Oscar Jewelry Style:
Platinum Guild’s
Michael O’Conner By Andrea Goodwin, associate editor (agoodwin@beanstalkbiz.com)
BeansTalk knows that our readers count on us for news on the latest red carpet trends, so in anticipation of the Oscars we stopped by the Platinum Guild’s Academy Awards Red Carpet Jewelry Preview at the Luxe Hotel on Rodeo Drive last Friday. The Platinum Guild experience includes:
More than $14 million dollars worth of Platinum jewelry to wear on the red carpet.
“La Grande Dame” champagne from Veuve Clicquot.
Spa treatments from Spa 415 and Vanitymark.
A gift bag from companies including Spa 415 Beverly Hills, Vanitymark, Lather, Auric Blends, Crest, Olay, Dr. Garber, and Karien Hair Design at Robert Eaton Salon.
Limited-edition Platinum Guild-engraved iPod Nanos. Valued at $150, celebrities autographed Nanos that will be available through the Clothes Off Our Back award shows web site auction to support Children’s charities.
The suite was abuzz with stars and stylists making arrangements for red carpet accessories, but we managed to snag an interview with expert style commentator Michael O’Conner to find out what fashion statements jewelry designers and top celebrities are making this season. BeansTalk considers Michael a friend, and commends him for being so enthusiastic about sharing red carpet secrets, even as he apparently was stacking up interview after interview and was operating on but a few hours of sleep! (We recommended that he just put the coffee directly into his veins!)
AG: So what looks in platinum and diamonds are prevalent this year?
MO: On the red carpet we are seeing a lot stars who look amazing in the Grecian style gowns. With this type of a dress, I feel that the necklace is a very important accompaniment. Large necklaces and pendant necklaces are a great choice. Cuban designer Ernesto Moreira has wowed a number of celebrities with this 1 million dollar necklace. It is, of course, set in platinum and features an amazing Brazilian green tourmaline center stone.
AG: He really has a flame for drama! Who can you see wearing this piece?
MO: I think Kate Winslet would look great in this piece because she loves to wear color.
AG: I would imagine that the star would have to pick the dress color carefully. You wouldn’t want the color of the dress to fight with the color of the stone.
MO: Yes. This piece would work well with a green/blue dress or a crème/nude dress or even a bright yellow dress.
AG: I think Reese Witherspoon has really made that bright sun yellow color important this year.
MO: Yes. Everyone was talking about her Golden Globes gown.
AG: What other trends are important?
MO: Pearls are very important this year. The Miki Moto collection is particularly striking as it takes pearls away from a nostalgic theme into a more modern theme. He does this by mixing up colors and sizes. Remember, pearls are very luminescent, and can range from warm beiges to greys, pinks, and even black. He uses pearls in a new way we haven’t seen before.
AG: I am a big fan of Gerhan as well.
MO: Yes. This year Gerhan has really knocked us out with his station chain necklace. Each of the oval stations are hand hammered and surround a beautiful rose-cut diamond. In between the stations are two diamond briolettes which are securely set in platinum.
AG: The briolettes seem to have a chandelier quality to them. They seem to float around the necklace as if they were not even set at all.
MO: The briolettes give the necklace movement. Don’t forget that this necklace can be layered one, two, or three times for a variety of looks.
AG: Layering has been a very important look on the red carpet. I sense that there has been disagreement among style experts about how to do it right, though.
MO: Who could forget the debate over Sandra Oh’s layered necklaces at last year’s Emmy Awards? Stars should know that the layered elements should work together. Don’t go overboard or look like you are having an identity crisis.
AG: Apparently diamonds and platinum are being paired in handbags as well?
MO: Teryn Rose designed this gorgeous gusseted platinum colored evening bag, which we all feel is the perfect size for an acceptance speech. The Lazare diamonds at the bottom maximize light reflection, and they are set in platinum so that the true colors are reflected.
AG: Do you think it could be worn more than once by an oft-photographed celebrity?
MO: Definitely. Unlike clothing or large necklaces, this bag can be paired up with different looks. It is like a little black dress. You can change up the look; always a good item to have in your closet.
AG: Thanks Michael! It was great to get the preview!
Helen Mirren poses with her Oscar for Best Actress for her work in 'The Queen' backstage at the 79th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, February 25, 2007. (Mike Blake/Reuters) Actress Abigail Breslin, nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in 'Little Miss Sunshine,' arrives at the 79th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, February 25, 2007. (Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)
