The Ninth Emirates Woman of the Year Awards 2013

It's that time of year again and yes you guessed it we need your votes! Voting is very simple, with 21 nominees and just 4 categories all you need to do is select your top 4, and that's 1 from each category...

This year Sophie Katirai, the founder of sophiescloset.com has been nominated in The Artists category and we need your vote to win! "Why The Artists category?" you may ask, well the women who express their passion through art, design and performance are all placed under The Artists. Sophie's passion for costume jewelry is undeniable and we hope you can help to reward her for bringing such beautiful jewelry to the Middle East by simply clicking here and casting you vote. 

Still need convincing? Here is a little more about Sophie Katirai... 

SOPHIE KATIRAI

Founder and Owner of sophiescloset.com

With a gemologist for a mother, an antique dealer for a father and two grandmothers with large private jewelry collections, Sophie has jewels in her blood. Her ethos is that costume jewellery should have the quality and longevity of finer pieces. Sophie’s Closet started with a handful of designers in 2008, and now carries over 50 designers in the online store. Her goal is to share her love for beautiful jewelry with women across the UAE. She believes her eye for detail came from her father, who passed away in 2010. Sophie says: “As a girl I didn’t understand [when my dad said] something old and hand-painted was special, but as I grew his words remained with me and now inspire me to find those rare jewels for my business...

To read all about the nominees and place your vote please visit emirateswoman.com/vote

Introducing CINER, a Collector's Dream

Vogue (November 1947)

Sophie’s Closet just got heaps more glamorous. We are now the exclusive home to beautiful CINER jewels, considered by most collectors to be the golden era of costume jewellery. This legendary jewellery house was founded in 1892 in New York by Emanuel Ciner, a fine jewellery maker. CINER made the switch to costume jewellery in the 1930s in order to accommodate the Post-Depression era American customer.

Vogue (date unknown)

Pearl Drop Earrings (AED 975/ US $265)

Pearl Flower Earrings (AED 850 / US $231)

Staying true to their fine craftsmanship, CINER became one of the most established costume jewellery lines during that era, establishing many technical innovations that are still widely used today. Because their work can so easily be mistaken for fine jewels, CINER is sometimes referred to as being the Tiffany of costume jewellery.

Vogue (date unknown)

Butterfly Brooch (AED 1,400 / US $381)

Emerald Drop Earrings (AED 1,155 / US $314)

Nadya Emerald Necklace (AED 4,500 / US $1,225)

Vogue (October 1948)

Black and Ivory Brooch (AED 1,350 / US $367)

Bow Brooch (AED 995 / US $272)

Insect Brooch (AED940 / US $256)

Pink Cabochon Pearl Brooch (AED 1,300 / US $354)

Their baubles made regular appearances in Vogue and on many Hollywood stars, including the queen of jewellery herself, Elizabeth Taylor. Sources say she once bought over $30,000 worth of CINER jewellery in one hour — that’s an astonishing number! In fact, one of her many CINER sets sold for $15,600 at the now infamous Christie’s auction of her famous jewels.

Elizabeth Taylor wearing her Ciner jewels (1991)

Double Panther Head Necklace (AED 2,640 / US $719)

Double Panther Head Necklace (AED 1,620 / US $441)

Not only is CINER special for their impeccable craftsmanship and sensational design, but it is also still a tightly-knit family business. Today, after over a century in business, CINER is run by Pat Hill, the granddaughter of Emanuel Ciner. Sophie met with Pat herself in New York, and hand-selected all the gorgeous jewels for our store. Enchanting, elegant, and with a legacy that spans over a century, CINER is the ultimate investment for the serious jewellery lover.

Rita Ora loves Sophie’s Closet

Ultimate fashionista, Rita Ora is currently in Sophie’s Closet’s hometown of Dubai for the launch of Chanel's ‘The Little Black Jacket Exhibition’. The British singer-songwriter has also been spending her visit posing for an ever-so-glamorous photohsoot for Harper's Bazaar Arabia.

We were pleased to see that Miss Ora wasted no time in getting her fashion fix from us, as you’ll see from her instagram photo there’s one of our gorgeous Sophie’s Closet shopping bags placed on the bed right behind her. This lady sure has good taste!

