to Stanley Korshak creative director Bret McKinney, the artwork displayed in the windows is meant to be a salute, and blessing, offered to India, where Tracy has spent time honing his craft, both as a visual artist and a jeweler.
Given the window theme, a Michael Tracy jewel seems like a pretty outstanding holiday gift to me, but for the definitive answer on jewelry gift-giving, I chatted with Geiser to find out her top picks. Below, a few key pieces and collections she’s betting on for holiday 2021—most are newcomers to her assortment, discovered at the Las Vegas Jewelry shows.
“The Established Ride or Die collection is kitschy, fun, inexpensive, cute, very Texas, and it makes you smile. We have real cowgirl clients—one of my clients is a part of the Texas Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and she would love this collection.”
“We’ve been carrying Rene Escobar for a long time, it could be 10 years now. These bangles are a proven gift-giving item because of the quality and the price point—they start at $1,000 or $1,100. I’ve had people engrave them. These bangles have probably been my number one price point gift item for years.”
“Harwell Godfrey is new to our assortment. We picked up the line at Couture. We just had [Lauren Harwell Godfrey] in for a personal appearance, and it was extremely successful and the collection was really well received. Her line is classic with a twist, easy to wear, it’s pretty, not too girlie but not too minimalist either…she has something for everybody. And each piece is very finished. She’s all about line and geometry, it’s very clean jewelry. It’s not that I don’t pick up trendy things, but I am trying to find longevity. I want to build businesses. We’re in it for the long run, not the short run.”
“I am so excited about Studio Renn, who are launching in the U.S. market with us. The line is elevated, absolutely gorgeous, and something different for the more expensive, really artistic area of the business. They are doing beautiful, beautiful pieces with little hidden details, and that’s what I thrive on. I get excited by unexpected details—[for example,] there are hidden rubies underneath that Bleeding Tooth cuff that you can’t see that just reflect light.”
Top: “People like moons and stars. The moon is a really iconic shape, and this is a substantial piece that’s really pretty to stack as a pendant,” says Geiser. Major Moon pendant in 18k yellow gold with turquoise inlay and diamonds, $7,450; Harwell Godfrey
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