Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin's New Jewelry Collection 'Homage', Inspired by America's Royal Family

Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin hosted a launch party for her new jewelry collection called “Homage” with the support of friends including Avenue's Randi Schatz, Tracy Stern, Cassandra Seidenfeld, Nicole Noonan and Lindsay Stokes from TOWN Residential. I unfortunately had a scheduling conflict the evening of the launch party but was thrilled to receive a post recap from Consuelo's PR team.

I’ve considered Consuelo the epitome of style and grace ever since we met two years ago at the Raine Magazine soiree at the Pierre hotel. With a lineage of a Vanderbilt it’s quite natural that Consuelo launched her own collection of socialite worthy jewels. 

The dazzling new line was inspired by the jewelry worn by five generations of Vanderbilt's, one of America's Royal Families. Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin developed a range of pearl and diamond fashion jewelry that is exclusively sold at HSN. A direct descendent of railroad tycoon, Cornelius Vanderbilt and Consuelo Vanderbilt, the Duchess of Marlborough, Consuelo appeared on air on December 21st to tell the historic and romantic stories behind the pieces.

The luxurious and sophisticated 24-piece collection was created after Consuelo inherited an engagement ring from her great-grandmother, Consuelo Vanderbilt Earl, which according to family lore belonged to the Duchess of Marlborough. That ring was the catalyst to the creation of the personally crafted ‘Homage” collection. The range includes pieces that reflect the historic jewelry worn by her family, and the contemporary reflections of styles Consuelo wore during important moments in her own life.

  

Consuelo, a lifestyle entrepreneur, is cousin to Gloria Vanderbilt and Anderson Cooper, and has had a successful career as a Billboard Recording Artist. In several pieces, you see an edgier design reflective of her personal style. The Tempest Ring and Cuff features a 'diamond' pave pattern in a zigzag style. The Society Earrings feature clusters of white pearls and was worn by Consuelo in her latest music video that was filmed at The Vanderbilt Museum in Long Island, the former home of her great, great grandfather, Willie K. Vanderbilt Jr.

Ranging in price from $29.95 to $199.95 the collection is now available on HSN.com. 

Congratulations Consuelo on your stunning new jewelry collection. Hope to see you again soon! xx

Check out exclusive pictures from the launch party as well as a few shots of my favorite pieces below!

Zang Toi's Showroom Grand Opening Party

Designer Zang Toi and me

Fresh off the heels of his mega successful Spring 2014 fashion show, renowned Fashion Designer Zang Toi hosted an extravagant soiree to celebrate his new showroom location on the east side of New York. It was a privilege for me to be invited to both his fashion show and now his private celebration at his showroom right across Rockefeller Center. 

I arrived an hour into the start of the party due to a Summer downpour in New York which caused a lack of available cabs. Zang’s showroom was already full of mingling society guests, reporters and photographers. Zang was one of the first people to greet me. I can’t describe what an incredible feeling it was to know that one of the most iconic designers in the world knew who I was. It was a moment that I'll always treasure. Zang was dressed in his classic black suit and white shirt. 

Zang is truly a designer with the midus touch. Anything he produces shines with extraordinary opulence fit for a royal. In fact, Zang himself was recently given the royal title of Datuk Zang Toi by the King of Malaysia, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah. Zang is originally from Krai in Kelantan in Malaysia.

Zang came to New York at the age of 20 where he studied at the distinguished Parsons School of Design. In August 1989, he opened his atelier and soon after, U.S Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour featured Zang in March 1990 issue and was one of the first Asian designers championed by the renowned editor. In 1990, Zang was awarded the Mouton Cadet Young Designer of the Year which recognizes the top, young, U.S. designer of the year.

Since that time, Zang's work has been featured in major publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, Financial Times, etc. Not only has he dressed Hollywood celebrities such as Sharon Stone, Elizabeth Taylor, Farrah Fawcett, Kristie Alley, Patti LaBelle, Gong Li, Eva Longoria, Fergie (Black Eyed Peas) and Heather Graham, but has also created luxurious wardrobe for philanthropists and royalty including Melinda Gates and Saudi Princess Haifa Bandar Al Saud.