When dressing for summertime events, be they day or nighttime, light accessories make for the best options. Those inspired by the beauty of nature and created in lightweight materials such as string and silk, and accented by shells and colorful beads, complete a look that is festive enough for poolside parties and practical enough to make an office outfit appropriate for cocktail hour.
Venessa Arizaga knows all about these festive pairings. Her costume jewelry captures the essence of whimsical charm using mixed media such as seashells, string and craft beads. Arizaga, a graduate of Parsons School of Design as well as a former designer for Carolina Herrera and most recently design director at Zac Posen, finds inspiration in her travels, constantly stowing trinkets, shells, and ceramics as souvenirs from exotic destinations to use in her unique pieces.
Inspired by the colorful scenery of Peru and Guatemala, Arizaga’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection consists of bracelets and necklaces that tie-in with the current color-blocking trend using orange, purple, pink, and blue thread work in her silver or gold plated brass chains. Her Charm School necklace, a chunky piece designed with canary yellow thread, pearls of various sizes and skull charms, was recently highlighted in June 2011 issue of W Magazine.
Preview Arizaga’s festive collection below.
