ALEX & LEE COLLABORATE WITH PROENZA SCHOULER: RESORT 2012

The Resort 2012 collections have presented us with many great ideas this week and have given a few hints of things to come for next Spring.  Celine wowed us yet again with modern silhouettes this time adding floral prints and pops of neon pink while Alexander Wang showed us his sportier side perfecting some of his better separates from previous seasons.  There have been many notable collections thus far, but I always anticipate Proenza Schouler’s collection each season the most.  The duo has proven to us season after season that they are a force to be reckoned with as they have perfected the art of making a home-spun/ethnic/Arts and Crafts aesthetic the coolest thing coming out of NYC since Marc Jacobs in the late 90′s.  The CFDA just agreed, awarding them last year’s recipient of Womenswear Designers of the Year.

Proenza Schouler Resort 2012

This time around, I had extra incentive as I have been working with the accessory designers, Alex & Lee, that collaborated on the necklaces for Proenza’s Resort 2012 collection. Jack and Lazaro were in a San Francisco state of mind when designing this collection and were inspired by a feeling that came from the late 60′s in the bay area. While doing research, they stumbled upon vintage pieces by Alex & Lee who were one of the most influential accessory brands of that time.  Known for their timeless artisanal design, Alex & Lee developed their voice by designing  one of a kind pieces of Art-to-Wear jewelry that incorporate intricate knotting of macramé with natural elements and found objects. As lovers of Folk Art coupled with Alex & Lee’s storied position in Fashion history as both CFDA and Coty Award winners, Proenza did not hesitate to ask the famed artisans to collaborate on this collection.

Proenza Schouler Resort 2012

The collection, limited to four 4 exclusive styles, incorporates natural and industrial elements. From hand-carved wood to copper, pyrite, resin and more, the collection evokes a modern perspective with a rich historical feel. It was a natural fit for both sets of artists as Proenza is known for their artisanal touches and their love of assemblage in design.  Sure to become the most coveted accessories of the season, the necklaces are a perfect representation of the mystical and textured feeling that came from the early 1970′s.

Alex & Lee for Proenza Schouler

“Iguana Pup” includes a photo collage of iguana, orchids, cactus, and sea urchin under beveled glass with resin on a circuit board.  The drop is patinaed brass cast of a vintage pin with bronze fumed rhinestones.  The piece is hand dyed cord & trim, knotted and woven with bronze findings.

Alex & Lee for Proenza Schouler

“Circuitry Scarab” includes a photo collage of a circuit board on Hand hammered and toned brass, with a hand painted  carved casting of a scarab and opal in a resin pour.  The drop is Labradorite and Peridot with toned Sterling.  The piece is hand dyed knotted and woven cord with a bornze clasp.

Alex & Lee for Proenza Schouler

“Crystal Candy” includes a Brazilian Stalactite Slice, toned and backed with reflective film, on a shell, embellished with a fumed Drusy and surrounded by pyrite and rhinestones.  It has hand hammered brass elements, hand dyed and wrapped Cord and trim with rhinestone chain and a Bronze Clasp.

Alex & Lee for Proenza Schouler

“Tropical Moth” includes a photocollage of flowers, foliage and a butterfly wing on hammered raised hand toned copper, under a resin pour and chandelier crystal, Carved wood ojime’ head with copper antenae, Serpentine and Vermeil Drop, Hand dyed knotted and woven cord & trim, brass and bronze elements and findings.

I am so proud to say that I am working with these jewelry designers as they are just as amazing people as their pieces show.  You all know by now that I am a huge fan of high design and the idea of Art to Wear jewelry really excites me.  These pieces are collector items and something that you will wear proudly for the rest of your life. There is nothing else like them out there(and noone could ever come close) and all of the pieces are one of a kind which makes them even more special to own.  The pieces will be sold to top Proenza Schouler accounts worldwide under the monikor “Alex & Lee for Proenza Schouler”.  Look for more next season from the brand as we develop a full accessory line including belts, amazing collage scarves and a full range of jewelry.  Stay tuned for more…

In the meantime, I am also in a “San Francisco state of mind” and will be heading up there this weekend to start on a new project for the next couple of months.  I look forward to getting back into the creative scene there and I can’t wait to share with you the inspiration that I find!

View the rest of Proenza’s amazing Resort collection below.

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