NYFW: It started with a ring

“Let’s set a breakfast date so that we can see each other at least once during the week before you get too busy with the shows,” my boyfriend, Matt, suggested at the beginning of the New York collections. I didn’t think much of it. It turned out the breakfast date would be a marriage (!!!!!) proposal. And there has been an exclamation point dancing over my head ever since. That day was special for a myriad of reasons but I’ll tailor this entry to the ring. Unbeknownst to me, Matt contacted his old art school friend Asher Hoffman roughly a year ago about custom designing an engagement ring for me. After much back and forth, the two decided on a black diamond center stone and “went a little crazy” from there to quote Asher. I love it, because it’s dark and unconventionally beautiful. It also feels completely timeless. I was so blown away by it that I scheduled an appointment to stop by Asher’s studio in Manhattan’s Garment District and see the rest of his work. I’m now a loyal fan. It turns out, I’m not the only one. Several years ago, Russell Simmons tapped him to create Simmons Jewelry Collection. Since then, Asher has launched his own collection, Black and Blue jewelry, in addition to his ongoing work custom-making pieces for a select group of clients. With all of that said, don’t be surprised if you begin to see blog entries about how to plan a recession-friendly wedding. I’ll have a lot to think about after fashion month ends.