Chocolate and…Pearls??? Vosges’ Luxe Marchesa Casati Collection
Before I get into the who’s, what’s and why’s, let me begin this post with a big OH. MY. GAWD.
OH. MY. GAWD.
Yes, you heard it–chocolate and pearls (rather–chocolate, CARAMEL and pearls)–from none other than my creative fellow Vandy alum, Katrina Markoff, of Vosges Haut-Chocolat!!! And, for those of you who’ve had to endure my rantings about fiending for either a box of truffles or a Mo’s Bacon Bar, yes, we’re talking about that same Katrina Markoff.
Hubster periodically gifts me with "truffles at the bench"--the idea is to treat myself to ONE (or two) every day while I work.
The woman makes beautiful chocolate.
Luxe Marchesa Casati Collection
These truffles from her new Luxe Marchesa Casati Collection are a drool-worthy example of said beautiful chocolate.
The collection is named after Italy’s famous and eccentric (or infamous and eccentric, if you like) Marchesa Luisa Casati–jewelry connoisseur extraordinaire, and the inspiration for Cartier’s Panther design. I would LOVE to see all of the jewelry she owned. [There is an absolutely fabulous bio on Marchesa Casati on "her" website.]
The collection is all Casati. Not only is the clear Lucite box in which the truffles come just GAWGISS (it contains a sprinkling of freshwater pearls both in the lid and in the bottom part of the box), the truffles are actually dusted with real pearl dust! Don’t worry–pearls are totally harmless–they’re just calcium carbonate, which is nothing more than a calcium supplement at best, or a mild antacid at worst… [Wanna know more about pearls? Check them out.]
So, I don’t think I’m going to be spending $275 on 12 pieces of chocolate (plus box) any time soon, but there is a 9-piece collection for $45 that I just may have to request as a stocking stuffer or something…hint, hint!!!
Also, for my fellow business owners out there, what Katrina has done with branding is really inspiring (everything from pairing wines/champagnes with chocolate, to the luxurious purple packaging). If you don’t have one already, call and request a copy of her catalog and take a peek through it. But–don’t blame me if you end up needing to order a Mo’s Bacon Bar. Or a Red Fire Brownie. Or her Collezione Italiana (that Rooster truffle with Italian Taleggio cheese is tha’ bomb!).
Better “Shut Up and Drive” Photo
Ok, I finally got around to re-shooting, and I think this photo is muuuuuch better than the other one I posted. There aren’t as many high-key areas and it’s a lot easier on the eyes.
"Shut Up and Drive": Fordite, sterling silver, copper
Maria Cristina Bellucci: Colored Pencils and Jewelry!
It’s probably pretty easy to tell that I’m *totally* on board with alternative materials now despite my initial hesitation (since everybody and their grandmother are now selling/working with colored gemstones (you know me–when everybody else Zigs, I am always compelled to Zag–it’s just my nature)). As such, I just happened to stumble across this designer and her fabulous pieces–and I’m happy to say that I get it. And I love it. Her work is phenomenal.
The jewelry artist and Rome native is Maria Cristina Bellucci, and she used to be a theatrical costume designer. You can read more about her here.
These are colored pencils. [Yes, colored pencils.]
Are you picking your jaw up off of the floor yet?
Photo credit: Maria Cristina Bellucci
“Shut Up and Drive”
I just finished shooting this one. It’s Fordite and sterling silver, and the steering wheel is wrapped–in copper (vs. leather). I’m toying around with naming it “Shut Up and Drive,” a reference to Rihanna’s addictive little song by the same name.
I think I may reshoot it later because there are a couple of things I’m not liking, but this will have to do for now. I’ll probably be throwing it up on the website within the next day or so.
[There are some little splashes of red in there that make the piece way more cool than it is in the photo--I may try to re-shoot it closer to bring that out...]
Fordite, sterling silver, copper
Fabulous Interview with Bob Kramer, Master Bladesmith
Bob Kramer is one of only 114 Master Bladesmiths in the world. His Damascus steel blades are beyond drool-worthy and sell for at least $300–per inch.
He was recently featured on CBS Sunday Morning, but unfortunately I can’t embed the clip on the blog since CBS is all crabby about letting people share, so you’ll have to go to their site to see the interview. Kramer’s blade tests are amazing!!! (i.e., slicing effortlessly through paper after having cut through a steel bolt.)
And from that interview I found out a piece of fun trivia–according to CBS Sunday Morning, “In 1669, King Louis XIV of France ordered that all knives have rounded edges–in part to make them less dangerous when arguments broke out of the table.” So thaaaaat’s how we got the all-important butter knife!
::guffaw::
