Ben-Amun Takes Hong Kong

The past month has been very special for one of our Ben-Amun ladies! Not only did she have a gorgeous wedding in Palm Springs, but she also went on an amazing honeymoon that took her to Hong Kong and Bali! Our top sales girl Alissa is one lucky girl! While in Hong Kong, Alissa had the opportunity to stop by luxury department store Harvey Nichols and see the Ben-Amun display! Harvey Nichols was founded in 1831 and today is the UK’s premier fashion retailer. They offer many of the world’s most prestigious brands in menswear, womenswear, accessories and beauty, so we were thrilled to see such a beautiful display of Ben-Amun!!

Thanks to Alissa and an iphone camera, we were able to get a glimpse inside Harvey Nichols and an up close and personal look at our extra special Swarovski crystal deco pieces in their showcase. It’s like we were right there in Hong Kong with her (if only we were so lucky)! Take a look!

Thou Shall Covet a Closet This Cool!

Today we were delighted to see Ben-Amun on one of our favorite blogs, The Coveteur!! The Coveteur is a wonderful blog for all you fashionistas, striving to imitate today’s top style icons! The Coveteur helps with just that by taking you inside the homes and closets of some of the most notable names in fashion. One of our personal favorite style connoisseurs is currently on The Coveteur, allowing readers to get a glimpse into the fabulous life, and closet of none other than Stacy London!! Stacy has long been a Ben-Amun fan, and our Round Pyramid Bracelets are seen throughout her closet, even on one of her collectable toy dinosaurs! This bracelet is available in silver and gold and is a classic, easy to wear statement piece to add to any ensemble! Not only are they loved by Stacy, but Hilary Duff has also been spotted out and about in the gold version! They are currently sold in department stores Harvey Nichols and Henri Bendel, or for immediate gratification order yours online at Thomas Laine! 

Be Hauntingly Haute this Halloween!

Ready or not we’re already into the thick of the fall season!  Once again, it’s time to bring out the scarves and sweaters, trade in your daily iced beverage for a seasonal favorite (pumpkin spice latte please!) and most importantly prepare your closet for the fast approaching holidays!  

First on our list of holiday ensembles - the fast approaching Halloween…. one of our favorite nights since it’s completely acceptable to parade around town decked to the nines. (Though here at Ben-Amun we like to think that’s acceptable any day!)

To truly get into spirit, finding the perfect ensemble is key.  If you've realized Halloween is right around the corner and a costume idea hasn't even crossed your mind, not to worry.  We believe that accessories make the outfit, and that the right jewels can kick off the best brainstorming sessions!  Here are some of our ideas this year to guarantee you stand out among the Honey Boo Boo’s and Katniss'.

Anchors Away! Still holding on to summer memories of boats, beaches and sunshine? Then a sailor ensemble with the help of the Riviera Anchor Necklace from Ben-Amun is just what you need!  Mix up your cruise-ready look with the Riviera Charm Bracelet and Riviera Red Earrings and you’re ready to set sail!

 Is your inner Pocahontas calling? Turn to Ben-Amun’s Feather Bib Necklace and Ivory and Wood Bangles to really get in touch with your wild side.

Ever wish you could step back to the Stone Age for a day?  With the help of Ben-Amun’s Chunky Lucite Necklace you are on your way back to Bedrock as Wilma Flintstone.  Add a little one-shoulder white dress with a scalloped edge and most importantly an orange wig and you’re ready to take on the night.

If you want to go political, a classic costume and Ben-Amun favorite - Jackie O! Classy, timeless and most importantly, easy to put together at the last minute. Pair a classic pencil skirt and blazer with our Gold Ball Cuff and you’ll instantly transform into the iconic first lady.

 Halloween is the perfect opportunity to really accessorize!  Check out www.ben-amun.com and get inspired! 

-Francesca

New Season brings New Sparkle!

We can't believe how fast this summer flew by! Even though Labor Day weekend is right around the corner, it seems like just yesterday we were sweltering in the hot summer heat through 4th of July festivities. 

With cooler weather and holidays quickly approaching it’s time to bring out the sparkle!  Ben-Amun’s Couture Deco Statement Collection for Fall 2012 is now available on Charm&Chain.com, our favorite go-to online jewelry retailer!  Like all Ben-Amun jewelry, this elegant, high drama display of one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings are all handcrafted in N.Y.C’s garment district.  

Statement necklaces featuring beautiful circular accents covered in round and baguette shaped Swarovski crystals and intricate button and tower deco earrings will instantly add shine and dazzle for brides or a black tie affair.  Not only will this collection make a powerful, polished statement with autumn hued denim, its bold symmetrical shapes can provide a sharp contrast to the season’s flirty dresses. This vintage inspired capsule collection will be loved by the modern glamour girl!



Join us for Fashion's Night Out!

These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things...

Top 5 reasons we love DKNY:
   
5.  We’re twi-hards at heart so when we learned that our stunning vampire sister Ashley  Greene was joining forces with one of our fave brands since childhood we were giddy to say the least.

