OMG, what a beautiful day it was!!! Southern Cal in all its finest…Sun, cool breeze, and WALKING!!! One of the nicest pleasures I miss from not living in Manhattan anymore is walking. Beverly Hills provides some nice little jaunts. Nothing like a morning, strolling through the village, but niiice nonetheless. I walked up the cobblestone street at Two Rodeo Drive (which has a very European flair lined with high end stores, salons and restaurants) to Orgell’s (a well known jewelry store with luxury goods), which houses the RITMO MUNDO headquarters.  Once I got there I was escorted to an elevator that took me down, down, and down, to Ali’s lair, I mean office   Already, this man working out of this covert Beverly Hills establishment intrigued me. The doors opened and there he was…  Ali Soltani, a younger man than I expected with dark eyes and salt and pepper hair. Immediately we hit it off and he began to take me on a tour of his world of watches.

                            The Perepolis

Soltani began 9 years ago and when he launched Ritmo.  I remember the collection as the watches to the stars.  The timepieces were big, bold with bling and definite style.  I asked Ali, “What was/is your inspiration for Ritmo?”  Ali took me on the journey of the ever-changing world of not only timepieces, but also world affairs and economics.  “Initially I was inspired by other brands. But since then, Ritmo has developed original collections that show the range of the brand.”  As he told me his story I quickly became impressed with all of his creations and his business outlook. What styles do you consider your “internalized inspirations”?

The Persepolis is the first 3 time zone watch from 4 years with the orbital case that turns and it is definitely “different” than any watch. In the past year, we have introduced the Puzzle Watch, which is the first watch where the purpose is to “hide” time.  To see the time, the user either shifts the pieces to the puzzle or slides the case to see the “time”.  Other alternative inspired watches are on the horizon as Ritmo turns 10 years old

                      The Puzzle Watch

If you are into IndyCar racing you should check out Ritmo Mundo’s limited edition of 100 pieces of the Helio Castroneves timepiece, to commemorate his victory of the Indianapolis 500 for a record time. You can view these timepieces at www.ritmomundo.com and www.indycar.com.

What a great time I had with Ali in Beverly Hills, I headed out of the lair, grabbed a slice at Mulberry Street Pizza and was on my way back to the beach. On my drive back to the home, I reflected some more on the time I spent with Ali Soltani a true businessman.  I thought how striking is how he juggles what it takes to not only being the “hot” watch of the moment, but how to continue to grow a strong business. I like that!!! Being the consummate businessman, Ali inspired me, and never allowing a point of sale to go unnoticed, Ali offered me the opportunity for my first GG DEAL for all of you.

You can now purchase Ali’s Carnival watch right here at GG in the House! His newest timepiece, The Carnival collection is sporty and sexy. The bold case is water resistant up to 30 meters and a matching silicon strap is standard. Retail Price: $500.  GG Price: $450 (contact me directly to purchase at grace@gginthehouse.com).   This white watch is a summer must have. Soooo… Invest in a fine quality Swiss Made timepiece that has quality and style. Be the first…

Carnival Fun Watch GG Deal $450.00 43 MM case, Rose Gold bezel, polycarbonate sandwich case with white mother of pearl dial

Ali, Thank you so much for your time, expertise, and friendship.

What Time is it People???? IT’S GG Time…

Love to you all,

GG

The post GG TIME: Ali Soltani creator of Ritmo Mundo Timepieces appeared first on Day By Day.

I asked her bluntly, “Why”? “What was the initial “moment” for you”? Monique communicated the beautiful story of her sister who passed away 5 years ago at the young age of 16. Even at 16 her sister left a legacy of philanthropy. At the time, Monique was working at Goldman Sachs, and searching for “more”. ”How could I change my life and help others”? Change? Monique is an inspiration!!! Period… She took her love of art and culture and began working with indigenous artists from all over the world. She provides work for artists that help her create her jewelry by using conflict free and devastation free stones and recycled gold and platinum to create one of a kind pieces of wearable art.  With the money provided through the jewelry sales she has been able to empower communities and individuals from challenging places like Haiti, Malawi and Mozambique.  For the complete story and more information please visit her website at www.moniquepeán.com.

Monique’s beautiful jewelry collection consists of rare materials and at the same time providing a cool chic look.  Monique combines geometric shapes with the brilliance of diamonds. Her use of bold black ebony contrasting with the fresh cool color of ivory is used to create bangles, bracelets, rings and necklaces.  From what I experienced seeing her collection at the Couture Show, her pieces can become addicting. You just want to keep layering and stacking, which can become a bit costly, but how many times can you say your jewelry truly helps save lives.

I was so impressed having met Monique and learning more about her singular approach to fostering other artists as well as creating her own designs. The platform that she provides through the memory and spirit of her sister is both personal and global as she continues to grow helping and creating beautiful designs and relationships along the way.  Thanks, Monique for the visit “in the house,” great luck with your endeavors into the future.  Look good and feel good in MP.

shop this look at Barneys.com

The post Monique Peán Eco- Friendly & Sustainable Jewelry appeared first on Day By Day.