Designer Dossier: Alexis Bittar

From carved Lucite cuffs to over-the-top costume baubles, every little thing he does is magic. For his next trick? The debut of fine jewelry in 2012.


"I grew up without a TV. My parents are professors and deeply intellectual. When I travel now, I feel like a kid whose parents aren't around. Then I see what's on. The show that kills me is Bridalplasty. It's the sickest thing ever! I felt I needed to make a statement."


Necklace $425, Alexis Bittar; alexisbittar.com.


Crystal Bangles $155 each, Pearl Cuff $345, Bow Cuff $295, Crystal Cuff $395, Silver Studded Cuff $185, Pearl Bracelet $295, Gold STUDDED Cuff $185, Floral Cuff price upon request, Alexis Bittar; alexisbittar.com.


Necklace $1,700, Alexis Bittar Exclusively for Jason Wu; alexisbittar.com.


"When I'm working with Jason Wu [with whom Bittar collaborated for spring and fall 2011], he'll show me pictures of his references. For fall, they were old churches and Roman Italian architecture. I tried to get into his head as much as possible to make the jewelry [above and left] work with the ready-to-wear."


Cuffs $345 each, Alexis Bittar; alexisbittar.com.


Lauren Hutton's lack of plastic surgery led her to become the latest face of Alexis Bittar. "I respect women who don't fall for the pressures of society," Bittar says.


Cuff $550, Alexis Bittar Exclusively for Jason Wu; alexisbittar.com.

(marieclaire.com)

I've been a fan of Alexis Bittar's work from the start. A fine jewelry collection is a natural progression for this immense talent.

Jason Wu Designs a Black Doll for Madame Alexander

We all remember the stunning gown First Lady Michelle Obama wore during the inaugural ball. Now, famous designer Jason Wu is wooing the fashion world with his new line of Cissy dolls styled for Madame Alexander. His favorite doll headlining the collection is a glowing chocolate African-American brown eyed stylish figure.

The beautiful high fashion mannequin is sporting an off-white corset trimmed with white soutache that is combined with a skirt, three layers of gathered white netting and a fabulous flocked polka dot detail. The bella is named Bon Bon. The cute model is finished by rocking silver rhinestone earrings, dark brown tights, hot pink over-the-top vinyl lace-up platform shoes and an ultra chic hand-shaped, black and white houndstooth hat that is perched fetchingly upon her head.

Oh, and she is wearing some super fierce purple eyeshadow. Pretty little Bon Bon is a Web exclusive so the doll is available only on MadameAlexander.com. Kudos to Jason Wu for hitting the mark!

(essence.com)

She is one "hot number!"

"Mellow Yellow"

1. Narciso Rodriguez 2. Michael Kors 3. Giuseppe Zanotti 4. Carlo Miele 5. Jason Wu 6. Moschino Cheap & Chic 7. Unique

(Elle.it)

Like a burst of bright sunshine, yellow figures predominantly in the looks for spring and summer. I always think of yellow as one of those "wearer-friendly" colors due to it's many color variations. For those who feel that they cannot "do" the brighter shades, a muted or possibly pastel should work perfectly.

Pre-Fall 2010 Trend: Olive Green

Dsquared2’s silk dress and belt.

Photo By: John Aquino

Jason Wu’s stretch wool gabardine and leather dress and leather belt. Fiona Paxton bracelet; Tory Burch boots.

Photo By: John Aquino

Zero + Maria Cornejo’s viscose and elastane cardigan, top and cupro cotton polyester pants. Fiona Paxton necklace; Dsquared2 belt.

Photo By: John Aquino

Tse’s cashmere sweater coat, top and cashmere and silk leggings. Fiona Paxton belt.

Photo By: John Aquino

Tory Burch’s metallic nylon jacket over a nylon and spandex mesh dress with gold sequins and wool leggings.

Photo By: John Aquino

Devi Kroell’s silk blazer over a viscose, nylon, cotton and mohair top and silk skirt. Fiona Paxton necklace.

Photo By: John Aquino

(WWD)

I love them all!

Hey, I like that!

Tory Burch

Brian Reyes

3.1 Phillip Lim

Proenza Schouler

Gianfranco Ferre

Oscar de la Renta

Michael Kors

Nancy Gonzalez

Michael Kors

Yves St. Laurent

Diana Broussard

Jason Wu

Naeem Kahn

"A Little Dose of Color"

Dress, Elie Saab ($3,000). Neiman Marcus, Copley Place, 617-536-3660. Gloves, LaCrasia ($150). Saks Fifth Avenue, the Shops at Prudential Center, 617-262-8500. Necklace, Molina (price on request). 18 E. 48th St., New York, 212-593-4242. Bangle, right arm, Disaya ($225). Saks Fifth Avenue, SEE ABOVE. Bracelet, left arm, Amrapali ($36,360. Neiman Marcus, SEE ABOVE. Ring, Zorab ($25,250). Saks Fifth Avenue, SEE ABOVE. Shoes, Thakoon ($1,095). Visit net-a-porter.com.

