Handbag Designer, Khirma Eliazov’s NYC Boutique Opening (Huff Post article)

by Joy Adaeze Posted on 11/20/2012

 

2012-11-20-KhirmaEliazovImage1.jpg
I’m a fan of distinctive accessories that tell a unique story. That’s exactly why designer Khirma Eliazov’s innovative clutches and handbags caught my eye three years ago when we first met at Henri Bendel. She was holding one of her first trunk shows after debuting her line. We talked about her inspiration and use of exotic skins like python, stingray, and crocodile. I was blown away by her fresh point of view. Eliazov definitely knows her accessories; she has worked as accessories editor for fashion magazine giants like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Teen Vogue and Glamour. That night at the trunk show, I scored a perfect purple leather stingray purse adorned with a gorgeous gold chain strap. The chain could also be worn as a necklace, Eliazov explained. Genius. It had been inspired by a similar chain design her grandmother had worn. Sweet! Since then, Eliavoz’s unique pieces have been one of my favorite, with a list of celebrity fans that include Sienna Miller, Jennifer Lopez, Blake Lively and Alessandra Ambrosio.

Fast-forward to present day and Eliazov’s designs can be found in over 50 department stores and boutiques around the world, including Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Intermix and one other extra special location: Eliavoz’s very own boutique which opened last week in NYC’s West Village at 102 Charles Street. At the grand opening last Wednesday, the chic locale was filled to the brim with family, friends, eager press and well-wishers. Some special attendees included Eliazov’s close friends, whom many of her bags are named after.The Khirma Eliazov team is a close knit bunch that has been with her since the beginning. “My whole team is this amazing, passionate group of people that believe in the brand, believe in me and are like, ‘let’s get it done.’ Everyone that works for me started as an intern. It’s the funniest thing. And they all just stayed and they’ve made it happen, really. It’s a team effort. It’s definitely not just me.” The 850 square-foot boutique, designed in partnership with interior specialist Valerie Pasquiou, is meant to feel like you have just entered the designer’s closet. *To read on, go to my Huff Post article here!*

The designer, Khirma!

Photo of Khirma and I, courtesy of her sister Diana Eliazov of BFA

Wearing a vintage army jacket from the Vietnam War, vintage pants, Kate Spade boots and a Khirma Eliazov purse.

Sasha and Sparrow

The Khirma Eliazov gang!

Special thanks to the Khirma Eliazov team, Jasmine Desai of Entertainment Fusion Group PR and last, but certainly not least, Khirma herself! Such a sweet and amazingly talented woman!

Check out more Khirma Eliazov bags here: khirmaeliazov.com

-xoxo-

Joy

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

I’m in ESSENCE Magazine’s December Issue!

by Joy Adaeze Posted on 11/19/2012

So excited to be featured in the December issue of ESSENCE with cover girl, the fabulous Gabby Douglas! I’m in the “What We’re Wearing” section where chic ladies all around the globe show off their fierce style. I’m representing for NYC gals! I’m wearing a gorgeous beaded top by one of my favorite designers Jewel by Lisa and my staple Mercura Monkey shades! This look is from Day 2 of NYFW this past February.  Such an honor to be featured, even more so because I have worked for this amazing publication. There are very few magazines celebrating Black women and ESSENCE is the best. In a league of their own!

Thanks ESSENCE : )

Pick up your December issue today! This special collectors issue will only be out for another week. Don’t miss out, it’s wonderful!

-xoxo-

Joy

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Prints for Day and Play

by Joy Adaeze Posted on 11/17/2012

This print jumpsuit from Mango has been a favorite ever since I wore it to NYFW Day 2. This day was my 2nd time wearing it and for Fall I layered it with a H&M blazer and later in the day; an Old Navy leopard coat. Shoes play such a major role in any look. They are powerful pieces! I wanted to show a fun day-to-night look just by changing from flats to heels. These brogues above are from Forever 21 and are my favorite flats! I love the shape and the vibrant pop of print. To accompany the look, I piled on tribal print bangles that I got at a small NJ store. Funny story about these bangles- I had lunch with my friend Julee Wilson, Style and Beauty Editor of Huffington Post Black Voices the other day and we showed up wearing the same bangles! But…She got hers while in South Africa for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week! Ha! We had a good laugh about that : ) The other ivory and brown bangle I’m wearing is from Forever 21. My “Black Girl” necklace is from Peace Images. Check out their online store. It’s full of such creative jewelry! I layered on one of my favorite silver necklaces from a thrift store. These sunglasses are from Urban Outfitters! One of my fav colors is gray. I think its sexy and chic. This turban has been a favorite as of late. It is a hand dyed silk scarf from Shimmer & Bliss! My Juicy Couture bag is a recent gift from my mentor (who I also style!), the amazing Constance White. I love her : )

Later at the playground…

I changed into my YSL booties and layered on an Old Navy coat!

My booties covered in a bit of playground dirt.

I love shooting in unexpected places, especially a playground full of kids. I love the juxtaposition of fashion and fun. And how cool was the Joy dish detergent in the background of the 3rd pic? Adore!

Captured by Phillis Kwentoh

-xoxo-

Joy

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment