MRK Style

Vintage Jewelry Collection: Bell and Bird

RodKosann — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:16:33 +0000

Austin, Texas jewelry dealer Bell and Bird – whom we came across on 1stdibs.com – is proof that quality really does trump quantity. The three pieces selling on the Bell and Bird 1st dibs page are unlike any others we’ve featured. Each has its own very unique detail that sets it apart from most vintage pieces out there.

High Victorian Gold Fringe Locket We were immediately taken with this locket, from the delicate gold fringe and the pearl closure to the interesting black backing – which almost looks as good as the front.

Victorian Gold Cuff Bangle We love the way the button-sized diamond and onyx panel, as well as the unique shape, almost make this cuff look a bit like a beautiful collar.

Diamond Navette Ring, ca 1850 This 1850′s European ring, with navette set diamonds surrounded by enamel detailing, is incredibly striking. It’s small enough to be classic, but bold enough to be a good conversation starter.

*Photos courtesy of Bell and Bird

From Monica’s Archives: Anna Sui

RodKosann — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:09:43 +0000

“I took this photo of Anna Sui years ago in her office, surrounded by her amazing collection of dolls heads – which have inspired her immensely over the years. Anna’s creativity and uniqueness have made her an icon of fashion, and it was thrilling to photograph her with a meaningful collection that has had such an impact on her brand and design process.” -As told by Monica

*Photo by Monica Rich Kosann

Living with what you love: Inside Monica’s Office

RodKosann — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:25:05 +0000

This week, we decided to take a deeper look into the way Monica lives and works with the things she loves. Monica says, “I surround myself with the things that I love: Quotes that inspire me, old press, ads, keepsakes from my travels, flea market finds, personals notes and photos of my kids. It changes day to day.” Here, she gives us a sneak peek into her creative space.

”This Twiggy photo was the first thing I put in the new space. It inspires me immensely. This was one of the first photos taken of her [by Barry Lategan] and she has no idea what is in store for her – that is one of the things I love most about the photograph.”

Twiggy Photo by Barry Lategan above Monica’s desk

”My inspiration board includes everything from things I find while traveling, to magazine tear outs and photos of my daughters. The photo I took of them playing in the sprinklers [top right] is one of my favorites.”

Spread from Harper’s Bazaar of Gwyneth Paltrow in a Monica Rich Kosann charm bracelet, Magazine tear-outs on Monica’s inspiration board

Vintage charms and a brass hand found at flea market on Monica’s desk

Diptique Candle, Colored Pencils, Vintage Jewelry and Moleskin notebooks

“I’m always tacking up quotes that strike me. I loved this one…”

Iconic Image: Victoria & Albert Museum New Photographs Gallery

RodKosann — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:09:47 +0000

In October, London’s Victoria & Albert Museum extended the space that houses it’s permanent photography collection. The new photographs gallery showcases a number of iconic photographs from the museum’s renown collection. From an intimate Victorian portrait by Julia Margaret Cameron to a unique abstract image from Curtis Moffat, these important images continue to inspire to this day.

Circe, c.1865, Juliet Margaret Cameron

The Brig, 1856, Gustave Le Gray

Dragonfly, 1930, Curtis Moffat

Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the Launching Chains of ‘The Great Eastern’, 1857 Robert Howlett

*Images courtesy of the Victoria & Albert Museum

Jewelry Auction: Important Jewels at Sotheby’s

RodKosann — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:53:04 +0000

On February 9th, Sotheby’s will auction important jewels from the 20th century, from beautiful Art Nouveau pieces to vintage and contemporary pieces by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Here, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite jewels, including an inspiring ivory pendant necklace and a unique diamond and ruby compact from the 1950′s. Please visit the auction catalogue here for more information.