 

4.  Reading tweets (especially #showrequests) by @DKNY PR GIRL is always the highlight of the day (and night).

3.    Donna Karan has taught us how to be a stylish, empowered business savvy woman and has long been a Ben-Amun supporter – her and Isaac go way back to when he accessorized one of her first runway shows.

2.    The culture and message of the brand is synonymous with our first love (besides fashion) – New York City.  

1.    The brand’s incredible taste level – they picked some of our favorite gold pendant necklaces to sell in DKNY stores!!!

                                               Shots from DKNY Soho

That’s right folks, Ben-Amun's latest collection of gold pendant necklaces is now available at DKNY - "the energy and spirit of New York." For a brand that is "international, eclectic, fun, fast and real" Ben-Amun's chic gold pendant necklaces appeal to any woman's style.  

Statement making 24k gold plated pendants with a simple touch of onyx Czech glass beads and geometric designs featuring textured gold are stunners in the collection that are sure to captivate.  Small, feminine locket necklaces and single strand brass chain layering strands add a final touch on any classic DKNY look. 

Like all Ben-Amun designs, Ben-Amun for DKNY pieces are handcrafted in our factory in New York's garment district, transpiring the “energy and spirit” of the city into the design for today’s modern city girl! 



We've Arrived! On Rent The Runway!

For some reason, weddings come in waves. One minute you’ve got more single ladies to dance to TSwift with than you have Ben-Amun bangles, and the next minute you’re going to yoga alone and using wedding invites for bookmarks in the latest issue of Vogue. Which is not to say that you don’t have your own thriving social life, but that sometimes it seems like other people’s nuptials are running your calendar, and more importantly, your wardrobe.

Since every girl knows that weddings are best enjoyed from the vantage of a great dress and even better jewels, a multi-wedding season can present a bit of a problem. Or at least it can present a problem for the girl who hasn’t yet discovered Rent the Runway, the fashion worlds best chic for cheap resource. The girl who has discovered Rent the Runway would just sign into the members only website, surf through the 25,000 designer dresses, and pick out a winner. Then, for a mere 10% of the retail price, she’d schedule a rental for the date of her special occasion, and bada-bing-bada-boom, she’s wearing Halston Heritage to one wedding, Nanette Lepore to the next and Herve Leger to all of the bachelorette parties in between.

BUT IT GETS BETTER. Not only does Rent the Runway make pairing your designer dress with fabulous designer accessories possible, but as of TODAY, you can make those designer accessories Ben-Amun!

That’s right friends and fans; Ben-Amun has joined the ranks of Oscar de la Renta, Badgley Mischka, and Dannijo, and can now be rented for 90% off the retail price through the Rent the Runway website. Check out some of the available styles below, or visit www.renttherunway.com to put together a head to toe look for the next wedding on your schedule (or maybe the next ten!)

Crystal Cambon Pearl Bracelet

Victorian Crystal Statement Necklace

 

Pearl Trellis Bracelet

-Kristin

End of Summer Sale!

Has the recent change in the weather got you feeling blue? Don't fret because summer's not over yet here at Ben-Amun! We're still desperately holding on to the final days of summer, and a site wide sale at Ben-Amun.com is just the way! Below are a few of my personal summer favorites that will be perfect additions for final summer days and Labor Day celebrations! Shop ben-amun.com and receive 20% off your entire order, using code SUMMER20 at checkout.

Looking for a Fall Internship? Come join the Ben-Amun team!

Ben-Amun is looking for superstar PR and Sales interns for the Fall semester. Interns should be creative, detail-oriented, social media savvy and have an enthusiastic attitude! Great writing skills and attention to detail are extremely important!  Responsibilities include:

- Tracking jewelry samples to media outlets

- Trend forecasting

- Drafting pitches

- Updating all social media outlets

- Making follow up calls to editors and stylists

- Assisting with showroom appointments

- Scanning and keeping track of all press

- Participating in brainstorming sessions for new pitches

- Updating contact lists

- Assembling press kits and mailings

- Keeping sample closet neat and organized

- Assisting PR and sales team at trade shows

-Assisting in sales appointments

- Assisting PR Coordinator in preparing and executing sample sales

Please email resume and cover letter to pr@ben-amun.com pitching us “you” and why you’re the one we’re looking for!  Internships are unpaid but candidates should be able to receive credit and be available 2-3 days a week.

Going for Gold with Ben-Amun!

Since before day one of the 2012 Summer Olympics, fashion has been at the forefront of the London games. From the fury at finding that Ralph Lauren’s opening ceremony ensembles for the US team were produced, gasp, in China, to the Olympic rings tattoos trending on the muscle of the athletes, fashion lovers around the world have found ways of making this a sporting event that they can get into.

Here at Ben-Amun we’re no exception. We’ve been paying special attention this time around, and no, it has nothing to do with Ryan Lochte. Just kidding, let’s face it, that cutie in the pool has kept us tuning in all week, but in our efforts to get another glimpse of Lochte’s bod, we couldn’t help but make a few observations about spectator style, sport-to-sport trends, and national fashions. So get your head in the game and let’s review, Ben-Amun style.

