channeled the roaring ’20s for its first-ever dress presentation. Karen Erickson and Vicki Beamon have long been known as pioneer designers in the fashion jewelry world, collaborating with the likes of Anna Sui, Dior and Givenchy since the 1980’s. For their first foray into ready-to-wear, their day jobs as jewelers was clearly referenced. Black lace panel dresses featured jeweled multi-strand beading. A Tanzanite silk and lace dress was hung ever so delicately by a suspended animation chain back.

“We wanted to do a presentation where people were dancing, so I thought, well then we’re going to have to make the clothes,” said Beamon. “We didn’t know how to make jewelry when we started years ago, so it didn’t matter that we had never done it.” The event, held on the 8th floor of Milk Studios, was a raucous celebration, where The Citizens Band played swinging jazz-era music on a stage set like an old nightclub. Models danced on tables, swilled champagne and let loose.

All images by Douglas Neill.