Found Treasures: Tom Binns Jewelry
Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 9:37 PM 
Image used with the kind permission of Tom Binns Design.
"Jewelry is always a treasure and though it may not be made of gold and diamonds, it should still have that sentiment." Such is the philosophy of Tom Binns, whose jewelry designs have been worn by Mrs. O - most notably at the Vogue fundraising event hosted by Calvin Klein in June 2008. The ornate and clever work of Binns (born in Belfast, Ireland, and now residing in California) has long been known to the fashion cognoscente.
Influenced by the Dada movement (a philosophy that started around 1916 and rejected conventions in art and thought), Binns concentrates on "object trouves" - found objects like beach glass and faux gems - and reworks them into stunning pieces of jewelry. Mrs. O wore his necklace with a flowing black tunic and evening pants by Isabel Toledo. The necklace is a unique piece from Binns' The Raj Collection (so unique, in fact, that Binns himself doesn't have a studio photograph of the necklace).
"It was a take on the Maharajas' jewelry from India, which is extremely decadent," Binns told us. "I tried to interpret the look using faux materials such as fake pearls, vintage rhinestones, and sea gems." "To go to an event held in your honor and hosted by Calvin Klein - well, that could make anyone feel intimidated," says Sally Singer, Fashion News Director for Vogue. "But [Mrs. O] didn't hesitate or pander; she wore this outfit and jewelry - I mean, Tom Binns is a sophisticated choice! - that made her very special. That is not Fashion 101 - that's graduate level." Of course, we already knew that Mrs. O was at the head of the fashion class. But we continue to be awed by her ability to find and combine exciting pieces of fashion. Evidently, she excels at the object trouves philosophy as well.
Reader Comments (8)
Yes! This is the outfit I was talking about that was on the Huffington Post. Thanks for clarifying.
The fact that we are about to have a first lady in the WH who even knows who Isabel Toledo is, yet alone WEARS her, speaks volumes about Mrs O's informed, confident, and intellectual take on fashion.
I am impressed that Mrs O is into fashion that is under the radar, as well as the more mainstream. She searches out special designers / pieces and doesn't always choose the obvious. I LOVE THAT.
This woman is fashion aware and knows what is going on out there in Vogue-land, but always injects her own unique style and aesthetic into any ensemble she chooses to wear.
Ditto, as was said by the other commenters. :) I enjoy following the details of what Michelle wears because they really are so interesting and unexpected.
I don't think she gets it right EVERY SINGLE time. But that's a welcome side-effect to not wearing the "First Lady" uniform. And there are moments when she just really delights me, like when she wore that knockout red dress to the White House, or the Maria Pinto outfit she wore on 60 Minutes.
Anyway, her style is reason #342,239,005 that I am so happy about our new first family.
You hit the nail right on its head! "She does not get it right every single time" because she opts not to wear a "First Lady uniform." She dresses up to have fun and to express the way she feels at that particular time--doesn't take it too seriously. That's makes her REAL!
You hit the nail right on its head! "She does not get it right every single time" because she opts not to wear a "First Lady uniform." She dresses up to have fun and to express the way she feels at that particular time--doesn't take it too seriously. That makes her REAL!
I like the piece featured for this post. The outfit mentioned in this post is one of the few that I didn't think was particularly flattering on Mrs. Obama.
What a lovely piece!
Kristan
http://jbu.phuzzymath.net/
Mrs. O should also check out www.MargaretRowe - 1-of-a-kind vintage couture jewelry - You rock, Michelle. Love that she is not doing the standard first lady gig.