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    Unique Jewelry

    Jewelry designer dresses up unique collection with couture techniques

    Clifford Pugh
    Sep 23, 2014 | 5:30 pm

    Chris Davies studied to become a clothing designer at the famed Parsons School for Design, but about a dozen years after he graduated, he went in a different direction. "In my sketches, the dresses started getting less elaborate and all of sudden jewelry just started to emerge in the drawings," he said. "At a certain point I was just drawing jewelry. I wasn't drawing clothes anymore."

    He begin to concentrate on jewelry full-time and the result is a collection that combines clothing design techniques, like drapery and pattern making, with traditional methods of jewelry making.

    "That was the design challenge that I presented myself. I wanted to be able to find a way to make work that felt alive the way that a garment does."

    "A lot of the pieces have folds and patterned pieces that are either opened or joining," Davies explained from his studio in Manhattan's Garment District during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. "And the method of manufacture is a combination of traditional goldsmith work and basket weaving. My mother is a master basket maker and textile artist."

    The result is an unusually refined collection of jewelry that caught the eye of Elizabeth Anthony owner Julie Roberts when she recently launched a fine jewelry collection at her expanded Uptown Park store. Davies will travel to Houston to showcase his latest collection at the store Thursday and Friday.

    "A lot of traditional jewelry functions as containers for stones," Davies said. "They're not really independently living pieces. So that was the design challenge that I presented myself. I wanted to be able to find a way to make work that felt alive the way that a garment does."

    His styles range from pearls draped like a rope to pieces with woven gold granulated nettings over precious gems that catch the light and move with the body. Once necklace of woven hematite is sculpted and draped in the tradition of couture dressmaking. Prices range from $1,500 to $30,000.

    "The collection has been in development for about four years but it took around two years before the prototypes started to feel the way I wanted them to be, " Davies said. "I've been patient with it and let it grow (until) there's a resolution."

    Grandmother's influence

    Growing up in Los Angeles, Davies was influenced by his grandmother, who was a chic dresser and "incredible" seamstress. "She inspired me a lot with jewel-encrusted boleros and incredible box purses and hats. She was always impeccably dressed — even at 9 o'clock in the morning," he recalled.

    "It's a little bit like storytelling, isn't it? You're creating an idea of a woman and you're integrating wit and humor and history and even political ideas."

    Fascinated with fashion, Davies was, at age 7, researching Christian Dior and Balenciaga and presented his first fashion show at age 8. "I was really interested in the history of design," he said.

    With a degrees from Vassar College in religion with emphasis on ancient civilizations, he feels the influence of the ancient world in his designs, incorporating Greco Roman methods of gold work and granulation. Having studied ballet and the Martha Graham technique at Vassar, dance also figures into his designs. He calls one piece of jewelry "Sway" and another "Spiraling" because they reflect modern dance movements.

    Another necklace pays tribute to the suffragette movement in the 19th century as women fought for the right to vote. The necklace incorporates the colors of white, green and violet that were used in the movement. "I'm always researching things, talking to dealers who know the history of jewelry," he said.

    Clip-on earrings

    In addition to necklaces, he makes accompanying earrings, but mainly as clip-ons. "I find that women have more flexibility in how they position it on the ear because the holes can migrate or the earlobes can be long. With the clip they can get it in the right place," he said. "I'm having fun teaching some of the younger women who may not be as familiar with clips what's so marvelous about that."

    The thing he most likes about designing jewelry is "the opportunity to think," he said. "And finally envisioning the woman interacting with the piece. What does it look like while she's walking?"

    "It's a little bit like storytelling, isn't it? You're creating an idea of a woman and you're integrating wit and humor and history and even political ideas. The idea that a strong and powerful woman can be very feminine and still be incredibly engaged."

    Chris Davies combines his dressmaking training into his jewelry designs.

    Chris Davies
      
    Courtesy photo
    Chris Davies combines his dressmaking training into his jewelry designs.
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    news/fashion
    series/htx_clifford_on_the_catwalk_2014

    Summer Staples

    Houston fashion expert spotlights top fashion trends for summer 2025

    Gabi De la Rosa
    May 9, 2025 | 12:00 pm
    Inclan Studio
    Photo courtesy of Inclan Studio/Facebook
    The RealReal's head of fashion dishes on the top trends for summer style.

