Claudio Pino is "Catching Fire"!

It was October when Montreal based Jewelry Designer Claudio Pino, posted this cryptic message on his Facebook page...

"Guess who's wearing my ring? À qui est la main ?

Fantastic News!!! My rings were selected by The Hunger Games styling movie team for the character played by Stanley Tucci for the upcoming Hunger Games sequel, Catching Fire. I would like to thanks Lilian M Raji, The Lilian Raji Agency, and the stylists who have make this possible!"

In October 2012, The Lilian Raji Agency presented Claudio Pino's jewelry to Trish Summerville, costume director for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. 

Impressed with Claudio's artistry, Trish chose several pieces to be worn by characters played by Stanley Tucci and Lenny Kravitz.

Below are the first set of images from the posters and movie, along with the chosen Claudio Pino rings.

Caesar Flickerman (played by Stanley Tucci)
wearing Claudio Pino's Black Velvet Ring (2013)/Hunger Games - Catching Fire!   

In an extensive interview with JCK Magazine, Pino describes his Black Velvet Collection and Vena Amoris, the ring that was chosen for the film

"Black Velvet is a collection that emphasizes the contrasts between darkness and light, hardness and softness, and toughness and tenderness. It juxtaposes darkness with unexpectedly bright luxury details."

Claudio describes the Interactive Mirror Ring: Inspired by the old navigational instruments, the Interactive Mirror Ring proposes a third eye with a kinetic mirror that rotates 360 degrees in four directions—south, north, west, east—thanks to a carefully designed and complex mechanism. The movement of the mirror reflects light and shines in all directions following the movement of the hand of the wearer. The ring questions not only the power of rings but also the importance of their interaction with the wearer, and comes alive only when it finds its owner.

Interactive Mirror (Hunger Games) A kinetic Ring.14k gold, 925 sterling silver, mirror, carnelians, pearls

When asked by Melissa Rose Bernardo, Managing Editor at JCK: What kind of feedback have you received since your ring appeared on the Tucci poster?

Claudio Responded: The outcomes are amazing! Since the posters of Caesar Flickerman went out, I received more than 100 emails. A few have been asking me for custom rings in the same spirit of the one selected for this character. Hunger Games is certainly a big hit, which implies so many real fans of this spectacular story by Suzanne Collins.

I hope that this is just the beginning for this extremely talented designer...and that this article whet your appetite to see more of his work!

Check out the gallery at:  http://pinodesign.net/

Keggy - Luxe for Less - Coming to QVC

Keggy - Luxe for Less
A line that is unlike any collection you have seen before – a belt line that will not only command the stage with its awe-inspiring designs but will also captivate your audience with its unmatched versatility and value.
           
Keggy spearheads the emerging trend of “co-creation”, allowing the customers to take a hand in designing their own belt. Keggy pairs mix and match buckles with a myriad of interchangeable leather and faux straps. Vintage inspired buckles boast pave rhinestones and pops of unexpected enamel spots. These gemlike buckles can swap partners at the waist to create an entirely new and original look.  Each Keggy belt may be worn alone as a skinny belt or stacked with others to achieve a wider width.  Converting from a waist belt to a pant belt in a matter of seconds, these belts are adjustable in length as well.  Keggy belts are the perfect items to pop in your suitcase for a weeklong trip as they can easily transform to create dozens of unique combinations.
            

Keggy has created a sister line of rings which complement the belt collection and feature the same “Keggy” details. These gems are akin to candy and can be worn for fun or fancy. Wear multiple rings side by side to follow the hot trend.

Kerry Leikus, the designer, is known as well for her outerwear and belt designs as her business skills and acute intuition.  Leikus’ finger is on the pulse of fashion - she   predicts the “in style” while transcending the trend.  She magically reintroduces the old and claims the “what’s new” in fashion. In response to changing consumer habits and demands for more accessibility, Leikus has responded with an accessories line that is spot on for the 2012 consumer. Keggy, the staple brand of Hollywood A-listers, has now made these precious treasures available to the value driven customer that is looking for more in the way of style. 

Though Keggy’s loyal celebrity following helped put its name on the map, Keggy designs have a universal appeal that has most recently been recognized by QVC. Joining the ranks of some of the most premiere designers in the world, Keggy will debut an exclusive belt collection on QVC in March and April.

From QVC: Succeeding in the fashion business means overcoming long odds – in the best of times. Keggy is a story of a small business that has successfully adapted to changed consumer habits and is turning that challenge into an avenue of even greater success.  Keggy Enterprises was just over two years old when the economy plunged in 2008.  Leikus had been successfully designing outerwear, belts, and other accessories and selling at retail price points between $135 for accessories and $650 for apparel items. Overnight, everything changed.  Customers’ spending habits changed and the middle tier fashion market dropped out of the economy. The high end market and the under $200 items survived the recession, but Keggy’s customers moved on to the more affordable brands. Now, however, Keggy Enterprises is still in business, thanks to a revamping of its products, manufacturing process, price points and marketing. 

Leikus shifted her sights from high end luxury clientele to the more practical, though quality driven customer at QVC – and it’s paying off: In March and April 2012, QVC will debut a Keggy belt line with interchangeable buckles that will sell for under $40.