18 KARAT GOLD AND IVORY PENDANT NECKLACE, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS, FRANCE

18 KARAT GOLD, LAPIS LAZULI AND DIAMOND WHISTLE PENDANT-NECKLACE, HARRY WINSTON

TITANIUM, MORGANITE AND DIAMOND CUFF BRACELET, MARGHERITA BURGENER

18 KARAT GOLD, PLATINUM, DIAMOND AND RUBY COMPACT, CARTIER, LONDON, CIRCA 1940

14 KARAT GOLD, PLATINUM, COLORED STONE AND DIAMOND CHARM BRACELET, CIRCA 1945

18 KARAT GOLD, TURQUOISE, LAPIS LAZULI AND DIAMOND BIRD BROOCH, CARTIER, PARIS, CIRCA 1955

GOLD, DEMANTOID GARNET AND DIAMOND MESH PURSE AND A GOLD, HARDSTONE AND DIAMOND COMPACT, CIRCA 1900

14 KARAT GOLD, HARDSTONE CAMEO, SEED PEARL AND DIAMOND BROOCH

From Monica’s Archive: The Girl at the Opera

RodKosann — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:20:21 +0000

“I took this photo in my first photography class, when I was a student at the Institute of Art in Salzburg, Austria. I was at an outdoor opera and saw this young girl in a dirndl dress sitting on an enormous table. I was intrigued by how intently she was watching, and felt compelled to photograph her. I think it was clear that portrait photography was always exciting to me. It is still, to this day, a photo I am very proud of.” - As told by Monica

Vintage Clothing and Accessories: Inspired by Downton Abbey (Part 2)

RodKosann — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:33:23 +0000

To continue our week of Downton Abbey inspiration, we’ve rounded up a selection vintage clothing and accessories from the Edwardian era, from an embroidered tulle gown to the perfect straw hat.

1. Hand-embroidered tulle gown, ca 1912

2. Edwardian black leather beaded high heel shoes

3. Black beaded lace cocktail dress

4. Fine Swiss Batiste Edwardian Tea Gown with Embroidery & Lace

5. Edwardian Tiffany & Co Diamond Pendant Watch

6. Edwardian Sterling Silver Picture Frame, Birmingham, 1904

7. Edwardian Natural Straw Hat with 4″ Wide Brim

8. Edwardian Museum Deaccession Bertha Collar-Brussels Bobbin Lace

Vintage Jewelry Collection: Inspired by Downton Abbey

RodKosann — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:21:33 +0000

This week, we’ll be featuring vintage jewelry, clothing, accessories and photography inspired by one of our favorite new television shows: the amazing Downton Abbey. Today we’ve selected a number of antique jewelry pieces (currently available for purchase) from the Edwardian era, all of which are reminiscent of the period drama.

1. Conch Pearl, Diamond & Platinum Edwardian Pendant/Brooch

2. Edwardian Diamond Natural Pearl Platinum Earrings

3. Edwardian Natural Pearl & Diamond Necklace

4. Stunning Edwardian Sautoir and Carved Platinum Watch

5. Edwardian Platinum & 14kt Rose Gold & Diamond Locket

6. Edwardian Sterling & Faux Pearl & Emerald Earrings

7. Cartier Edwardian Platinum & Diamond Horseshoe Pin

Iconic Image: Anna Karina

RodKosann — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:43:05 +0000

We love the stark black and white contrast in this iconic image of Jean Luc Godard’s muse, Anna Karina. Her white dress and shoes – not to mention her beauty – make it impossible to take your eyes off of her. Everyone else in the photograph seems to agree.

*Photo from The Impossible Cool

Ask Monica: New Years Resolutions

RodKosann — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:12:53 +0000

A new year brings a fresh start, and of course the inevitable – and always a bit challenging to keep – resolutions. This week, we’ve asked Monica what her top three resolutions are this year. We were thrilled to find them not only inspiring, but also surprisingly easy to maintain:

1. A dinner party. “The holiday season is my busiest time of year, so it’s easy to get caught up and neglect the friends who mean so much to me. I plan to host a dinner party to catch-up friends who I’ve been out of touch with for the past few months.”

2. Inspiration Organization. “I pull so many things from magazines and books that inspire me and then lose track of them. My first purchase this year was a large moleskin book to keep a journal of my enormous collection of images, from photos of icons like Grace Kelly and Katherine Hepburn, to pictures from Thailand.”

3. New work space. “We just moved offices this past weekend, so I’m working on revamping my creative space for a fresh start to the New Year. White tulips, white pottery and a large photograph of Twiggy are just a few small touches that have made a big difference. I’m already more excited to get to the office everyday.”