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“Diana: Her Fashion Story” Coming to Kensington Palace & a Fab StyleRocks Giveaway

We are popping in with some quick updates and then a treat from StyleRocks. Our first item is about an exhibit opening at Kensington Palace in February, Diana: Her Fashion Story.

Historic Royal Palaces, the organization that manages Kensington Palace and other properties, is staging the exhibition.

Historic Royal Palaces

Historic Royal Palaces (click to visit HRP Kensington Palace site)

From The Telegraph’s story:

The exhibition aims to show the evolution of the Princess’s style, and will explore her relationship with her favourite designers through a display of some of their original sketches, created for her during the design process.

There are several notable items of clothing that will be on display. These include (left to right) a David and Elizabeth Emanuel day dress, the renowned blue velvet dress by Victor Edelstein Diana wore to the White House, and the Emanuel blouse worn for the engagement photos taken by Lord Snowdon in 1981.

We take a closer look at the midnight blue Victor Edelstein gown worn to the White House gala where Diana danced with John Travolta. (They danced to a song from Mr. Travolta’s film “Saturday Night Fever,” the aptly titled “You Should Be Dancing” by the BeeGees.)  The 1985 trip was the first official joint visit to the US for Diana and Charles.

©CNP/Polaris

©CNP/Polaris

From The Telegraph:

The Victor Edelstein dress, which the Princess also wore for her last official portrait before her death in 1997, was one of 10 dresses sold by the Princess at a charity auction in New York two months before she died.

It was bought for £100,000 by an American businesswoman, then fetched £240,000 when it was sold to a British collector in 2013.

Also part of the special exhibition, the tartan frock by David and Elizabeth Emanuel mentioned above. More from Historic Royal Palaces:

 A blue tartan Emanuel suit, worn for an official visit to Venice in the 1980s, will go on display in public for the first time. The suit, a rare survival of the Princess’s daywear, was only recently rediscovered and acquired by Historic Royal Palaces – the charity responsible for Kensington Palace – at auction.

More about the dress from Kerry Taylor Auctions:

Emanuel couture teal tartan wool day ensemble, 1985, with wide sailor collar. This ensemble was specially commissioned by the Princess for her Official visit to Italy with Prince Charles. She wore it with a string of pearls, a simple white camisole, and a large peacock blue felt hat with folded back brim.

Embed from Getty Images
Back to the Kerry Taylor Auctions information:

The press at the time unkindly likened the ensemble to a ‘horse-blanket’, which is possibly why it ended up in a high-end clothes resale shop in Hampshire.

The HRP news release also shared input from Eleri Lynn, curator of the exhibit:

Diana, Princess of Wales was one of the most photographed women in the world, and every fashion choice she made was closely scrutinised.

Our exhibition explores the story of a young woman who had to quickly learn the rules of royal and diplomatic dressing, who in the process put the spotlight on the British fashion industry and designers. We see her growing in confidence throughout her life, increasingly taking control of how she was represented, and intelligently communicating through her clothes.”

This is a story many women around the world can relate to, and we hope many visitors will join us next year, to get a closer look at some of Diana’s most iconic outfits, on display in her former home.’

Kate’s skill at sartorial diplomacy is analogous to Diana’s use of her wardrobe as a means of sending a message, a practice employed by many other royals, as well as political figures.  The exhibit is one of many events coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Diana’s death. There is an accompanying element of the exhibition that will open in April at Kensington Palace’s Sunken Garden. From a Daily Express story about the exhibit:

The floral tribute will be planted with white roses, scented narcissi and a carpet of forget me nots around the existing Sunken Garden at the Princess’s former home.

The HRP spokeswoman said: “A lot of our gardeners have been here a long time and they remember the Princess and how she particularly liked this sunken garden.

“It was somewhere she used to pass by and have a chat with the gardeners and ask about what they were planting. She took a lot of interest in it.”

From a Hello! US story about the garden:

While the late Princess called the palace home for 15 years, it is now her children who have moved in to make new memories inside the historic royal residence. The Duke and his wife Kate Middleton, 33 and their children, three-year-old Prince George and one-year-old Princess Charlotte, live in Apartment 1A, with Harry residing in Nottingham Cottage.

