Michael O’Connor’s Emmy Style Lab 2014
By Sue Facter
Hollywood awards season is not complete without a visit from New York based jewelry aficionado, Michael O’Connor. The style guru hosted his annual Emmy Style Lab at the L’Ermitage Hotel where he showcased the latest in bling for celebrities, nominees and stylists to rule on the Emmy red carpet. This is an invitation and appointment-only event.
The former QVC style director says that color is the key, even for diamonds. “Celebrities are choosing to reinvent classic designs with modern shapes and patterns.” (We spotted chocolate diamonds!)
For 48 hours pre-Emmys from dawn till dusk, he hosts a constant flow of well-heeled guests. And we’re not talking Louboutins. When Greer’s OC stopped in, Kate Flannery (“The Office”) was on her way out, after selecting a pair of drop leaf earrings by Kallati worth $15K with 2.6 carats pave set with diamonds. Another Kate (Linder, “Young and Restless”) called his private line. Kate Mulgrew (“Orange is the New Black”) was drawn to Leo Diamond stiletto style drop earrings with 13.65 carats by Leo Schachter worth $200,000.
O’Connor’s warm personality, sense of humor and knowledgeable tidbits makes everyone comfy as he shows a pre-pick necklace for an actress du jour. “This is not a done-deal because you know how that works. But I am almost certain that a very important person will be wearing this necklace on Emmy night.”
Whether it’s vintage Hollywood glam or a modern version, O’Connor (who has worked many carpet for Reelz TV and other shows) knows how to pair personality with pendant. He never forgets the men, especially the “Mad Men” appeal. Seah Watches & Jewelry launched The Astronomer timepiece, the only watch in the world that comes with the Greek Zodiac signs that replace the hours.
“Takat is reinventing Hollywood glam with an 108 carat Columbian Emerald cut necklace featuring 72 carats of diamonds priced at three million.” He says Sofia Verega was born to wear this.
Designer Kara Ross from Diamonds with a Story Collection designed parts of broken sidewalk concrete with diamonds to create a statement ring priced at $2,130. He thinks it would be perfect for Heidi Klum.
Other designers included Bellarri, Brenda Smith, Dena Kemp, Leeza Braun, Mastoloni, Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry, and Vahan Jewelry.
