Vermeer's painting of A Girl With A Pearl Earring has captivated many an admirer -- its name and subject seem simple enough, but inside her stare lies a deep level of complexity for a young woman. And then there is that pearl earring.... Several years ago, we had some fun inserting my daughter Camille into the painting with her sideways glance. It made me think that just by virtue of insertion, she might be able to better interpret the original painting-- wouldn't that be an interesting basis for a film or a novel!

More recently, I came across the black and white photo of a woman and her son-- she gazing lovingly at him and he at us. And then of course, there is the pearl ring she is wearing... I was instantly enraptured! I have always been drawn to the clever, classical woman who dresses simply so that her jewelry can make a statement. People ask me where the ideas for my jewelry come from and I can tell you that they are inspired by a glance at a passerby, a character description in a novel, or a photograph of an unknown woman wearing jewelry like this one. Up to this point, I had only been designing and manufacturing costume jewelry, but this pearl ring started a conversation in my head about creating a capsule collection of fine jewelry.

It's funny how an image can ignite the creative mind-- this one led me to venture into the world of fine jewelry and design my own version of this pearl ring. I wanted the simplicity of a solitaire design with big impact. I designed a shank that was substantial enough to support a large pearl yet simple enough to let the pearl shine on its own. I sourced South Sea pearls in San Francisco and found a spectacular few of the large size I was seeking. Pearls in and of themselves are worthy of an entire essay-- It all starts with grit, the grit that irritates the oyster that makes the pearl. Pearls are many things if not metaphors for life itself. We all know that life requires a great deal of grit!

You can't go wrong being a girl with a pearl! xx Carla

Summer's gifts of gentle breezes, brilliant sunshine, and time off-schedule are enough to make our minds wander to beautiful places and times well spent. For every summer story that is told, we can be sure that there is a whisper and a nod to sea shells. They are the jewels in the stories of our childhood memories at the beach. They become precious keepsakes for first loves, long walks on the beach, and times spent watching our children splash about in the sea.

When I was a girl, my mom had a beautiful pale pink shell (shown above) sitting in the soap cove of her bath. I would soak in her bath, hold the shell to my ear, and listen to the gentle breeze that played inside. It was like a modern-day playlist of all my memories growing up at the beach. It is one of my greatest treasures and eventually influenced my jewelry designs.

Shells have been symbols in architectural design, furniture design, jewelry, and paintings for centuries. They are the symbols of sensuality seen in works by Botticelli, in the designs of Leonardo da Vinci who often drew upon nature for his inspiration, and in the Rococo shell chairs Matisse painted in the 18th century. More recently, Tony Duquette's use of shells was reflected in his opulent design style, Thomas Boog continues to create over-the-top objects in his Paris design studio, and iconic jeweler, Verdura, is known for using the shell motif in many of their designs.

When I began imagining and developing my first collection of upscale jewelry in New York, I referenced my youth growing up near Santa Barbara and time spent at Miramar Beach. The Camille K Miramar cuff and earrings make strong statements, ones that are very personal to me. Of course, I would be remiss in not acknowledging the Couture shell cuff (shown above) that started it all! It features real turban shells sewn on 18th century French gold and silver bullion trims. We continue to sell these as limited pieces upon request.

Many years ago after a visit with my Mother, she handed me a small wrapped package along with her hug goodbye. Inside was the shell from her bath... and in her soft voice, she advised me to listen in whenever I felt too far from home.

May you enjoy your last days of summer and savor all the memories you make.

xx Carla

http://camillek.com/montecito

I recently came across the Netflix show, VELVET while browsing their content. The story centers around fashion in a high-end Madrid department store in the 1950's with references to Coco Chanel, Balenciaga and Dior. We see their designs upstairs on the selling floor and can dream about them with the seamstresses downstairs in the atelier. And then there are actors like Miguel Angel Silvestre who plays the prodigal son Alberto that we can just simply dream of...

Besides fashion, love Spanish style plays a big part in this show. With its cast of beautiful characters, we get to fall in and out of love, experience the high drama of their escapades, and admire the intensity and loyalty of their friendships. Having lived in Madrid in the 70's and having dated 3 men all coincidently named Carlos, makes this show even more enjoyable for me. I am reliving my Madrid moment while revitalizing my Spanish language skills (The show is in Castilian Spanish with English subtitles) -- so much fun!

