The model-turned-CEO shows us the meaning of Trump power
There’s no better advertisement for her fine jewelry collection than Ivanka Trump herself. Wherever she goes, chances are she’s sporting one of her tradition-rocking diamond and crystal creations. When she married New York Observer publisher Jared Kushner in October 2009, she accessorized her Vera Wang gown with a suite of her own pieces worth more than $250,000: a diamond hairpiece, mixed-cut clustered diamond earrings, and an Art Deco link diamond bracelet. In her business-suited appearances on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice, she never fails to bring the bling to the boardroom. “I’ve always had a passion for jewelry,” says the entrepreneur, who attributes her work ethic to her parents, Ivana and Donald. (You may have heard of them.) “I want to make women of my time feel comfortable buying fine jewelry.” Vegas showgoers can catch Ivanka—and her new Noor line—at LUXURY at JCK. Meanwhile, we thought we’d get to know the woman behind the name.
Ivanka’s rock crystal cocktail ring
Number of years in the biz: 5
Family/pets: Amazing husband and first child on the way!
Describe your personal style: Classic and chic. I tend to stick to clean silhouettes—tailored pencil skirts, flowing silk or chiffon blouses, wrap dresses.
Best piece of advice you ever received: My parents taught me that hard work never goes out of style. Create a strong and consistent identity—your name and reputation are your best assets. I couldn’t ask for better mentors.
Worst piece of advice: When I was a teenager, I was advised that I could dye my own hair using Nice ’n Easy hair color. I learned very quickly that some things should definitely be left to the professionals!
iStockphoto
iPad
First job ever: I worked on the construction site of Trump World Tower when I was 15.
What inspired you to go into jewelry? My mother’s legacy jewelry collection always inspired me, and my love for the classic aesthetic helped propel my vision. I realized the luxury fine jewelry market was missing a fresh young design approach. That’s where my jewelry line’s vision of “Rock Tradition” plays a vital role—it’s a modern twist on jewelry’s most important classic.
Best jewelry memory: A diamond necklace my mother gave me from her personal collection when I turned 21—it’s the most inspiring piece I own.
Yoga
Most surprising thing about the jewelry industry: The intimacy of the business
Parallels between real estate and jewelry: Quality and execution are everything.
Favorite gemstone: Diamonds
Courtesy of Trump Soho
Trump SoHo’s gemstone massage
Favorite jewelry role model: My mother
Five items on your desk right now: iPad, framed photos of my husband and me, BlackBerry, thick black pen for marking construction drawings, Bond No. 9 candle
Jewelry you’re wearing right now: Mixed-cut rose gold rock crystal bangles with matching chandelier earrings and cocktail ring
Exercise regimen: I have really gotten into prenatal yoga.
Skim cappuccino
What did you have for breakfast? Scrambled eggs and a side of mixed berries
Guilty pleasure: Monthly gemstone massages at the Spa at Trump SoHo
Drink (daytime/evening): Skim cappuccino in the morning
First website you check every day (not your own!): Observer.com
How do you unwind? I love relaxing by cooking dinner for my husband and me at the end of a long day.
Courtesy of Bond No. 9
Scent of Peace
Superstitious? A little—why tempt fate?
Book you’re reading: Every pregnancy and child development book under the sun
Preferred news source: The Wall Street Journal, New York Observer
Scent: Bond No. 9 “Scent of Peace”
Main means of transportation: Planes, trains, and automobiles! I am always on the go.
Everett Collection
Casablanca
Favorite movie: Tommy Boy or Casablanca. I also love The Godfather Part II.
Who would play you in your life story? I can give you a list of who I wouldn’t want to play me!
Personal motto: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” —Gary Player