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Cartier Tutti Frutti Necklace
Photo: Legion of Honor Museum
To see more photos from the Cartier exhibit visit:
http://www.examiner.com/examinerslideshow.html?entryid=1014233
The Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco certainly knows what thrills the ladies – jewelry. The museum’s latest exhibit, Cartier and America is a retrospective of the famous French jeweler from the 1899 to the 1970s and runs now through April 18, 2010. Curated by Martin Chapman this exhibit is an exclusive treat to San Francisco.
The House of Cartier illustrious background -
The House of Cartier was established in Paris in 1847 by jeweler and watch maker Louis-Francois Cartier. Many years later his grandsons Louis, Pierre, and Jacques took over the business and developed it into a notable brand by creating extravagant pieces for European royalty and wealthy Americans such as the Vanderbilts and the Astors. In addition to jewelry, the Cartier brothers are known for designing the first wristwatch in 1904 and later the tank style watch in 1917. In the early 20th century Cartier opened shops across Europe and New York in 1909. The current NYC location on Fifth Avenue is the former mansion owned by railroad tycoon Henry Plant. The story goes that Cartier purchased the mansion in 1917 for $100 and a double strand necklace of natural pearls. In 1964 the family sold the business to a group of investors. Cartier still carries on today as a luxury brand.
Continue reading "Cartier and America: Exhibit at the Legion of Honor Museum" »
Photo: Ron Fulcher
Pantsuit by Ashley Stewart
It was a rockin’ Saturday night on February 6th when several hundred enthusiastic fashionistas gathered at Historic Sweets Ballroom in updown Oakland for Kiss the Curves: The First Ever Plus-Size Fashion Gala in the Bay Area. The evening included a VIP champagne reception, a runway show featuring seven plus-size designers, standard tunes sung by local artists, and an opportunity to purchase goods designed and made by local artisans.
A mere four months ago, Oakland based actor and plus-size model Tracie Collins had a dream to produce the first ever fashion show for plus-size women. Concerned about the lack of quality, chic designs for full figured women as well as the messages mainstream fashion is sending to young girls, Ms. Collins set about creating an evening where full-figured women were the stars. With the help of dozens of industry professionals, Ms. Collins made her dream come true. Women from across the Bay Area showed up ready to hoot and holler and celebrate, finally designs for them. (Photo: Ron Fulcher)
The big heart holiday is just around the corner and what better way to honor your true love than with something unique.
For an assortment of the unusual, skip the mall and head straight to San Francisco Museum of Craft + Design. The museum shop offers artisan-made jewelry, accessories, and gift items of all kinds to suit all tastes. Stop by and while you're there check out the current exhibit, Designers on Jewelry: Twelve Years of Jewelry Production by Chi ha paura.
San Francisco Museum of Craft + Design, 550 Sutter St., San Francisco. Shop on-line or in the store.
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