The announcement coincided with its full-year results, with growth driven by its jewelry brands.
This Supermodel Designer is Taking on Haute Couture Week
You’ve likely seen her face all over the glossies, and now Magdalena Frackowiak is conquering the fine jewelry world.
Paris--It’s hardly unusual for today’s supermodel to parlay her recognizability into some sort of entrepreneurial endeavor (we live in the age of branding after all), but for that endeavor to be good is a rare occurrence indeed.
Enter Magdalena Frackowiak. If her name doesn’t roll off the tongue, it’s likely because the Poland-native worked her way up to supermodel heights the old-fashioned way: without Instagram (though she now has an account) or famous connections.
Her modeling career took off around 2007. Since then, she’s walked nearly every-designer-that-can-be-named’s runway and appeared in as many fashion magazine editorials.
Last October, Frackowiak debuted her first collection of namesake fine jewelry during Paris Fashion Week.
“[Jewelry] is the perfect creative medium for me as it’s design, but not in fashion, so I get to work with everyone I’ve worked with over the past 15 years since I began modelling,” said Frackowiak.
For her, it’s a chance to step into a behind-the-scenes role.
“I’m a very creative person and I love all the elements from putting the look book together, casting the girls, the hair, the makeup, the production and working with the retailers,” she said.
The 31-year-old presented her second collection to press and buyers Tuesday at a private apartment complete with a harpist in the midst of Haute Couture week in Paris.
Ranging from $777 to $3,886 retail at current exchange, the collection compromises 43 pieces with an emphasis on ball chains, hoop earrings and chokers, in what is becoming Frackowiak’s signature clean, luxurious look.
“I am always inspired by architecture, and orbs were a big inspiration for this collection. Every piece has a circular element or little balls,” she said. “I love jewels that are playful, romantic, but at the same time modern.”
Stand-out pieces (and Frackowiak’s personal favorite), are the collection’s beaded chokers, in which gold balls were strung on delicate silk thread, which lent a refined, elegant design quality to the ubiquitous trend.
The collection also includes a series of small pins, derived from the designer’s nostalgia for her 1990s childhood.
“I was inspired by the collections of badges in the ‘80s and ‘90s I used to have at school on my backpack or on my jackets, so I have done a series
All pieces are rendered in 18-karat gold, in a warm shade between yellow and rose that Frackowiak also used for her first collection. She has yet to use any gemstones in her designs, instead focusing on the sculptural quality of gold.
Her line is manufactured in Poland.
For her second collection, Frackowiak opted to implement a see now/buy now model, posting product on her website the same day of her preview.
“We thought it was a nice opportunity for people to see the jewelry and buy the same day rather than waiting for months,” she said.
Montaigne Market and Luisaviaroma.com picked up the designer’s first collection.
But Frackowiak hasn’t hung up her modeling hat just yet. Two days before her presentation, the super-multi-tasking supermodel walked the Francesco Scognamiglio Haute Couture show.
The Latest
Looking ahead, the retailer said it sees “enormous potential” in Roberto Coin’s ability to boost its branded jewelry business.
Jewelry trade show veterans share strategies for engaging buyers, managing your time effectively, and packing the right shoes.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
This little guy’s name is Ricky and he just sold for more than $200,000 at Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction.
Though its website has been down for a week, Christie’s proceeded with its jewelry and watch auctions on May 13-14, bringing in nearly $80 million.
Despite the absence of “The Allnatt,” Sotheby’s Geneva jewelry auction totaled $34 million, with 90 percent of lots sold.
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Lilian Raji gives advice to designers on how to make the most of great publicity opportunities.
The mining company wants to divest its 70 percent holding in the Mothae Diamond Mine in an effort to streamline its portfolio.
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.