Think of Palm Springs, California: its desert environment; how it's sheltered by the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north, the Santa Rosa Mountains to the South, and the San Jacinto Mountains to the west; its rich tribal heritage (thanks to the Agua Caliente group of Cahuilla Indians who have lived in the region for almost 500 years); how it's the birthplace of Desert Modernism, an architectural style that maximizes the fluidity between indoor/outdoor spaces); the palm-tree lined swimming pools; the Coachella Music Festival that it hosts annually; and the expansive golf courses. Now think of a fashion designer that captures the sunny disposition associated with Palm Springs, the architectural motifs popularized in the region, the '70s-inspired floral prints and vibrant colors schemes. Chances are, you thought of the inimitable Trina Turk.
Growing up in Puerto Rico, I adored Trina Turk's fashions — particularly since her Bohemian-flavored floral prints and her usage of sunny yellows and oranges, breezy whites, aquatic blues (from turquoise to azure), perky corals and pinks, and retro lime greens all speak to the needs of budding fashionistas in warm, tropical climates.
Now, the designers is revealing her debut jewelry line for Spring 2010, which manages to perfectly capture the brand's spirit. I first checked out the line last fall, during a press preview at Trina Turk's NYC boutique, and I was immediately smitten by the assortment of oversize rings bearing domed resin stones in turquoise, coral, and blue colors (as pictured second from top). You can pick from the Triple Stone Ring, which features a thick gold band with three slim, oval-shaped cabochon stones set along the top (the ring is available in a combination of turquoise, white, and coral stones, or in all white stones) or the Mrs. Hu's Cabochon Ring, which features a retro, pronged gold setting with an oversize cabochon stone at the center (and which is available in turquoise, coral or white).
I also loved the dramatic necklaces — particularly the Higgins Pendant Necklace (which you can see in the third image pictured above or in the third image below), which features vertical rows of vintage-looking, gold-plated discs with domed resin cabochon stones at the center and, at the very bottom, dangling rectangular gold bars finished with light turquoise beads. Talk about a statement piece, right?
Another must-have: the Trina Turk Pierced Cuff, which features a cut out of the designer's signature Palm Springs Block Pattern, and which recalls architectural wonders in the California desert region. It's the type of piece you can wear with a whimsical sundress or maxi dress for a casual, beach babe look or with a sleek black jumpsuit for am modern, sleek look worthy of a cocktail party.
Pictured Above: Trina Turk Beaded Teardrop Necklace, $258, and Trina Turk Teardrop Earrings, $58; Trina Turk Mrs. Hu's Cabochon Rings, $66 each, and Trina Turk Triple Stone Ring, $66 each; Trina Turk Enameled Hoop Earrings, $82; and Trina Turk Pierced Cuff, $176, and Trina Turk Higgins Pendant Necklace, $258. All available at Trina Turk boutiques and at TrinaTurk.com
Pictured Below: Trina Turk Pierced Cuff, $176; Trina Turk Faceted Gem Ring, $98; and Trina Turk Higgins Pendant Necklace, $258. All available at Trina Turk boutiques and at TrinaTurk.com
