We all work so hard that the glamour of the jewelry industry can be hard to access on a daily basis. But if you need a reminder, just take a peek at Lauren Kulchinksy Levison’s personal Instagram account, which chronicles her adventures in fashion, near and far.
Besides curating jewelry for her East Hampton jewelry store MayfairRocks and serving as brand ambassador for New York City jewelry line Kristen Farrell, Levison’s 2017 was punctuated by innumerable, incredible fashion moments. (Like when Erdem Moralioglu, designer of the coat Levison wore to Vogue’s Forces of Fashion event in October, knelt down and signed the garment’s lining. Or when she floated into a moonlit Place Vendôme clad in a gingham-trimmed Rochas gown during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week on a beautiful summer night in July.)
Courtesy of @lklevison
As a true fashion insider and, as a few members of the consumer press have pointed out, someone who actually buys off the runway, Levison has a unique insight into what 2018 will mean for fashion. And this knowledge will, of course, give her an edge when it comes to buying jewelry collections for her Hamptons boutique.
Expect the scale of jewelry to be “big, big, big,” says Levison, adding that you should watch Season 2 of The Crown for ideas. She also cautions retailers, buyers, and consumers to be wary of “fast jewelry”—our industry’s answer to “fast fashion.”
“Once you venture into collecting, do not mistake ‘fast jewelry’ with what you will put on time and time again,” she says. “Wear what you will feel proud to show up in. It isn’t about how many pieces are in your collection, but having the right pieces. If a master painter was going to paint you, what earrings, necklace, ring, and bracelet would you want to be remembered for wearing?”
Scroll through Levison’s Instagram and it’s clear this is a thought she ponders every time she gets dressed. So much so, that in 2017 she became an oft-photographed street style star (see @chiaraobscura and @streetrends), landing on many best-dressed lists and inspiring her followers with a memorable kaleidoscope of @rochasofficial, @giambattistavalliparis, @rosie_assoulin, @emiliawickstead and more.
Below, a survey of this “Mayfair Lady’s” best looks of the year.
JULY
En route to the Rodarte show during Haute Couture Paris Week; recognized by InStyle and other outlets; shirt dress, Rosie Assoulin; clutch, Dior; dress, Rosie Assoulin; jewelry, Kristen Farrell; shoes, Marni. (via: @chiaraobscura)
Outside the Chanel show at the Grand Palais during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week; dress, Delpozo; jewelry, Assael Pearls; handbag, Chanel. (via: @kristinsinclair)
En route to Elie Saab during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week; dress, Delpozo; jewelry, Kristen Farrell; clutch, Dior (via: @lklevison)
Outside the Hotel Potocki, where the Zuhair Murad show was held during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week; gown, Giambattista Valli; shoes, Chanel; clutch, Dolce & Gabbana; glasses, Dior; jewelry, Kristen Farrell (via: @lklevison)
In Place Vendôme, in front of the Ritz, on the way into Schiaparelli show during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week; recognized as a top street style look in Harper’s Bazaar and Elle; coat, Delpozo; skirt, Rochas; shoes, Gucci; handbag, Dolce & Gabbana; glasses, Dior; jewelry, Kristen Farrell (via: @lklevison)
Checking into the Hotel Plaza Athenée during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week; dress, Delpozo; clutch, Dior (via: @lklevison)
At an undisclosed location for the Ulyana Sergeenko show during Paris Haute Couture Week; Floral gown, Emilia Wickstead (via: @lklevison)
SEPTEMBER
At the Carolina Herrera show, held at MoMa, during NY Fashion Week; coat, Delpozo (via: @lklevison)
Outside of Skylight Studios, leaving the Brock Collection show during NY Fashion Week; dress, Rosie Assoulin; shoes, Marni; bag, Oscar de la Renta; earrings, Wendy Yue (via: @lklevison)
NOVEMBER
At a Mad Men–themed dinner at Moda Operandi Madison; coat, blouse, and shoes, Rochas; skirt, Philosophy; handbag, Dolce & Gabbana; jewelry, Levison’s grandmother’s and Kristen Farrell (via: @lklevison)
DECEMBER
Shopping at Copious Row in Greenwich, Conn.; dress, Emilia Wickstead (via: @lklevison)
(Top: Levison during NY Fashion Week in Brock Collection dress, Rosie Assoulin shoes, The Row handbag, and Dior glasses; via @modaoperandi)
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