Nail art is all the rage. Be it a mini-flag for each finger, multi-color glitter polish, or a spunky, patriotic mish-mash, athletes are not neglecting their hands as they prepare for competition. But alas, a hand is nothing without the wrist that waves it, so let’s talk about bracelets. Personally, I’d pop on a couple of these for the big moment.

Riviera Twisted Figure Eight Link Bracelet



Gold Hinge Cuff



Riviera Blue and Gold Woven Bracelet





Athletes aren’t the only people being judged. As was expected, London’s Olympic sidelines have been studded with stars. From fashion folk like Stella McCartney to sports greats like David Beckham, the cameras have had their lenses full, and nobody has been more in the spotlight than the royal family. Although rooting for the home team is a must when you’re a royal, dressing for the occasion isn’t always easy (apparently) because while Kate Middleton took home a gold, the queen herself didn’t even medal. Be a winner not a candy puff with the help of Ben-Amun’s Regalia brooches for Fall 2012!

Keeping up with the Phelps Fam is the new Keeping up with the Kardashians. Everybody loves a dynamic sister team, front and center mother, and a post-controversy moneymaker on the same family tree, so for those of us who’ve switched from E! to Olympics, we’re in luck! The Phelps Family is stepping into the spotlight, and they’re dressed for success. So, while Michael stockpiles his medals, take some style tips from Hilary Phelps and her mother, and try out these Ben-Amun necklaces!



Black and White Beaded Necklace



Kasbah Coral Necklace

Last but not least: Sports are hard, and once you get past the ripe old age of six they stop giving trophies to everyone. So if you’re like us, and you’re never going to stand on the top tier, with the national anthem filling the stadium, and the most revered chunk of gold hanging off your neck, you can fake it. Feel like an Olympian without breaking a sweat in Ben-Amun’s Byzantine Gold Statement Necklace.


-Kristin  

Ben-Amun and the Anthropologists: A Romance

Isaac frequents flea markets, has a love of other eras, and tends to keep his imagination trained on far away locations. His mood board is as much a mix of found objects as it is an exploration of other cultures, and he is forever thinking of the woman he designs for. That woman, however, is not someone that he gets to keep to himself, because while we all want a monogamous muse, sometimes we have to share. It’s always best to share with friends though, and so it’s not with jealousy but with joy that Ben-Amun and Anthropologie design and curate, respectively, for the same woman.

Like Ben-Amun, Anthropologie seeks to please the woman who appreciates both artfulness and soulfulness and who treats her wardrobe as a place to escape into beauty. This woman wants to discover what charms her and she wants to be inspired by what she wears. Ben-Amun prides itself on creating jewelry that this woman not only wants to buy but to experience, and so it seemed fitting when Anthropologie started carrying one of our most transportive pieces.

Featured in Anthropologie’s July catalog, the Venetian Glass necklace, dubbed the “Mudmee Necklace” by Anthropologie after the Thai dye technique, appears to be both vintage and otherworldly. Styled by the brand for their most recent catalog, the necklace added an air of intrigue to an otherwise politely feminine look. Check out the picture below, or see the entire Anthropologie catalog here!

Are you the woman Isaac designs for? Then skip ahead to the necklace itself!   

Mudmee Necklace by Ben-Amun at Anthropologie.com



I know that sometimes one piece just isn't enough, so for those of you craving more from our upcoming collections, Anthropologie.com also offers Ben-Amun's Byzantine Kaleidoscope Earrings. Pictured below!

-Kristin 



Riyadh Royalty Goes Behind the Scenes at Ben-Amun

Although Ben-Amun is a company rich in history, with a designer hailing from Egypt and closets full of jewelry that we find pretty magical, our garment district headquarters aren’t frequented by princesses. That said, Saudi Arabian Princess Deena Abdulaziz is no stranger to our showroom, and as of late, to Isaac’s workshop. Rather, on a recent visit to New York, Princess Deena, owner of D’NA, the more-than-just-a-boutique located in the heart of Riyadh, went behind the scenes at Ben-Amun.

The mood boards and accompanying article that resulted from Princess Deena’s visit and which appeared on the boutique’s online magazine, reminded us of two things: first, that we love being one of the designers sold at D’NA, and second, that we may be cooler than we think. Rather than toot our own horn, I’ll let you read D’NA’s article for yourself (just follow this link!) Spoiler alert: they liken the Ben-Amun showroom to Aladdin’s bauble filled cave!

While it’s not so chic to brag, D’NA being one of our favorite international retailers is something that I’d be happy to discuss! Established in 2006, D’NA bills itself as “a unique shopping and cultural experience that seamlessly bridges East and West.” With wares curated by Princess Deena, a woman widely recognized as the international face of East-meets-West style, and a commitment to cross-cultural beauty, D’NA boasts an exceptional selection that is constantly displayed in unique and innovative ways. For instance, check out the image from their store below, and while you’re at it see if you can spot the Ben-Amun!



(hint: you can buy the necklace on the second mannequin here!)


If a trip to D’NA’s Saudi Arabian flagship store isn’t in the cards, at the very least you can enjoy the artful lookbooks and intriguing mood boards on D’NA’s website. Start with the ones featuring Ben-Amun below!

-Kristin