A spokeswoman for Historic Royal Palaces told the Express that the garden has received the stamp of approval from the Princes: “The Duke and Prince Harry have been supportive. They’ve seen the plans.”

For those who won’t be able to see the exhibit in person, there will certainly be items associated with it available for purchase online at the HRP Shop. The offerings are likely to include things like an accompanying catalog, perhaps a book, postcards, the sort of thing Historic Royal Palaces generally stocks. If looking for Kate-related gifts this holiday season, the HRP online shop actually offers a variety of items that could be ideal for gift-giving. Current inventory includes a broad selection of merchandise: from left to right you see a book titled Modern Royal Fashion, an Engagement Ring Charm, and commemorative china.

Historic Royal palace Shop

Historic Royal palace Shop

This link takes you to the Historic Royal Palaces page with ticket information, hours and more.

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We are delighted to share another terrific giveaway from one of our favorite sponsors, StyleRocks. The custom jewelry company has sponsored some fabulous giveaways over the years here at WKW. Below you see a sampling of previous prizes, including the green amethyst detachable drops won by Andrea this March; Stephanie’s Russian Rings ring, a 2015 prize; on the right you see Alese modeling the citrine cocktail ring she won in our first StyleRocks giveaway.

Courtesy: Andrea, Stephanie, Alese

Courtesy: Andrea, Stephanie, Alese

It is a big week for my friend Pascale, the StyleRocks founder and CEO. Not only has she just debuted her updated website, she also launched the new Luxe Collection for StyleRocks.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

The Luxe Collection includes four stunning new jewelry lines, all of them elegant, all of them sophisticated.  The first we’ll look at is the Woven Diamonds design. These pieces pack a punch in the glimmer and shimmer category. Below you see the Woven ring in 18 karat white gold, and on the right, the same motif is seen in earrings crafted of 18 karat white gold. The pieces are also offered in 9 karat white gold.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

Below, the earrings in 9 karat yellow gold alongside the 9 karat yellow gold ring. The earrings are described this way:

Bigger than diamond studs, yet more discreet than diamond drops, these earrings shimmer and sparkle thanks to their clever setting which allows the light to enter the diamonds at all angles.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

The Woven rings come in a full style like that seen below left, as well as a “half style” shown on the right. The half style has the woven metal and diamonds used for half of the ring, with the other half made of polished metal sans gemstones.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

Now to a really different design that I love, the Rainbow collection. This group is terrific, showcasing a sapphire glass-covered section that is filled with gemstones. More from the StyleRocks description:

The ring contains 30 gemstones of varying cuts including round brilliants, oval cut and marquise cut. The gemstones used are green emerald spinel, pink sapphire, alexandrite, blue spinel, golden yellow sapphire, orange/yellow sapphire, dark ceylon sapphire, ruby and emerald colours, all created or hydrothermal. 

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

For the center portion of these pieces, the stones move freely within the glass. The design is also offered as a pendant: like the rings, the center portion can be turned, spun around in its setting. (It is something I would no doubt be spinning about constantly, just to watch the stones dance about inside the case.)

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

The StyleRocks customization credo applies to all of its jewelry; in this instance, it means you can order a different selection of stones – perhaps your birthstone, or the colors of your alma mater.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

Now, a look at the third new design group in the Luxe line.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

The Lattice collection features a geometric design made with etched lines that criss-cross to form a diamond pattern. Below you see the 9 karat bangle, it gives you an idea of the style’s almost-quilted appearance and sandblasted finish that creates a subtle matte sheen.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

The bangle also comes in 9 karat rose gold and white gold, and it will be available in a ring like that shown in the graphic above. There is already a Lattice ring studded with sparkling diamonds; we show the 18 karat rose gold style, along with the 9 kcarat rose gold, and 9 karat yellow gold version. There is a 9 karat white gold and diamond version as well.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

Of all the fab designs in Pascale’s new Luxe Collection, this is arguably my favorite. Say hello to the StyleRocks Raindrops rings.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

I think it is the sleek, polished lines topped off by those glittering diamonds that is so appealing. More from the product description:

…the raindrops ring shimmers and glistens from every angle. Its round profiled top is echoed further through its curved ring shank and beautifully polished surface. The ring contains 49 bead or pave-set diamonds of varying sizes.

