Cheryl Hickey at Grammys 2009

Fashion-forward dazzle and real-world budgets came together in Los Angeles, as a Toronto jewelry designer outfitted celebrities and “red carpet stars” during the most important awards shows of the year. TV and music celebrities wore MMCrystal’s high-fashion statement jewelry throughout the television broadcast, showing that they didn’t need a megabucks wardrobe budget to hang with the stars.

ET Canada host Cheryl Hickey featured the Toronto jewelry designer’s earrings at this year’s Grammy and Oscar pre-shows, broadcast just before presenters started handing out statues. Ms. Hickey has worn selections from the luxury costume jewelry line at the Grammys, Emmys and Academy Awards shows for 2007, 2008 and 2009, attracting the spotlight during the industry’s biggest star-fests.

She has also chosen Michelle Merizzi, MMCrystal’s principal designer, to outfit her entire bridal party with MMCrystal’s Swarovski crystal fashions later this year.

Recording artists Jully Black and Tamia have also featured MMCrystal’s luxurious designs in their chart-topping videos, and choreographer Tre Armstrong featured a dazzling assortment of necklaces and earrings on the top-rated first-season finale for So You Think You Can Dance Canada.

After a 16 year career as a sought-after makeup artist, Michelle Merizzi is back driving her energies towards her first love, jewelry design. The MMCrystal collection is luxurious, sexy and unapologetically glamorous.
 
“I don’t create designs that follow the trends,” the designer says. “ I want classic, contemporary looks that aren’t defined by a certain season, and so do my clients. It’s not for everyone. Only a certain type of woman can wear my collection without it wearing her.”

Michelle’s  previous successful jewelry venture, Merizzi Designs, created free form crystal jewelry that retailed at luxury purveyors including Holt Renfrew Toronto, Yu Fashions,Trump Tower in Chicago and as far away as Kings Road, Hong Kong. Merizzi counted Cher, Candice Bergen and Mila Mulroney in her varied celebrity fan base.

From shoulder-dusting Swarovski chandeliers to 4-inch wide stone-set cuffs and organic shaped pendants, MMCrystal’s statement pieces project confident, sensual femininity. The line features state-of-the-art rhodium and 22 karat gold plating, is nickel and lead-free and uses only titanium earring posts, suitable for wearers with sensitive skin.

MMCrystal jewelry is sold by authorized dealers in North America. For more information about MMCrystal products and dealer locations, please visit the Web site http://www.mmcrystal.com. The site has pictures of their classic and latest designs, and showcases video, television and print media appearances.

Diane Von Furstenburg, Phillipe and Pepita at the Huffington-Post Ball at Obama's Inauguration

Here is a pic of my friend Pepita Diamand at the Huffington-Post Ball at Obama’s Inaguration with her boyfriend Phillipe Leboeuf. They’re talking with Diane Von Furstenburg – Very famous designer!

In case you’re wondering, Pepita’s wearing ‘Victoria’ 80103 earrings, matched with a 60309 baguette-cuff bracelet.

 And I found this great picture of Barack Obama’s Inauguration speech, that shows the huge crowd in a panoramic view. What an emotion-charged day that was! You can move the pic around and zoom in on any single person in the audience if you want… (see who else you recognize there) 

Click the picture for a panoramic view!