When LIVE-COUTURE was asked to be one of the judges on the panel at the Cocoa Couture Fashion show of course the answer was yes. Fashion & chocolate mashed together – love it! Taking place Saturday October 13, 2012 at Nova South Eastern University, up-and-coming designers will be showcasing  garments created from their preferred chocolate. Instantly reminded of Project Runway’s  unconventional material challenges which are a favorite to watch each season. Saturday is going to be sweet.

Come join me!  //nova.festivalofchocolate.com/InfoAndTickets/Purchase/

Photo courtsey of: MOIS

At the Festival of Chocolate. NSU Arena.

By Cristina Padron Ladin, South Florida Personal Wardrobe Consultant / Personal Shopper

Picked out some special Missoni pieces for a client at their boutique in the Aventura Mall.

By Cristina Padron Ladin, South Florida Personal Wardrobe Consultant / Personal Shopper

Spent the afternoon at The Breakers in gorgeous Palm Beach catching up with my girlfriend and fine jewelry designer Colleen Paul-Hus. Had a fabulous lunch in their Seafood Bar overlooking the ocean where we chatted about all the stylish and new things going on in our businesses. Read on to hear about Colleen’s design process, what’s in the pipeline and the lux stores that are carrying her collection.

Designer Colleen Paul-Hus at The Beakers Palm Beach wearing a few of her jewelry pieces.(Jumbo hoop earrings and two Blossom rings. I’m obsessed with the hoops. Need them!). I’m also coveting her yellow Balenciaga skinny jeans. Spring perfection.

Colleen Paul-Hus pieces are so unique in design but are still classics. What inspires you when designing?

I love being outside, and find that nature provides me with the freshest ideas.  When I quiet my mind after being outdoors, new designs just naturally flow from my imagination into reality as I create with my hands – it’s my personal “organic” experience. I am also fascinated by the Law of Attraction these days, and have recently created new pieces that represent its positive power.

Its been amazing to see how much your company has grown and I love the direction you’re taking the brand. What’s on the horizon?

I’m really excited about that, too. I incorporated the business in 2009, and established my line in a few boutiques.  Now, I’m in negotiation with Neiman-Marcus, which was a long-term goal that came sooner than expected!  I’m also opening up a new office in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, which will be a mini-showroom if clients want to have private viewings and appointments with me.  It overlooks Huizenga Park and Las Olas Boulevard, and will be a great place to create.

Negotiations with Neiman’s – how fabulous! What an exciting time and I can’t wait to come visit your new space. Is there a certain piece you think really speaks to the South Florida woman and what’s your favorite piece?

My favorite piece is in the works, and I can’t wait to show it to you when it’s done!  At the moment, the Blossom ring is the top seller.  It looks great on everyone, and is perfect for Spring.  It definitely brightens your day when wearing it.

Where can people purchase your designs?

Right now they can purchase them at Mix in The Breakers Hotel Palm Beach and at Lilac and Lilies across from the Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale. Also, if you visit my website www.colleenpaulhus.com it has my contact information for a catalog request. I also create custom pieces as well.

The Blossom ring in 14K rose gold and in silver each with a beautiful 6 carat pink topaz. Lucky Elephant Pendant in 18K yellow gold with swiss blue topaz eyes.

By Cristina Padron Ladin, South Florida Personal Fashion Consultant / Personal Shopper