This Morning: Kate Upton for DY, Tonight: The Rooftop Soiree

Kate Upton for DY

It brings me great pleasure to report the face of David Yurman for fall 2013 is none other than 21-year-old model and actress Kate Upton. These photos (see below) from the soon-to-be-released campaign, which was shot by Peter Lindbergh, were published to Glamour.com this morning:

Kate Upton | Image Credit: Glamour.com

Kate Upton | Image Credit: Glamour.com

Other models featured in the campaign include Dree Hemingway (25), Anais Mali (22), and my personal favorite Catrinel Menghia (27):

Dree Hemingway | Image Credit: Glamour.com

Anais Mali | Image Credit: Glamour.com

Catrinel Menghia | Image Credit: Glamour.com

While these shots represent anything but a departure for DY--they are quintessential Yurman--it is refreshing to see Upton afforded, for once, the dignity she duly deserves. She's been so long objectified in images such as the one below (a cover for men's magazine GQ) that seeing this work for DY might, for some, provide quite the shock.

Kate Upton | Image Credit: onemansblog.com

The Rooftop Soiree

The 2012 Rooftop Soiree and Campaign Video Reveal
Image Credit: houseofharperblog.com

The New York Observer is reporting that tonight David Yurman will hold its Fall 2013 Rooftop Soiree at 24 Vestry Street in New York City from 6:30-8:30 PM. The event, which is invitation-only, represents and signals the kick off of the new season for the company. As photos emerge from the gathering, this entry will be updated to include them. (Oh, and David Yurman, what do you say to an invite next year?) ;)

UPDATE: The soiree is through, but the images keep coming. Here are some of my favorites from this evening's event:

Jason Binn of DuJour.com with the master and his muse
Image Credit: @jasonbinn (Instagram)

Mid-event
Image Credit: @anahitaglitters (Instagram)

Revelers bid adieu to day.
Image Credit: @carolyn_hsu (Instagram)

Darkness falls.
Image Credit: @tristanvalencia (Twitter)

Kate Upton in a little black dress
Image Credit: @DailyFrontRow (Twitter)

A glamified Upton
Image Credit: @carolyn_hsu (Instagram)

And So the Waiting Game Begins...

Fall 2013. It's coming. It's imminent, even. Last year, on August 2, 2012, David Yurman teased its fall campaign. On August 8th, then, the company began releasing images from said campaign. What I'm saying, folks, is that big things are coming, which is why there has been so little to report over the past month and a half or so. The only "news" (if you can call it that) from that period was this: a survey conducted by The Luxury Institute revealed the top three jewelry brands preferred by ultrawealthy women--those with a minimum net worth of $5 million--are, in descending order, most beloved first, Tiffany & Co. (blech), David Yurman (woo!), and Cartier.

And that was it. Then, last week, our friend @gregmaczko posted this to Instagram:

Pictured are soon-to-be-released additions to the men's meteorite line. Greg is especially fond of the rose gold signet ring featured in the bottom frame (and so am I!).

Around the time of Greg's posting, this (see below) hit Twitter:

And so we do just that--we stay tuned. Our feelers are out there. We're standing at attention. The second there is news to report or an update to share, you know, dear reader, I'll be on it for you. Until then, be, live, and work "in perfect harmony." (Yes, that's a reference to DY S/S '13 sub-campaign copy.)

Donning David Yurman: Madonna, Adam Lambert, and Keifer Thompson

Hot days call for haute jewelry, evidently, as recently Madonna, Adam Lambert, and Keifer Thompson (of Thompson Square fame) have all donned David Yurman. Check out their looks in the pics below; the caption for each provides additional details and, if available, product purchase information.

Who: Madonna, The Queen of Pop
What: David Yurman Diamond-and-Onyx Cufflinks
When: Tuesday, June 18
Where: New York premiere of Madonna: The MDNA Tour
Get the Look: Style and Pricepoint Unknown
(There is no hi-res capture of the product worn.)
Image Credit: Madonnarama.com

Who: Adam Lambert, Singer-Songwriter
What: David Yurman Extra-Large Tag
When: Saturday, June 15
Where: Pittsburgh "Pride in the Street" Show
Get the Look: Exotic Stone Pietersite Necklace, $1025
Image Credit: tjr_pics (photobucket)

Who: Keifer Thompson, Half of Country Music Duo Thompson Square
What: David Yurman Wide Black Onyx Three-Sided Ring
When: Tuesday, June 18
Where: Presumably at Home (?)
Get the Look: Exotic Stone Three-Sided Ring, $375
(NOTE: The purchase link above is for the narrow version of Thompson's ring.
The exact style worn by the singer is no longer available online.)
Image Credit: @thompsonsquare (twitter)

Tell me: Who, in your opinion, rocked DY the hardest? Sound off by posting a comment or shooting me an E-mail.

David Yurman Wins Human Spirit Award at Couture 2013

David Yurman at the Couture Awards 2013
(image courtesy of CoutureMusings.com)

The Couture Design Awards 2013 were held Saturday, June 2 at The Wynn in Las Vegas, and the winner of the Human Spirit Award was none other than the one and only Mr. David Yurman.

According to National Jeweler, the distinction is intended, each year, to honor a member of the Couture community who "stands out for exceptional generosity of mind and spirit."

Rapaport News quotes Yurman as saying in his acceptance speech, "I cannot accept this award by myself." He then, evidently, summoned to the stage his wife, Sybil, who he introduced as his love and muse.

Previous winners of the Human Spirit Award include ViewPoint President Jim DeMattei, who won in 2012, and Reinhold President Marie-Helene Morrow, who took home the honor in 2010.

My congratulations go out to Mr. Yurman on his personal win, although I believe congratulations are also in order for the team of professionals behind Yurman, the brand, who uphold every day its founder's high standard of excellence.

David Yurman Releases New S/S '13 Men's Catalog

You have the right (and privilege) to be awed by DY's latest men's collection catalog, which is presently on its way to stores, boutiques, and customers' homes nationwide and also available for online viewing. In this booklet the viewer is treated to another a showcase of dazzling product, more poignant in-line-with-the-DY-lifestyle quotations, and another series of shots featuring Ben Hill, the face of David Yurman Men for two campaigns now. (He was preceded by Jon Kortajarena). See below for screen captures of the digital catalog and profiles of fresh-from-the-studio DY men's product with, of course, my own original commentary (because, yes, I just can't help myself).

The shot on the left is, in my opinion, the most outstanding and memorable from the forty-page booklet. (I'm indifferent to the array of tags and necklaces on the adjacent page.)

Yes, of course the Griffin Collection is featured, and no, it has yet really to grow on me. I do, however, love the Armory cross ring displayed in the shot on the left. Retailing for $395, it is one of the most affordable pieces of Yurman out there.

I had to include this spread. These are the offerings from the catalog I love most of all. Just my luck, though: They are Signature Collection high-jewelry offerings, which means their high style is paired with an equally high price tag. Ah well. The signet piece on the left page with the lines of green color--the stone is opalized wood--will be mine in my dreams, if nowhere else.

Maritime rope design? Check.
1.29 carats of diamonds? Check.
The price? A fair $3900.

This new arrival to DY.com practically
demands to be rocked as a men's
pinky ring. It retails for $295.

Coming Soon: The David Yurman Miniature Pinky Ring for Women

Seeing is believing. @islandfeversisters gave Instagram users yesterday this preview of what is to come from David Yurman. It appears that Waverly rings with colored gems and miniature pinky rings will soon be available. Get your pocketbooks ready, ladies. While price points have yet to be determined, these pretty creations will likely cost an equally pretty penny. I'll update this posting with additional details as they emerge.