- Title: USA: Cher and Madonna jeweler now accessorizes First Lady
- Date: 27th January 2009
- Summary: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (RECENT) (U.S. POOL REUTERS CONTRIBUTOR) (*** SOME FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY ***) FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA ARRIVES AT THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION
- Embargoed: 11th February 2009 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Usa
- Country: USA
- Topics: Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
- Reuters ID: LVABP10KP8PE84YPXWJQ2AE7SN59
- Story Text: The Los Angeles-based Loree Rodkin is a jeweler to the stars, including Cher and Madonna.
And now First Lady Michelle Obama is turning heads with the goth-inspired designs by Rodkin.
Mrs. Obama was introduced to the jewelry brand through Chicago's premier luxury boutique Ikram Goldman, where she has been a longstanding client Michelle Obama wore Rodkin jewelry on Election Day, and for the presidential inaugural festivities.
Rodkin says Mrs, Obama has her own distinctive style that reflects an approach to life.
"Michelle likes jewelry that's a little bit outside the box. She thinks outside the box. I think that my pieces that I love the most are my rock and roll jewelry because I'm a rock chick at heart. But I do classic, contemporary with a twist."
On inaugural night, the First Lady wore a suite of jewelry that is estimated by some to be worth more than 17-thousand dollars.
"They are priceless. You know, girls don't discuss their age or the cost of their jewels. But they were 60 carats of diamonds and chandelier dusting, shoulder-dusting earrings. And a 10-carat ring that she wore. And then diamond bangles."
She has reportedly been inundated with calls from retailers and private clients looking to buy the items.
The jewelry that was worn to the inaugural balls will be donated to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.
Rodkin says she is pleased to have had Michelle Obama take notice of her designs.
"I think this is the most emotional regime that we've had. The most hope that the nation has had collectively," opined Rodkin.
"It's the opportunity for great change. I sign my e-mails 'Change is the only constant.' So I feel particularly related to this event. And, I mean, what an honor that I get to do this out of every designer in the world."
When asked if she considered Michelle Obama to be a fashion leader, Rodkin smiled.
"It stops with her. I mean, it doesn't get any greater than that.
You know, I've had the privilege of designing for actors and rock stars. I mean she will be our sole fashion icon for this, you know, term."
Rodkin told Reuters she is happy a broad range of women appreciate her jewelry.
"I'm so pleased that I have such broad appeal," admitted Rodkin. "You know, I understand-- I've understood the rock and roll moments, because I'm probably the rock and roll jeweler. But I do have another side. So I'm glad that my girlier side appealed to Mrs. Obama."
Among her celebrity clients, two popular divas top the list.
Rodkin says one likes to be surprised by what she creates, while the other provided a bit of guidance.
"Madonna's left it up to me. Cher is very specific and she's my closest friend. So she'll be like, 'Whatever you're doing for yourself, now make it like bigger and better and grander and larger, and more dramatic for me.'"
Although Rodkin loved jewelry as a child, she did not begin her career as a designer.
"You know, I think I have career ADD, truthfully. I started as an interior designer to rock stars. I did Rod Stewart and Alice Cooper's house.
Then segued into management and managed Robert Downey, Jr. and Brad Pitt and Sarah Jessica Parker and Virginia Madsen and about 28 others. And when I got bored doing that, I thought, you know, God, what more could I do except jewels. You know, it's like Barbie's for grown-ups."
The Loree Rodkin collection is available nationwide at Neiman Marcus and at specialty stores in Hong Kong, France, Italy, Russia, London, Greece, Switzerland, St. Barts and free standing Loree Rodkin boutiques in Japan.
For additional store locations please visit www.loreerodkin.com. - Copyright Holder: POOL (CAN SELL)
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