ABOUT THE DESIGNER: GABRIELE FRANTZEN

German native Gabriele Frantzen has been a European fashion fixture for over 15 years. Originally based near Munich, she has done it all, from co-owning and running the multi brand boutique Frantzen & Frantzen, to successfully founding her own distribution company Best of 19 in 2003, to working as ambassador for brands like Phillip Lim, to leaping forward by creating and designing the gabriele frantzen collection of costume jewelry.

Driven by a unique sense of style and a strong take on eye-catching diversity, Gabriele launched her jewelry collection in 2009 and opened her New York showroom one year after. An instant success, the line was immediately snapped up by fashion forward retailers across the continent and is being continuously celebrated in the press. The gabriele frantzen collection is currently represented in over 20 countries by retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue*, Fred Segal and Bird Brooklyn in the US, Biffi in Milano, Theresa in Munich, Harvey Nichols in Dubai.

A self-taught designer, Gabriele Frantzen listens to fashion cues, while dancing to her own beat, she delivers on trend while following her blazing creativity. Gabriele enjoys bold statements and daring gestures, but would never sacrifice the feminine touch and vibrant spark of her pieces.

ABOUT THE COLLECTION: A MODERN TAKE ON VINTAGE CHIC

gabriele frantzen jewelry conjures up memories of vintage glamour; yet unexpected details and surprising design elements push the line right up to fashion’s cutting edge. Each piece of the collection is an effortless, chic accessory – the perfect touch from morning to night.

Inspired by Rockefeller Center’s Ice Skating Rink and the nostalgic, elegant backdrop of early year films, Frantzen sets the top for her luxury aesthetic for the new 2012 gabriele frantzen collection. Pearls and Crystals are prevalent, sometimes mixed with wood and acrylic. Art Deco elements, crosses combined with chains and tassels, embellished, colorful orbs and cameos are bringing a striking dash of the unexpected this season.

The gabriele frantzen Heritage Collection takes its inspiration from the 70’s with wide-link chains, whimsical pendants, cheeky monkeys and dragonflies as regular motifs. Each piece is handcrafted in the United States with each stone and metal hand selected from around the world. Materials include genuine Swarovski crystal, Czech glass, Japanese and French silk and nickel-free metal.

*as of March 2012