My fashion education and my love of pearl jewelry began that year in Spain. I admired the dark-haired Spanish beauties that invariably wore pearl earrings and necklaces as their everyday accessories. The Majorica Pearl Company was well represented in the department store El Corte Inglés and pearl jewerly graced the windows of fine jewelers along the Calle de Serrano and the Gran Vía. I lived on a small street off of the Gran Vía with my Señora Carmen and had the pleasure of window shopping and people watching on my way to and from school each day. I still have the pair of pearl earrings I eventually bought for myself....

The women I most admired had beautiful posture -- dance posture, and dressed in navy blue straight skirts with silk blouses and wore high heeled pumps. Their hair was often secured in a bun and their white pearls glistened against their creamy skin and dark hair. In VELVET, the actresses that play Clara, Isabel Navarro and Gloria all have Spanish dance training and it shows. With great posture, all the clothes that they wear look even more exceptional.

Currently, in the fall collections, Valentino's designs make me think of the ladies in VELVET and of all that I loved about the stylish Spanish woman. I am reminded of the first fashion advice I received at the age of 20 (albeit given to me by my flamenco dance instructor!)-- To find your style, you have to find yourself. With that confidence you begin to carry yourself differently and then with that posture, elegance walks into the room.

¡ Hasta Pronto! xx Carla

Independence Day gives us a moment to pause and appreciate what our freedoms are both universally and personally. It's a time to see all that we have, rather than all that we don't.

In the summers as a young girl, my mother would ask me what I wanted to do as a special treat. My answer was always the same; go to the international terminal arrivals at the Los Angeles International Airport to people watch and then have lunch in the sky at the airport restaurant. (Besides the great view, they shaped butter into rosettes and served it on ice!) We studied the arrivals board and proceeded to the chosen gate to watch the passengers arrive. At that time, we were free to go all the way to the gate to get a close-up view... When you are small, the world seems so big but this trip to the airport brought it all much closer to me. This big world seemed friendly and beautiful and above all, full of possibilities. Freedom is an exercise in courage and I felt that all these people from all these different countries were brave to travel so far and arrive someplace new. I marvelled at the freedom to move about the world like this-- It made me dream.

While travel in today's world is more complicated-- that freedom has only become more precious. I will continue to exercise it! In the words of Coco Chanel: " The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud!"

Happy 4th of July-- Let freedom ring!

XX Carla

On a very rainy day in Paris recenty, I decided to tuck myself into one of the plush velvet seats at the cinema on the Boulevard Saint-Germain. The harder it rained, the faster I walked to get there thus arriving too early to be seated. With fifteen minutes to spare, I walked the cobblestone streets near the rue Saint André des Arts and stumbled upon a jewelry store window filled with treasures. With both my umbrella and my nose pressing against the window, I was astonished to see a portait ring that bore an incredible resemblance to my husband. The shop owner poked his head out the door and smiled at me. I told him I only had a few minutes but that I would love to see this ring a bit closer. I knew I had to come back after the film to "study" this portrait a bit more! I walked to the cinema to see the film and while I should have been completely distracted by the handsome actor Jean Dujardin, I couldn't stop thinking about the ring and its uncanny resemblance to my husband.. As you might imagine, this ring became mine after a lovely visit with the jeweler and the promise to return to show him a photograph of my Frenchman. I love designing costume jewelry but am intrigued by antique fine jewelry and the history that belongs to it. In fact, what compelled me to start my jewelry brand over 20 years ago was the desire to share the antique treasures that I found in the Paris flea markets and translate them in a modern way for my clients. Many of my current pieces reference jewelry from the 60's and 70's and some of my first Couture jewelry was made from 18th century French trims and buckles. Portrait jewelry was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries so it makes sense that I am drawn to it. Before photography, portraits were hand-painted on ivory, porcelain, paper, or mother of pearl. They were given as a love token and in some cases as a way of introduction by a young man to a young lady. Some portraits were painted on ornate boxes or given in small jeweled frames. When they were given as jewelry, a more intimate message was implied. Many times, a portrait ring was offered as an engagement ring and was framed in small jewels. Wouldn't that be a great idea still today as a wedding gift or an anniversary gift? Antique portrait jewelry is a kind of poetry for a romantic heart. Who says you shouldn't wear your heart where everyone can see it?

xx Carla

She is known as the oldest working model- so aging and how to do it gracefully is something she knows about. Of course none of us are getting older, but let's talk about it anyway!

