I’m excited to share with you all a wonderful designer who I’m slightly obsessed with right now..and her beautiful wearable art. Maybe you already have heard of Ippolita?
Last Wednesday I had most fun afternoon and lunch at the beautiful Neiman Marcus in Palo Alto where I got to meet and have lunch with the lovely Ippolita Rostagno the talent and mastermind behind her eponymous jewelry brand. Neiman’s had set us up for a chic lunch and meet up with the designer who brought her whole collection to show us.
My dear friend and jewelry lover Jeanne invited me to go with her. She’s and another friend Vicki are fans of Ippolita and collectors. This jewelry unlike most, is handmade, totally unique and truly art, except you can wear it.
Jeanne, our friend Vicki, Ippolita and myself.
Two stunning models were also there showing the pieces with some amazing clothes from Neimans that set off the jewelry.
Beautiful pieces that look they came out of a Renaissance workshop come to mind when I think of Ippolita. A few friends own Ippolita pieces which they wear daily and have become part of their style. Ippolita’s jewelry is made for a women’s body and bought by women. Women buying for themselves makes up 99% of her sales! I think that says a lot. We were fortunate to have Ippolita sit with us at lunch and chat with us. After she gave a little talk and we got to learn more about her brand and how she began, and a few fun stories.
Though she is closer to my age, Ippolita looks like a Botticelli herself and is surprisingly the mom to a 30 year old daughter and a 15 month old boy! Besides being the designer and head of Ippolita, she recently bought back full control of her own company. She also is dedicated to helping the artisans of her native country and started a website Artemest, which showcases and helps emerging artists and craftspeople of Italy. It is her way to give back to that community and help them prosper and refine their crafts to be marketable and that way retain the traditions. I love that.