To get some glistening jewels just like the ones Rita Ora showcases in her stunning picture, try these Sophie’s Closet treasures:

Beautiful Bangle

Lisa Freede, Gold Triple Crystal Wrap 

AED 370 (US) $101

This Lisa Freede Gold Triple Crystal Wrap features a 14K gold plated bracelet wrap design, hand set with shimmering Swarovski crystals. It’s adjustable to fit all wrists, and has also been seen adorning the wrist of style-setters Katy Perry and Kim Kardashian.

Delicate & Delightful

House of Harlow 1960, White Leather Sunburst Pave Necklace

AED 350 (US) $95 

This simply chic necklace is delectable just like the one Rita wears in her sassy shoot. Our House of Harlow 1960 White Sting Ray Leather Sunburst Pave Necklace comprises two black leather inlay sunburst charms pavéd with crystals, set on a 14K gold plated chain.

Miriam Haskell, Three Flower Necklace 

AED 1,580 (US) $430

Alternatively this Miriam Haskell Three Flower Necklace will help you steal her style. Inspired by vintage Miriam Haskell designs, with Russian gold plated floral filigrees and hand-wired with glass pearls - this necklace is perfect for day-to-day and special occasions too.

It’s a Ring Thing

LeiVanKash, Gold Dagger Midi/Pinky Ring

AED 540 (US) $147

Rita opts for a simple gold band for her hands, so get the look with our LeiVanKash Gold Dagger Midi/Pinky Ring. This dagger ring is handcrafted in London and effortlessly oozes coolness and cuteness!

If that’s put you in the mood for some shopping, simply click this way. >  

Look Like a Princess

Fancy dressing like a princess? Of course you do, we all would wish to look as regally ravishing as Kate Middleton.  The ever-striking Duchess of Cambridge certainly knows how to get our attention in the style stakes. From her feminine, floaty high street frocks to her ultra-glam Alexander McQueen and Jimmy Choo combos, this lady knows how to style up a fashionable look worthy of fashionista-status.

After all, we all remember when she wore a Reiss ensemble, it sold out within hours and crashed the brand’s website! Well there’s no need for such a panic today, as we’ve taken a little look into her fave jewellery pierces and found some ever-so-similar styles at Sophie’s Closet. That’s right, you can get prim and proper princess style, right here, right now – no website crashing necessary! 

First up, we focus on Kate’s simply sleek recent royal visit outfit where she wore a cream funnel neck MaxMara coat with some subtle sparkling studded earrings.

Achieve the look with our Kenneth Jay Lane Pearl Crystal Flower Earrings or Miriam Haskell Multi Pearl Flower Earrings. 

Kenneth Jay Lane, Pearl Crystal Flower Earrings
AED 420 (US) $ 114

Miriam Haskell, Multi Pearl Flower Earrings 

AED 795 (US) $ 216

Alternatively, get some royal affiliation with the delectable gem. It may not be the real engagement ring from a real prince, but this Erickson Beamon Bette Emerald Ring, with Swarovski crystals and 22K gold plated band is certainly a nod to the powerful piece adorning Kate’s marriage finger. 

You can Obviously wear this stunner on whatever finger takes your fancy- as ours is adjustable as well! 

Erickson Beamon, Bette Emerald Ring

AED 1,720 (US) $ 468 

Finally, Kate loves her delicate necklaces that enhance her décolletage and this Sophie’s Closet version is guaranteed to give you an instant iconic status.

Designed by Miriam Haskell, this timeless vintage piece comprises of floral filigrees, hand wired with glass pearls, and comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity. It’s all a girl needs to add some oomph to her neckline.  

Miriam Haskell, Multi Pearl Necklace

AED 1,580 (US) $ 430 

­Visit our blog again soon for more style news and fashion chat. In the meantime, take a browse through our ‘NEW IN’ irresistible items, just waiting to inject intrigue and exquisiteness to your life! 

Introducing RACHEL ZOE

Rachel Zoe

Think vintage, think 1920's glamour, think oh-so Rachel Zoe. Sophie's Closet would like to introduce you to the new range of jewelry from the celebrity stylist turned fashion designer Rachel Zoe. Most of you would know Zoe from her hit show 'The Rachel Zoe Report', however Zoe is most famous for her transformation of celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway, Nicole Ritchie and Jennifer Garner.

 

The Rachel Zoe Collection

The range has been inspired by Zoe's love for vintage and pays a strong homage to the eclectic style from the art deco period of the 1920's. Think bold, elegant, geometric shapes with lavish ornamentation. Transport yourself to a time of luxury, glamour and exuberance with this beautifully crafted range.

To view more of this amazing collection. Visit Sophie's Closet.