Last night's intimate setting for the interview with the iconic model Carmen Dell'Orefice, was perfect for her soft-spoken story-telling. Ken Fulk ( http://kenfulk.com) , the event's host,  is a master at creating ambience and Carmen's presence can easily fill a room. I went in search of inspiration and as you might imagine, did not leave empty-handed! What is age when you sit in front of someone who exudes grace, humility and vibrancy like she does? Wearing all black with a carmel-colored silk jacket, 4 inch Manolo heels and the perfect statement jewelry, she was ageless. She used a matching wood-handled umbrella as a support ( she just had double knee replacement surgery) which I thought was such a great idea and so chic!

Did I mention she is 85? Carmen's modeling career at Vogue began at age 15 and at 85, she has more magazine covers over the past 15 years than ever before.  I'm sure there is much to do to maintain her striking looks but when she  shares her secrets, she makes it seem effortless.  There is a simplicity to her-- a kind of youthful naivety that makes it all seem quite possible for anyone to attain.  As she says, "Nothing on the outside is going to make a blind bit of difference unless you take care of the inside."  

Here are some of the thoughts she shared:

Start the day with water and lemon juice.
Eat a lot of probiotic yogurt
Don't drink and smoke
Buy lots of ice-cream. It stays frozen and ready for when you might need it.  It is a kind of savings account at the ready!
And my favorite-- If you must be addicted to something, be addicted to love!

I'm sure she would agree with Ben Franklin who once said, "Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young." 

My thought is that we need to focus less on looking young, and more on staying young--young at heart, young in spirit, alive with inspiration and full of enthusiasm that we generously spread around.  Let the quiet indulgence of happiness be your best beauty secret! 

Carmen wore the perfect accessories-- my eyes went directly to the bold gold cross necklace she wore, her pinky ring on her graceful hand and the dangling earrings that kept me focused on that interesting face of hers. Here are the CAMILLE K jewels that I can imagine she might wear....

xx Carla 

It's spellbinding, it's magical, it's history and it's where you can find me every weekend while I'm in Paris!  I first set foot in the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen around 1995 as part of a group of people through my husband's work. We had three hours to see it all ... impossible for sure but a great teaser!  Yes, it can be overwhelming at 7 hectares (over 17 acres) and over 1,500 vendors but that must never stop you from exploring it!

Years later, I was in Paris with my friend David.  During a lovely dinner at Taillevent, I met a filmmaker friend of his and his companion Christopher. Christopher was at that time an assistant to fashion photographer Mario Testino. He talked about his weekend trips to the Puces to find vintage lucite furniture and photograph it for Mario. I was more than interested in his knowledge of the markets and he was kind enough to extend an invitation to us to go with him the following weekend. That was when I really started to learn about the Puces-- from the inside, and when I knew I would be returning again and again in my life.  Christopher led us in and out of the Serpette, Vernaison and Malassis markets stopping to snap a photo here and there. For a pause and reset, we had lunch in the garden of a family-owned restaurant (that sadly no longer exists)-- where I digested both my food and all that I had just experienced.  I can still see Christopher's graceful hands holding his vintage silver cigarette case and can remember the way it sounded as it clicked open and closed.  I will always be grateful to him for sharing his version of the Puces.

On subsequent trips, I would buy my first 17th century portrait and have it shipped home and I would meet some of the most talented textile vendors who would sell me the passementerie that I would later rework into my one-of-a-kind statement jewelry.  Currently, I'm furnishing our Paris apartment with all kinds of treasures and am always so impressed with the knowledge and integrity of the people I deal with.
Both the Saint-Ouen and the Vanves markets have become a big part of my life while in Paris.  I am driven by what I'm about to discover and what I have never seen before-- It is a passion!   The people who really know the Puces des Saint-Ouen refer to it as a village. The more I go, the more I understand why-- there is a small-world feel, a kind of intimacy amongst the vendors and all the beauty that they find and inspire us with.  

