Randi met Monica Rich Kosann and her husband Rod many years ago (oh come on, she's not going to date herself by giving you a year) and fell instantly in love with not only the brand, but the people behind it. The married couple are gracious, chic and thoughtful, and between the two of them, they've managed to create a line that is full of instant heirlooms including precious charms, lockets and always-in-style jewelry wardrobe staples. If you didn't know, Monica started her professional life as a photographer, and attended the International Center of Photography in New York, the Rhode Island School of Design and the École des Arts at the Sorbonne in Paris before turning to jewelry. So, you know, just a few other things to add to her resume besides being beautiful, endlessly elegant and a enviable business woman. (We often wonder how we manage to find ourselves in such good company. We have no answer. We just go with it.)
“Edward Steichen. He was one of the first photographers to legitimize Photography as art.”
Let’s have dinner at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Where do we go and what do we eat?
Atlantic Grill on the Upper West Side.....Sushi for the appetizers and then grilled salmon with veggies.
If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another jeweler, what would it be?
Sevan and Arunashi – such talents!
The vacation spot that you keep going back to over and over?
The South of France and Deer Valley.
What’s the last book you couldn’t put down?
I just reread Patti Smith’s "Just Kids"...couldn’t put it down!
What's your go-to cocktail?
Chardonnay
The gemstone you’re currently lusting after is . . .
Another amazing Traipiche emerald.
It’s your birthday and your favorite flower arrangement arrives – what does it look like?
All white...LOVE!!
What’s your favorite piece that you bought/were gifted in the last year and why?
A vintage rose gold bracelet my husband bought for me.
You have 30 minutes to work out – what do you do?
Soul Cycle!
What was the first piece of jewelry you bought for yourself?
Hoop earrings, and I’m still a hoop girl today.
If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Edward Steichen. He was one of the first photographers to legitimize photography as art.
What is the most sentimental piece of jewelry you own and tell us the back story.
My charm bracelet, I wear it everyday. My Mom always wore a charm bracelet. I remember the sound it made, and I always wanted to start one of my own to tell my story and now my daughters are both starting their own.
What’s your preferred mode of transportation day-to-day?
Walking in NYC. When I’m in the country I drive my car blasting music from my iPhone.
Top 5 bands in your playlist - go!
Maroon 5, Earth Wind and Fire, Diana Krall and Beethoven.
You’re having guests for the weekend. What’s your signature dish that you cook?
Chicken marbella or grilled lamb.
Be honest – who’s your celebrity crush?!
Still love Robert DeNiro.
If you could only carry one handbag for the rest of your life, what would it be?
My Celine cross body bag.
What’s your signature scent and what three words would you use to describe it? Coriander….it’s clean and fresh, not floral or heavy.
If you could sit front row at any fashion show, which would it be and why?
The Row – I really love what those girls do.
Tell us your beauty secrets.
Having European parents helps, but so do my Sisley products, and my Bobbi Brown!
Signature nail polish and/or lipstick shade for a night on the town?
Like Linen for my nails. Lips would be Tom Ford’s Spanish Pink. I’m usually pretty neutral.
What beauty/health/apothecary product can you not live without during Couture?
I always carry Elizabeth Arden 8 hour lip balm in my bag, Purell, lip gloss and Ahava hand cream.
Check out Monica's beautiful boutique inside Bergdorf Goodman.
xx FFR