Here you see the Raindrops ring in yellow gold.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

Pascale wanted the Luxe Collection to be elevated a bit above the existing StyleRocks offerings, and I think she has succeeded, creating pieces that make bold statements. They are all available in your choice of 9 karat or 18 karat white, rose and yellow gold. And this is just a sampling of the new designs in the collection, more are being added daily.

Of course, StyleRocks continues to offer its array of dazzling jewelry in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Many have heard me say the brand’s collection of custom cocktail rings looks like candy; this photo has me thinking I might amend the statement to include “cookies” to that candy analogy.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

Pascale’s collection of Hoops and Detachable Drop earrings remains a favorite with shoppers.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

However simple or ornate your taste, be it hoops (l) studs (c) and/or j-style hoops, it’s available.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

The wildly popular Russian Rings collection is still growing, with expanded offerings in necklaces, bangle bracelets and rings.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

The three rings symbolize family, strength, and unity. Below, a Diamond Russian Wedding Ring in 9 karat gold, the Juno Russian Wedding Ring in multi-gold and Alexandra Necklace in 9 karat yellow gold.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

There is an added bonus for anyone buying a Russian Rings necklace in the next 10 days: if you purchase it by midnight on the 25th you will also receive another sterling silver chain for the necklace in the length of your choice.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

If you want to let someone know there’s a little treasure or two you are fond of, just use the Send a Hint option available on every page.

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

All of the StyleRocks Luxe Collection and any other item valued at more than $500 AUD is accompanied by a valuation certificate. Not only for insurance purposes, this helps provide purchasers with peace of mind when it comes to comparing the karat weight of the metals, the specifications of the diamonds, and so on. When it comes to budgeting StyleRocks offers an interest-free installment option, just select from the dropdown menu like the one shown below and StyleRocks takes care of the installment plan details.  

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

Now to our contest. We will draw a name at random and that person will win a Woven Diamonds 9 karat half ring in white gold!

StyleRocks

StyleRocks

Here’s how to enter:

  • Step 1: Sign up for the StyleRocks mailing list by visiting this link and filling out the email subscription form. Then complete Step 2 below. Optional: You’ll see places to sign up friends for email on the form. If you refer a friend for the mailing list you will receive an additional 2 entries. Refer as many as four friends and you can get up to 8 additional entries!
  • Step 2: Once you have signed up for StyleRocks email the screen should then open the Luxe Collection page. Pick out your favorite piece from the new Collection and come back here to leave a comment telling us what it is. That’s it, you’re entered! (If for any reason you don’t see the Luxe Collection page after filling out the email form, click this link to visit the new Luxe Collection.)

You must complete the two steps above to be entered. If you have already signed up for StyleRocks email, don’t worry that you will be signed up multiple times for the mailing list, this is a completely new list. Nor do you need to have any concern about your information being released to third parties. StyleRocks does not sell or share your information in any way.

  • Additional entries: For an additional entry, post a photo or link to your favorite Luxe piece on your Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat page and let us know you did.

OTHER INFO:

  • the giveaway is open internationally
  • the contest ends at midnight November 30th; we will randomly select a winner on December 1st and get in touch with them immediately
  • the winner must be available to respond to our email within 72 hours

We hope you have fun with this one, there’s lots to love in the new collection!

 

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Kristen

Tuesday 6th of December 2016

Love the woven earrings. The woven ring is very similar to my wedding ring but I love that too.

K

Thursday 1st of December 2016

I love the Diamond Woven Rings! They really are my favorite, and they happen to be what's on the give-a-way! It's a win-win! If only I win...

Susan

Thursday 1st of December 2016

I LOVE the Style Rocks Diamond Woven Ring (Half) 9 Carat Rose Gold! Stunning!

Cathy Pring

Wednesday 30th of November 2016

Love the Cushion Diamond Halo Ring with Pink Amethyst 18ct White Gold!!!!!!

Jessica

Wednesday 30th of November 2016

Love the diamond solitaire with pink halo set in platinum!!

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