OSCAR WINNERS - RECAP OF 82nd Annual

The 82nd annual Academy Awards was long on nominees (10 for best picture!) and long on time, as in it ran 30 minutes long.   The show, chock full of Hollywood's finest was beautifully shot and produced.   The evening got off to a shaky start with the well executed but awkwardly written musical opener performed by Neil Patrick Harris.     Host's Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin were great together as a comedy duo.   I'm sure someone is writing a buddy film for them as  you read this!

I must say I thought the fashion was not so exciting.   Everyone looked pretty, but I felt like my brain was on auto pilot as I watched the entrances.  Maybe I'm just suffering from sensory overload from award season. SANDRA BULLOCK IN MARCHESA  

Sandra Bullock won an Oscar, which many thought would never be in the cards for the bankable movie star.   While Bullock has incredibly successful films, they aren't always the favorite of critics.  CHARLIZE THERON - CHRISTIAN DIORI'm not usually a big fan of Marchesa, and I don't think Sandra's dress flattered her all that much. She looked beautiful, but that was all on her own.   I wish the dress was a little more fitted and hugged her curves.   Bravo Ms. Bullock!  It is so pleasing to see someone of great integrity rewarded for their hard work.

Two stand outs in my mind were Demi Moore in Atelier Versace and Charlize Theron in Christian Dior.  DEMI MOORE - ATELIER VERSACE Both ladies chose colors that stood out and were flattering, and both know how to make an entrance.   Demi Moore amazes me,  that woman works it year after year!!  Bravo ladies!.

Special mention to the dreamy set designed again this year by David Rockwell.   Rockwell had the impossible task of topping himself from last years Swarovski studded set.  He succeeded, it was magical.

Here is the short list of winners:

Best picture

• "The Hurt Locker"

Actor
• Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"

Actress
• Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"

Supporting actor
• Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"

Supporting actress
• Mo'Nique, "Precious"

Director
• Kathryn Bigelow, "The Hurt Locker"

SWAROVSKI SPARKLES IN SOHO

SWAROVSKI & PHILIPPS USB DRIVEThe spring season has been gloomy and gray in NYC this year.   The drizzly, cool days of spring have lingered on and on.   Swarovski changed all that last week when they unveiled the biggest sparkle to hit retail in 2009.   The Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED Boutique opened at 499 Broadway in Soho, NYC with a bang and crowd that lined up down the block to get in on the bling!SWAROVSKI TINKER-BELL

When you think Swarovski, you might think figurines.   You would be right.  The company has been the master of fine crafted figurines and sculpted crystals for over 100 years.   In 1895 Daniel Swarovski revolutionized the world of cut glass with his innovation that would change his destiny.   He had created a new technique in cutting  crystal and was wise to quickly patent his invention.   From the very beginning, the company has been innovative and forward thinking as to what they can bedazzle next!  Now with the help of the 4th and 5th generation, the company is still family owned.

Every major fashion house has at one time or another worked with Swarovski to work their magic on the latest dress, bag, shoe, or of course jewelry piece.SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS BY THE MILE!WALL OF LIGHT CRYSTALS -BLUE & GREEN

The latest concept in the Swarovski retail world is CRYSTALLIZED.   The idea is to personalize your jewelry by choosing each element and build your own look.   The store is line with the WALL OF LIGHT that has thousands and thousands of choices - ranging in color and shape.   With prices starting at $4 or $5 dollars a bead - the concept appeals to a wide range of audience.   The marketing is wise for Swarovski as the appeal of crystal is staggering.   There are over 400,000 members of the Swarovski Crystal Society .

The idea of customized jewelry continues to grow.  As I mentioned in the article on Whimsy Worldwide rings - women the world over are taking more control over the design of the jewelry they choose to wear.

The opening party was packed beyond believe.   My friend and I got claustrophobic just trying to get to the bar.   There were a handful of celebs there - but honestly .. it wasn't their night.   It was all about the stars on the walls -and in the cases!SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL COLUMN OF LIGHT

The centerpiece of the store is an amazing column of light chandelier that has hundreds of thousands of crystals and is two stories tall as it lights up the staircase.   The column of light evokes a sense of glamour similar ot the 81st Academy Awards Ceremony.   DAVID ROCKWELL OSCARSYou might remember - the academy tapped design master David Rockwell to design the set.   Mr. Rockwell commissioned Swarovski to sparkle the stage and curtain with over 1 million crystals!

You can add some sparkle to just about anything you like.  I do mean anything- From a USB drive to your Wii, to your Nespresso Coffee Maker.   Oh yeah, there is the jewelry too!SWAROVSKI'D NESPRESSO

If you are in NYC this summer, hit the boutique on Broadway - just around the corner is the pop up shop for Nespresso.  I'll have more on that soon, but grab an iced coffee and all of your $2 charge will go to charity.   The concept of the pop up shop will not disappoint.   a caffeine fix rarely comes in the form of charitable donation - so take advantage of it while you can!

www.Swarovski.com