Lara Bohinc

Amid her fabulous collection of jewelry, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld admits a few favorites. One of these is her Lara Bohinc bracelet given to her by Robert Konjic to celebrate their first year together. Bohinc spent her formative years in Slovenia at the Ljubljana Academy of Fine Art, deciding in 1996 to relocate to London to study at the Royal College of Art with a focus on jewelry and metalwork. When asked why she chose London, Bohinc replied: "It was the very kooky way you guys dress. No one puts things together like British women do: they're daring and accepting at the same time. In Europe if you wear anything in the least bit different they whisper about you, but in England you could walk around naked and nobody would care." Within one year, she had debuted at London Fashion Week, won the Marks & Spencer New Generation Design Award, and launched her own label, Lara Bohinc International, clearly finding her niche with her bold and feminine designs.

Bohinc uses industrial techniques such as computer aided design, photo etching, and laser cutting with materials like rose gold, polished brass, and leather to craft her coveted pieces. Known for her versatility and her passion for design, she has collaborated with a number of respected labels including Lanvin, Gucci, Costume National, and Julien McDonald; most recently the dynamic designer was engaged as a consultant by Cartier, one of the world's premier jewelers. She also finds time to write a fascinating blog for Vogue UK. Bohinc resides in London with her boyfriend, Benedict Cooper, a British advertising producer, and their daughter, Coco. I must say, Monsieur Konjic has fabulous taste in jewelry as well as women.

Lara Bohinc photograph courtesy of accessorieslounge.com
Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and Robert Konjic photograph © 2010 See Your World LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Tom Binns

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld collects beautiful and original pieces of jewelry, among them the creations of Tom Binns. Born in Belfast in Northern Ireland, Binns was influenced by the Dada movement to begin his own revolution and create his collection of "Object Trouves." He then went on to collaborate with Malcolm Maclaren and Vivian Westwood on the "Punk Couture" collection.

For his next fantastic collection, Binns will work with Disney to create jewels inspired by Alice in Wonderland for the Tim Burton film set to release in spring 2010. The "Tom Binns for Walt Disney Signature" collection is a limited edition and will be priced from $1,000 to $2,000. A more accessible collection "Tom Binns for Disney Couture" is designed in collaboration with Lucas Design International and will run from $100 to $500.

If you are in the New York area, stop into the Tom Binns Megastore for a bit of sparkle; it opened this February at 41 Perry Street in the West Village.  Note his hilarious "Anti-Luxxx" line which uses engraved silver medallions that describe the real stones that should hang in their place, "Big Diamond," "Pearl," Emerald". Love the irony.

Photograph of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld's jewelry by Tom Binns © 2009 Todd Selby. All Rights Reserved.
Photograph of Tom Binns courtesy of interviewmagazine.com.
Photograph of Tom Binns Alice in Wonderland design courtesy of GlamChic.

Dary's

One of Julia Restoin-Roitfeld's shopping staples is the Parisian vintage jewelry store Dary's. A favorite of fashionistas everywhere, this treasure has been in the same family for nearly a century. If you seek accessories vintage or modern, Dary's is the place—located on rue St-Honoré and literally steps from Place Vendôme. Picture Ali Baba's cave owned by a friendly, knowledgeable French family with everything that you can imagine for sale. The walls are lined with unique vintage finds and the drawers are stuffed with curious objects. Be sure to visit Dary's web site and watch the little video, what a delightful shop and staff they have! The family-owned spirit really shines. As do all those glistening jewels...

Dary's images courtesy of darys.fr.

Alexis Bittar

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld has an eye for unique jewelry and fresh new designers. The statement piece from her collection pictured above is designed by Alexis Bittar and was a gift from her boyfriend. Bittar is a driven and passionate artist, he began selling jewelry from an outdoor stall in Manhattan at age 13 and eventually started doing his own designs. Twenty years later, Bittar's creations are sold at high end stores worldwide and he heads a staff of approximately 160. His jewelry is made by hand and his lines are titled "Elements," "Lucite," and "Miss Havisham" which includes Julia's cuff shown here.

Alexis Bittar bracelet photograph © 2009 Todd Selby. All Rights Reserved.
Alexis Bittar photograph courtesy of Stylecaster.com

Genevieve Jones

When asked to name her favorite New York people, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld said, "I have met so many amazing people, the list would be too long, but I'm sure they know who they are! I definitely have to credit one of my best friends Genevieve Jones, who is simply one of the most generous and caring people I have met!"

Measuring 5'6" and weighing 100 pounds, Genevieve is considered a New York fashion celebrity, although the details of her personal life are still mostly a mystery. We know that she grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and that she works as a jewelry and handbag designer. Genevieve is also part of the team that is developing the Monochrome Magazine project.

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and Genevieve Jones photographs © 2008 by Patrick McMullan/courtesy of Teen Vogue and © 2008 by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images North America. All Rights Reserved.