Costume jewelry has been a part of our fashion culture for the past 300 years, and infamous collector Barbara Berger has hers on display at New York’s Museum of Art & Design, her venue of choice. Daughter of an American diamond merchant, you could say jewels run in her blood. However, her passions were the more affordable cubic zirconias and semi-precious gems found in the vintage Hollywood style statement pieces.
Originally meant purely as replicas, the advent of plastics and semi-precious stones combined with the techniques used in fine jewelry pushed costume jewelry to its own innovations and arguably superior in quality and style. One of the most sought after bijoux de couture label Miriam Haskell sponsored the event that featured the coveted work of the namesake designer. With over 450 pieces on display, this is in addition to Marcel Boucher, Balenciaga, Gripoix, Kenneth Jay Lane, and Gripoix. Many were explicitly made to be worn with the haute couture of Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Dior. Visit The Museum of Art and Design (“MAD”) today and get your costume jewelry education today.
1. How do you know when something must be in your jewelry collection?
It’s a question of feeling a coup de coeur.
2. You say that “vintage is contemporary”. Can you expand on what that means to you?
Everything that is done today is often inspired by vintage pieces.
3. Largest barrier to putting on this exhibition?
The documentation and research and getting the museum to have the vision to do a vintage fashion jewelry exhibition.
4. Daniel von Weinberger pieces certainly stand out. How do you wear them? And why did you choose to have his piece represent your book? Do you think it epitomizes you?
I wear them on a simple dress. I think he’s an outstanding artist. It’s difficult to be epitomized by one necklace, but it does have my sense of humor.
5. What’s the most you’ve ever done to get your hands on a piece?
I killed the dealer.
6. What’s your favorite city to find treasures?
Not only to find the treasures but to be in Paris.