    Summer may still be over a month away, but Houstonians already feel a seasonal shift in both temperatures and new styles. Layered sweatshirts and cute booties are being tucked away and replaced by lightweight fabrics, sandals, and a softer, breezier color palette.

    One of the Houston stores staying on trend for warmer weather is The RealReal, a marketplace for authenticated, resale luxury goods. The brand quietly opened its first Houston location in the Montrose Collective mixed-use development late last year, and Noelle Sciacca, head of fashion at The RealReal, offers a peek into the top trends to watch. Sciacca has a unique perspective of what's heating up in fashion because she has insider access to what customers are searching for and actually buying.

    Although it is always nice to add a couple of new pieces to our wardrobes each season, Sciacca also firmly believes in maintaining personal style.

    "In the age of TikTok, the rapid turnover of trends can feel overwhelming. While it's exciting to anticipate what's new and next, I'm a strong believer in the power of personal style — and the value of re-wearing pieces that make you feel confident, regardless of current trends."

    CultureMap (CM): What are the top three trends you're seeing emerge for Summer 2025?

    Noelle Sciacca (NS): The modern bohemian aesthetic experienced a major resurgence last year — and all signs indicate that the trend is here to stay for Summer 2025. Key pieces that channel vintage inspiration while feeling fresh and current include the peasant blouse, which has seen a 78 percent year-over-year increase in searches on The RealReal. Tassel and fringe details are also making a strong comeback, with searches up 69 percent, while leather cord necklaces — evocative of laid-back '70s style — have surged by an impressive 193 percent since last year.

    Inclan Studio peasant blouseHouston-based Inclán Studio offers several types of peasant blouses and summer styles.Photo courtesy of Inclán Studio.

    CM: We've noticed shorts are getting a bit longer this season. What silhouettes or styles are you seeing trending in that space?

    NS: While micro-mini shorts have made frequent appearances on runways in recent seasons, they're often less practical for everyday wear. In response, we're seeing a growing interest in longer, tailored shorts that transition seamlessly into office settings and wider, knee-length denim styles that offer comfort and ease for running errands. These more versatile silhouettes strike a balance between trend and functionality, making them a smart addition to any summer wardrobe.

    SloanHall jorts Find longer short silhouettes, including this style from Lutz Huelle, at Autry Park's Sloan/Hall. Photo courtesy of Sloan/Hall/Instagram

    CM: Layered looks dominated the runways this season, even for summer. How can people embrace the trend while staying cool and comfortable in a city like Houston, where the heat can be intense?

    NS: This summer, whether staying in Houston or escaping to a tropical destination, layering remains practical and effortlessly stylish. The key to staying cool — both in temperature and appearance — is choosing loose-fitting silhouettes crafted from lightweight fabrics. Embrace the modern bohemian trend, which continues to dominate both runway collections and street style, by pairing sheer peasant blouses with minimalist bra tops and low-slung wide-leg pants. Layer delicate lace-cropped jackets over flowing maxi dresses for an elevated touch.

    Christy Lynn sheer blouse with denim Houston designer Christy Lynn offers several barely there silk tops and a new denim line perfect for warm weather.Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn

    CM: Is there an "It bag" for Summer 2025?

    NS: Originally released in 2005, the Chloé Paddington quickly achieved It-Bag status, frequently spotted on the arms of early-2000s style icons such as Paris and Nicky Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, and Sienna Miller. Recently reintroduced on the brand's Spring/Summer 2025 runway, the Paddington has sparked a renewed surge in demand. Miu Miu has emerged as a powerhouse in the handbag space, producing styles that have quickly developed cult followings. On The RealReal, sales of Miu Miu bags have increased by 60 percent year over year, with searches for the Arcadie style alone soaring by 365%.

    MiuMiu Arcadie bagOne of Miu Miu's most iconic styles, the Arcadie, is available at Saks Fifth Avenue in The Galleria.Photo courtesy of Miu Miu.

    houston fashion trends 2025houston summer fashionthe realreal houstonsummer 2025 fashion trends
    news/fashion
    series/htx_clifford_on_the_catwalk_2014
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