Marché aux Puces Saint-Ouen
Porte de Cligancourt / Enter on the rue des Rosiers
Saturday and Sunday 10AM-6PM
Monday 11AM-5PM

My favorite markets: Malassis, Paul Bert, Vernaison, Biron, Serpette
Lunch: 
Ma Cocotte-- 106 rue des Rosiers
Café Le Paul Bert-- 20, rue Paul Bert
Maison Burger-- Espace Habitat 77, rue des Rosiers

Marché aux Puces de Vanves
Avenue Georges Lafenestre
Saturday and Sunday 7AM-2PM
Informal market and much smaller than Saint-Ouen. This can be walked in a couple of hours. Enjoy a pain au chocolate and a coffee at the food stand in the center of the market.

xx Carla

There is nothing outdated about a library. On the contrary, everything we need in our modern world-- all that is civilized, waits for us inside: books, quiet, knowledge, respect, and discovery.  The  oldest public library in France is the Bibliothèque Mazarine in Paris. To describe it as extraordinary is an understatement.  
Each time I have crossed the simple bridge,  the Passerelle des Arts, to get to the Left Bank, I see the imposing Institut de France building returning my stare. For some 30 years,  I passed it by until this time when I read that it houses the Mazarine Library. This library was Cardinal Mazarin's private library dating back to 1661. At that time, his collection of books was an impressive 30,000 volumes. Ttoday there are 600,000 volumes including some very rare books and manuscripts.  
The reading room pictured here was restored from 1968-1974 in the style of a 17th century library. The beautiful parquet floors are still in tact and squeak underfoot just as they should at their age! When I walked through, there were many people researching at the tables and except for the laptops, I could easily imagine an 18th century public here instead. The many busts-- ancient and modern (90 in total) that line the room and grace the staircases are alone something to see.

When I was a young girl, my library card was one of my most precious possessions.  I looked forward to the summertime and the prospect of all the free reading I could do. My mother took me diligently to the public library each week to check out or return my books. It was a bit of heaven there for me in the company of all the books-- each a potential adventure, a chance to learn and a moment to dream.  To step into a library such as the Mazarine, was something I could never have imagined existed as a young girl -- even now, I am in awe.  I plan to get what is called a readers card so that I can use the library regularly. I'm not doing any specific research at the moment, and I don't even know what book will be the first I open there, but I know that my card will be one of my greatest possessions!
Books have been called a kind of portable magic;  worlds in and of themselves, and passports to travel. As Jorge Luis Borges said: "I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library".  On your next trip to Paris, cross the Passerelle des Arts, enter this library paradise and then, for lunch, head next door to Restaurant Guy Savoy and succumb to his magic!

Passerelle des Arts:

Also known as Pont des Arts was the first metal bridge built in Paris around 1802 under the reign of Napoleon I. It crosses the Seine and connects the Palais de Louvre and the Institut de France. Many painters use it as a studio in plein air  and in warm weather, it becomes the perfect impromptu picnic spot.

Bibliothèque Mazarine:

23 Quai de Conti 
Open Monday-Friday from 10:00AM-6:00PM
Free ( Must have a photo I.D.)
http://www.bibliotheque-mazarine.fr/en/

Restaurant Guy Savoy:

For a fabulous lunch, reserve a table at the new Restaurant Guy Savoy located next door in the Monnaie de Paris.
11 Quai de Conti
01 43 80 4061
Lunch and Dinner Monday-Friday

xx Carla

There is nothing outdated about a library. On the contrary, everything we need in our modern world-- all that is civilized, waits for us inside: books, quiet, knowledge, respect, and discovery.  The  oldest public library in France is the Bibliothèque Mazarine in Paris. To describe it as extraordinary is an understatement.  
Each time I have crossed the simple bridge,  the Passerelle des Arts, to get to the Left Bank, I see the imposing Institut de France building returning my stare. For some 30 years,  I passed it by until this time when I read that it houses the Mazarine Library. This library was Cardinal Mazarin's private library dating back to 1661. At that time, his collection of books was an impressive 30,000 volumes. Ttoday there are 600,000 volumes including some very rare books and manuscripts.  
The reading room pictured here was restored from 1968-1974 in the style of a 17th century library. The beautiful parquet floors are still in tact and squeak underfoot just as they should at their age! When I walked through, there were many people researching at the tables and except for the laptops, I could easily imagine an 18th century public here instead. The many busts-- ancient and modern (90 in total) that line the room and grace the staircases are alone something to see.

