Headlines This Week 10/9

• The September Issue star and Vogue creative director, Grace Coddington says she is “flabbergasted” by the attention surrounding her at Paris Fashion Week. NYMag.com
• Funny girl TINA FEY, goes glam on the November cover of Harper’s Bazaar and in a frank interview, the comic heroine reveals her thoughts on Botox, motherhood and why Liz Lemon and Carrie Bradshaw would be best friends. FashionIndie.com

• Yesterday Alexander McQueen presented his beautiful spring 2010 collection in Paris (watch the video here). The quirky highlights were almost too numerous to list. The show opened with a video of a topless Raquel Zimmermann writhing in the sand with snakes. Popgloss.com

• For the month of October, an open air exhibition will be held at the Champs Elysées featuring 90 years (1920-2009) of Vogue covers. BecauseImAddicted.net

• The Sartorialist snapped a woman in bunny ears on her way to the Louis Vuitton show in Paris. It’s one thing to use them on the runway and in editorials, or wear them in Japan if you’re an Olsen, but as a normal member of society? NYMag.com

• Ralph Lauren’s legal team is in full gear, threatening online publishers for displaying the American designers latest photoshop disaster. FashionIndie.com

Ancient, Ethnic, and Beautiful Gems from Tam Tran

I adore jewelry but I am so sick of mass-produced chain-store-purchased gems. I recently bought a necklace from an unmentionable store (let’s just say the name rhymes with Shmerever Wenty Wun) and wore it out last Friday night. THREE girls at the bar were wearing the same necklace! I immediately made a pledge to buy less “junk jewelry” and instead search for unique, beautiful pieces that are made with care.

Tam Tran is a perfect example of a talented, passionate, and inspired designer. (Whose pieces would not be found on almost every girl at the party!) Trained as a goldsmith, she uses precious metals and stones for each handmade piece. Her motivation comes from ancient civilizations and cultures. Her skill comes from her apparel and textile design background.

Each piece is distinctive and simply beautiful. They remind me of something you would find hidden in palaces in Northern India or tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. Unlike the gems of royalty, Tran’s designs are perfect for everyday wear. Some of my favorites are her un-cut gold and diamond rings, her hand-beaten bangles, and colorful stacked necklaces.

Tran’s ethnically-inspired pieces have been featured in major Hollywood productions such as Rachel’s Getting Married (love that movie!), Music and Lyrics (another adorable flick), and Motherhood with Uma Thurman and Minnie Driver. Found in boutiques across California and New York Tam Tran designs will set you apart.

Photos courtesy of Tam Tran.