Dress, Salvatore Ferragamo ($1,790). Copley Place, 617-859-4924. Fox stole, Adrienne Landau ($695). Saks Fifth Avenue, the Shops at Prudential Center, 617-262-8500. Earrings ($120), necklace ($390) and ring ($135), Disaya. Saks Fifth Avenue, SEE ABOVE. Red sheer nylon gloves, LaCrasia ($45). Saks Fifth Avenue, SEE ABOVE

Gown, Oscar de la Renta ($5,790). Neiman Marcus, Copley Place, 617-536-3660. Fox shrug, Matthew Williamson ($6,123). Visit matthewwilliamson.com. Brooch, Yvel ($17,164). Neiman Marcus, SEE ABOVE. Gray Lucite bangle ($300), sea-green cuff ($295), brown Lucite bangle ($150) and gray cuff with pearl accent ($345), Alexis Bittar. Ports & Co., 23 S. Main St., Cohasset, 781-383-1020

Fox-fur coat, Thakoon ($9,995). Serenella Boston, 134 Newbury St., 617-262-5568. Dress, Jason Wu ($2,990). Neiman Marcus, Copley Place, 617-536-3660. Cross ring ($9,398) and white gold and diamond ring ($4,298), Le Vian. Lord & Taylor, 760 Boylston St., 617-262-6000.

Dress, Christian Dior ($2,290). Copley Place, 617-266-4628. Fur stole, Adrienne Landau ($595). Saks Fifth Avenue, the Shops at Prudential Center, 617-262-8500. Earrings, Chopard ($185,000). Barmakian Jewelers, 333 Washington St., 617-227-3724. Lemon citrine ring with diamonds ($2,100) and smoky quartz ring with diamonds ($3,600), David Yurman. Copley Place, 617-236-8777. Ring, Alexis Bittar ($175). Good Inc., 88 Charles St., 617-722-9200.

Top ($195) and skirt ($225), DKNY. 37 Newbury St., 617-236-0476. Necklace, Alexis Bittar ($545). Ports & Co., 23 S. Main St., Cohasset, 781-383-1020. Confetti bracelet, Marco Bicego ($35,410). Saks Fifth Avenue, the Shops at Prudential Center, 617-262- 8500. Fuchsia silk fan-pleated shoes, Bruno Frisoni ($855). Neiman Marcus, Copley Place, 617-536-3660. (Boston Common Magazine)

I love this shoot.....The clothes and shoes are exquisite!

Following Designer Jason Wu

WHILE THE WORLD was buzzing with excitement and welcoming the new first family at the presidential inauguration, the fashion world also inaugurated Jason Wu into the big leagues. In that instant he became a household name, bringing his polished, eclectic style to the forefront and ushering in a fall season marked by the ladylike refinement that defines his style. Recently Wu hosted a trunk show to showcase his latest collection, which will continue to be available at Gail Rothwell. Wu offered us a sneak peak into the elegant world he envisions every day.

HAMPTONS: Congratulations on your induction into the CFDA! What does it mean to you?JASON WU: It’s an honor to be a part of such an influential group. I’m excited to be inducted alongside an extremely talented and diverse roster of designers.

H: Where were you when you heard the news?

JW: I received the call during a fitting for my spring 2010 collection in my studio. To be kneedeep in piles of fabric and get a call telling me Iwas the newest member of the CFDA was an

instant validation for me as a designer.

H: Gail’s shop is one of our favorites. How did you choose it for your trunk show?

JW: To me Gail’s boutique is a symbol of easy luxury. I love her point of view, I love her taste, and I think she’s the perfect representation for my collection in the Hamptons.

H: Why hold a trunk show in the Hamptons?

JW: My favorite time to shop is always when I’m on vacation, so I thought having a trunk show in the Hamptons would be a great way to start the season.

H: Have you been out East a lot this summer?

JW: A lot of my creative friends travel out here on the weekends, so I come out from time to time—whenever my schedule permits. I’ve also been spending some time on Fire Island, and I just got back from an amazing vacation in Turks and Caicos. It’s great to get some sun before all the fashion-week madness in September!

H: What are your favorite destinations in the Hamptons?

JW: I love having lunch at CittaNuova and going to BookHampton to stock up on my book collection.

H: What’s playing on your iPod?

JW: I love the music of Wilson Chan, who produces the music for my resort 2010 show. He does great mixes for me that I play in the studio. I’ve had “Daniel” by Bat for Lashes playing on repeat all summer long.

H: What books are you reading, and where is your favorite spot to read?

JW: I’m a huge fan of art and fashion books, and I’m always looking out for new titles to add to my collection. I’m a regular at The Strand every week.

(Hampstons magazine)

What a Coat!

This opulent piece of luxury from Jason Wu, constructed from cashmere and ostrich feathers and is the epitome of elegance. Perfect for an evening out on the town. It reminds me of those beautiful pieces worn in the old black and white movies by the likes of Joan Crawford and Jean Harlow.

(netaporter.com)

"Marrakech Express"

Oscar de la Renta dress and Fred Leighton bird pin

Calvin Klein Dress and Shoes

Donna Karan Dress and Phi shoes

Vera Wang top, skirt, and earrings, Derek Lam clutch and Fred Leighton Cuff

All clothing Marc Jacobs, Stephen Jones for Marc Jacobs hat and Fred Leighton earrings

Thakoon pancho and leggings, gloves Lacrasia ad Phi shoes

Doo Ri fur shrug and top

Michael Kors dress and hat, Lacrasia gloves and Christian Louboutin shoes

Jason Wu coat, top, skirt and belt, Tom Binns cuff