Three top jewelry designers talk to T+L about the destinations that influence their jewelry.
Creative director, Van Cleef & Arpels
Latest Inspiration: New York City
Building Blocks: “I often find myself walking up and down Manhattan’s avenues, just looking at the skyscrapers. The Chrysler building is my favorite. Many of the pieces in our Perlee collection”—such as this white-gold ring ($4,650)—“mimic its Art Deco elements.”
Retail Therapy: “I head to the Strand Book Store (828 Broadway; 212/473-1452) to browse through rare-edition photography books. And the Shop at Cooper-Hewitt (2 E. 91st St.; 212/849-8355; cooperhewittshop.org) is great for modern-design finds,” such as a stainless-steel-and-mahogany kettle by Frank Gehry.
Art Scene: “I love gallery-hopping in Chelsea.” His first stop? David Zwirner (525 W. 19th St.; 212/727-2070), currently showing Minimalist sculptures by Donald Judd.
Designer, Carla Amorim
Latest Inspiration: Brasília
Eye Candy: “Brasília is like an open-air museum for contemporary architecture. It’s a real treat to see the Oscar Niemeyer–designed Museu Nacional (sc.df.gov.br) on a daily basis,” says Amorim, whose 18-karat-gold ring ($3,496) recalls Niemeyer’s modern aesthetic.
Where to Stay: “Royal Tulip Brasília Alvorada (royaltulipbrasiliaalvorada.com; doubles from $250) is my favorite hotel. Its balconies overlook the presidential palace and Paranoá Lake, so you can take in the city’s power and beauty.”
Local Flavor: “When in Brasília, you must visit the ice cream shop Saborella (Casa Park; 55-61/3361-0909). There’s bound to be a line, but it’s worth it. Try the tapioca flavor.”
Designer and CEO, Tito Pedrini
Latest Inspiration: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Stylish Retreat: Pedrini always stays at Le Sirenuse (sirenuse.it; doubles from $920). “Against its whitewashed walls, the vibrantly colored floor tiles look like gemstones,” he says. The property served as a muse for his rose-quartz ring with diamond-studded gold ($8,700).
Italian Kitchen: “I recommend the eggplant Parmesan and vegetables from the garden at Lo Scoglio Da Tommaso (15 Piazza delle Sirene, Massa Lubrense; 39-081/808-1026; dinner for two $120), a restaurant in Nerano Bay. It’s surrounded by the Mediterranean on three sides, glistening like a sapphire.”
Bring It Back: “Those famous Positano sandals are literally made on your feet, so they fit like gloves. The quality at Safari (2 Via della Tartana; 39-08/981-1440; safaripositano.com) is fantastic.”
