My ‘Protozoan Cross’ earrings featured on Vogue.com article on McQueen!

I was so excited to be included in an article on the perfect accessories to wear to this years Vogue Costume Institute Ball celebrating the life & work of Alexander McQueen.  Check out the article by legendary Vogue Accessories Editor, Candy Pratts Price:

Celebrating Alexander McQueen In Anticipation of “Savage Beauty” at the Met

by Candy Pratts Price

Looking at “Savage Beauty,” the exhibit at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, on view May 4–July 31, dedicated to the life and work of the late Alexander McQueen, we’re reminded how his genius inspired us all.
With less than two weeks left before attendees take to the red carpet for the Costume Institute Gala opening, it’s time to think about how we can celebrate his extraordinary contribution to fashion, starting with the things the British designer loved most.

McQueen was a master of subverting the macabre. In his hands, the skull was an utterly glamorous leitmotif—the dark, bejeweled twist to an evening clutch. I’ve always coveted his handbags, and this season’s printed variety are no exception.

There are shades of McQueen in the pavé diamond rings of Luis Morais andMichael Spirito’s chandelier earrings too. Clara Kasavina’s grenade-like minaudière on the other hand, flirts with the explosive elements associated with that iconography.

Heavily encrusted with glossy black beads, Giambattista Valli’s boots are major, and add McQueen-level drama to any evening look. The same is true ofLizzie Fortunato’s exquisite feathered collar. Christian Louboutin’s lace black boots channel much of the late designer’s decadent spirit—his signature talent for giving elegance a provocative jolt, the savage beauty for which we celebrate him.

Beauty Shots by Ken Pao

My friend and neighbor, photographer Ken Pao along with makeup master Roshar has created some stunning photos featuring my jewels….check them out:

‘Best Funky Jewelry’ in New York Mag’s ‘Best of NYC 2011′

The ‘Ribcage’ necklace from my S/S 2010 collection was chosen as ‘Best Funky Jewelry’ by New York Magazine!  The necklace is available at Love, Adorned in NYC and Maxfield in Los Angeles. Check out the article:

Best Funky Jewelry

Love Adorned necklace (Photo: Steven Crawford)

• Love Adorned

  269 Elizabeth St., nr. Houston St. 212-431-5683After fifteen years running a tattoo parlor with a few cases of jewelry, Lori Leven flipped the script and opened a 2,000-square-foot spinoff dedicated to baubles. With prices between $50 to $10,000, the super-eclectic inventory includes everything from 22-karat gold to brass, beach pebbles to raw diamonds, embellished bullet-casing pendants to fine-feathered earrings. In addition, Leven keeps a small reserve of vintage and antique pieces such as a Victorian compass locket and a seventies-era garnet pyramid ring.

Heidi Klum on the March Lucky Covers!

The blonde perfection of Heidi Klum is on the the cover of March ‘Lucky’ magazine wearing several of my pieces!  The cover features my ‘Flaming Phoenix’ ring, and ‘Maltese Pin’ ring in 14kt Gold, as well as my Gold and Citrine earrings.

On the bonus ‘double cover’ Heidi wears the Flaming Phoenix in Sterling, Gold, Diamond and colored Sapphires!  A giant Thank You to Melissa Lum and the Lucky crew for this beautiful credit!

P!nk wears Michael Spirito in her new campaign

Pink is modern rock and roll icon. A woman who has forged her own path through the music industry and who’s music is both danceable, rocking, and meaningful. I’m very proud to have my Scorpion Cross earrings featured in several pics of the campaign for her newly release Greatest Hits package.

JC Report: Featured Designer

Accessories are as integral an element of fashion as apparel, and jewelry is flexible in its ability to be imprinted with a wearer’s personal style. Jewelry designers are modern day alchemists who marry elements of chemistry and art, painstakingly creating beautiful treasures for us to admire and wear. In this second installment of the Emerging Designers Series we talk with award winning jewelry designer Michael Spirito. His jewelry and objects d’art are infused with tribal references and mystical iconography, and are sought after by stylists, editors, models and some of today’s most popular recording artists. Spirito’s fashion-forward style has garnered him a celebrity following, including Beyonce, Jessica Alba, Mary-Kate Olsen and Marie Claire’s Fashion Director Nina Garcia. His work is perfect for the bold spirit who wants to make a statement and those unafraid to take a fashion risk. Here Spirito shares some insight into his craft, his creative process and his inspirations.

JC Report: How did you discover you had a talent for working with metal and stones?

Michael Spirito: When I was about 10-years-old, I asked my father to show me how to solder two pennies together. Not sure where or why that thought came into my mind…it was very random. After that, I continued twisting and manipulating copper metal with various tools, constantly searching for different ways to meld and form the metals and add interesting textures.

JCR: In your creative process, what comes first: the materials or the design?

MS: The importance of materials and design for me in the creative process is completely 50/50. There are times I sketch an idea and the challenge of how to translate that imagery into a 3-dimensional piece of jewelry is secondary to the aesthetics. Then there are moments when I find a gorgeous stone or strand of stones and begin envisioning how to physically incorporate the materials into a piece with my signature elements.

JCR: What inspires you?

MS: Music has always inspired me most. There is always music playing in my studio. A new band or un-explored band from the past can affect my mood and inspire an entire collection.

JCR: How do you see your signature collection evolving in the future?

MS: My signature collection constantly evolves and changes unpredictably. I love developing new techniques in order to create something I envision. One thing I aim for is to always push myself and continue making pieces that challenge me artistically and technically.

This interview was conducted by Shane Ballard. Click on thumbnail to enlarge image.

Custom made Sterling Silver and Ebony Cuff with Swarovski Crystals and Grey Moonstone. Sterling Silver and Leather Neck Piece with Agate, Green Tourmaline, Labordorite, Fire Opal and Moonstone all by Michael Spirito http://www.michaelspirito.com/

All images © Shane Ballard 2010. All rights reserved

Nylon – November 2010

Got a really cool full page pic in the Nylon November issue with Evan Rachel Wood on the cover.  It’s a ‘fashion flashback’ to influential NY designer collections.  My necklace is on the page about the debut Imitation of Christ show in 2001.  The model is wearing a 5 strand rosary piece in Black Onyx and Sterling Silver.