When I was a young girl, my library card was one of my most precious possessions.  I looked forward to the summertime and the prospect of all the free reading I could do. My mother took me diligently to the public library each week to check out or return my books. It was a bit of heaven there for me in the company of all the books-- each a potential adventure, a chance to learn and a moment to dream.  To step into a library such as the Mazarine, was something I could never have imagined existed as a young girl -- even now, I am in awe.  I plan to get what is called a readers card so that I can use the library regularly. I'm not doing any specific research at the moment, and I don't even know what book will be the first I open there, but I know that my card will be one of my greatest possessions!
Books have been called a kind of portable magic;  worlds in and of themselves, and passports to travel. As Jorge Luis Borges said: "I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library".  On your next trip to Paris, cross the Passerelle des Arts, enter this library paradise and then, for lunch, head next door to Restaurant Guy Savoy and succumb to his magic!

Passerelle des Arts:

Also known as Pont des Arts was the first metal bridge built in Paris around 1802 under the reign of Napoleon I. It crosses the Seine and connects the Palais de Louvre and the Institut de France. Many painters use it as a studio in plein air  and in warm weather, it becomes the perfect impromptu picnic spot.

Bibliothèque Mazarine:

23 Quai de Conti 
Open Monday-Friday from 10:00AM-6:00PM
Free ( Must have a photo I.D.)
http://www.bibliotheque-mazarine.fr/en/

Restaurant Guy Savoy:

For a fabulous lunch, reserve a table at the new Restaurant Guy Savoy located next door in the Monnaie de Paris.
11 Quai de Conti
01 43 80 4061
Lunch and Dinner Monday-Friday

xx Carla

You might not think of going to a puppet show when you are in Paris, but if you find yourself strolling in the Luxembourg Gardens (and you should!), consider attending one of the famous Guignol shows in the charming  theatre.  

When our daughter Camille was little, we took her to the garden to sail boats in the small lake there and to attend these puppet shows. When the theatre bell rings in the park, all the children (with their parents not far behind) come running to get a seat on the little wood benches in front of the stage. The parents get seated along the wall or in the back rows.  There is so much excitement in the air all of which gets boosted during intermission by the old-fashioned bon-bon sales ladies with their big trays of candies strapped in front of them.  The candy is wrapped so beautifully that it is impossible to resist!  Watching the children pay with their own carefully saved coins and then seeing their faces light up with delight when receiving their bon bons is part of the show! The whole experience is truly precious and I still make time to see Les Guignols once a year.  While there, I close my eyes and can still hear Camille's laughter and feel her delight.  

While visiting the Luxembourg Gardens, don't miss the beauty of the Medici Fountain or the opportunity to sit in one of the semi-reclined French garden chairs and take in some sun and people watching. There is an Angelina cafe at one end of the garden -- known for their famous hot chocolate and, just recently opened, La Table du Luxembourg-- a gastronomique restaurant in the upper garden by Michelin star Chef Philippe Renard (Lutétia).

Les Guignols puppet shows:

Sundays: 11:00AM and 3:30PM
Wednesday: 3:30PM
Thursday: 10:30AM and 3:30PM
Friday: 10:30AM and 3:30 PM
Saturday: 11:00AM and 3:30PM
Arrive 30 minutes early for a good seat. The show lasts 40 minutes.

Angelina in the Luxembourg:

19 rue de Vaugirard 
Open every day 10-6

La Table du Luxembourg: 

Jardin du Luxembourg
7 rue Guynemer, porte Fleurus
01 42 38 64 88 for reservations

xx Carla