Judith Ripka
Jewelry designer Judith Ripka kicked off Smashbox Fashion Week with an openingnight party on Oct. 26 at her Rodeo Drive boutique in Beverly Hills.
Ripka is the official jeweler of Smashbox Fashion Week. Attendees included Smashbox cofounder Dean Factor, stylist Philip Bloch and Califonia Market Center Director of Merchandise Karen Mamont. Guests got a glimpse of Ripka’s Winter 2003 collection, which is based in 18-karat gold in white and yellow. The color-rich line features such gems as diamonds, sapphires, fire opals and African rubies.
The jewelry, which includes a number of chandelier earrings, evokes Old Hollywood glamour with a forward sensibility. The result, said Judith Ripka President Janice Winter, is an heirloom-destined collection with multigenerational appeal. “It’s fashionable, but will last for years,” said Winter.
Sharon Case, an actress on “The Young and the Restless” and the event’s informal model, found Ripka’s collection elegant without being stuffy. “It’s youthful and fun, and some of the settings are different from anything I’ve seen,” she said.
—Christian M. Chensvold
