To invite guests to the launch of her new jewelry line, designer Trudelle Laker sent bow-shaped rings to key invitees, asking them to help unwrap her new collection. About 100 representatives from the fashion press attended the media reception at Sassafraz on Tuesday evening. Event planner Francine Socket of Francine Socket & Associates, Event Architects created a gallery-like feel for the launch, held in the Cumberland and Bellair rooms on the restaurant's second floor.
Socket worked with IGN Signs to create custom images of Laker's pieces, which she placed inside display cases throughout the all-white room. Two white bars served as display areas, with additional tables holding Laker's elaborate necklaces and rings. Four photographs of women wearing Laker's pieces hung on a wall at one end of the room.
"I live across the street," said Laker. "I walked in here one day and I just thought it was perfect. And it was easy to cart everything over."
Servers passed hors d'oeuvres including smoked salmon and pumpernickel mille-feuille, beef brochettes with mustard sauce, and sesame-crusted blue fin tuna with mango soya glaze. Waiters also offered a signature drink called the Blue Zircon, which included gin, blue curaço, lemonade, and fresh blueberries.
Laker's collection is currently available through her new e-store, which went live during the event.
