Solange Azagury-Partridge

Profile

British jewelry designer Solange Azagury-Partridge launched her first New York boutique in April 2009, creating a setlike backdrop for her unusual lacquered and gemstone-studded baubles. With darkened windows and the front door shut fast, the store can be easily mistaken for closed, save for a single illuminated button you push for access. The space is small, dark, and dazzling�the walls and ceiling are encrusted in 630,000 Swarovski crystals, arranged to mimic constellations, and the floor is covered by a vibrant rainbow-striped parquet rug (of Azagury-Partridge’s own design). Opulent jewels are mounted in backlit black-velvet alcoves, appearing to glow from within. The striking pieces draw on various sources of inspiration, including mathematical patterns (a necklace of candy-colored squares resembling a Tetris game), occult imagery (diamond pentagram pendants), and sheer whimsy (chunky cocktail rings shaped like birds, crocodile heads, and kissing lips). — Frankie Thomas