Richmond jewelry addicts will have a unique opportunity this Thursday, when Italian designer Roberto Coin comes to Saks Fifth Avenue for a personal appearance. He’ll be chatting with shoppers from 2 to 5 p.m., as well as between 6 and 8 p.m., when there’ll also be cocktails for sipping while shopping. Coin will chat with every client and help them select pieces from his line — an exciting opportunity to meet one of the industry’s leaders. Before he comes to our city, we asked Coin a few questions about his designs and upcoming trends for spring.
What are your favorite jewelry trends for spring and summer?
Spring and summer are the most joyful seasons of the year. Among my collections, I absolutely think that Ipanema, Shanghai and Primavera collections would be perfect for an elegant and fashionable sunny style.A prêt-à-porter explosion of colors and freshness.
Your jewelry designs incorporate so many styles and seem to reflect lots of different sources of inspiration. What’s inspiring you right now?
We create every year from 400 to 600 new models, and the variety of styles gives the opportunity to the consumer always to find something new and innovative. My inspiration is to create something which has never been done before. Even if this is very difficult, I still enjoy and love the challenge.
Which parts of your line are you most excited about for the coming seasons?
Definitely the unique pieces as supreme and incomparable expressions of my creativity, then limited-edition collections for their exclusivity, and always my Animalier collection, [an] example of the beauty and sophistication of nature, sometimes with an ironic touch added.
How have your designs evolved since you first started the Roberto Coin brand?
Tremendously, and [they] will continue [to evolve], as creativity is endless .
Do you have any suggestions for American women who want to add a hint of Italian style to their look?
I always consider the difference and originality of each woman as an irresistible quality, which has to be respected and enhanced. Anyway, if I have to give a hint, today they should all wear a strong, colorful ring from our large cocktail-rings collection, and try not to match as in the past.
For those of us who can’t afford to buy a completely new fine-jewelry wardrobe, what are some of the best long-term investment pieces?
Always the most sophisticated jewels, with a class that will last forever. I would suggest collections that have made history, like Appassionata, Magnifica, Snake and, again, Animalier.
Do you have any tips for women who have trouble accessorizing or deciding what jewelry to wear when?
It always depends on their personality and sense of elegance, and on what they want to express with their jewelry. Finally, of course, it depends on the situation. However, I suggest always to wear an intense ring and earrings.
You’re coming to Saks in Richmond on April 5. What’s your favorite part of doing personal appearances?
Doing personal appearances is very important to better know our precious partners and their teams. Most of all they are great opportunities to meet our consumers and help them to choose the most suitable items to fit their personality and style. I love sharing my passion for jewels and beauty.
