Style icons and their pearls

MANILA, Philippines - Just as the fabled jewelry of the Duchess of Windsor heads to a new auction at Sotheby’s in London on Nov. 30, fashion jewelry company Carolee announces the launch of its “Style Icons” collection.

Celebrating the style of four notable women of the 20th and 21st centuries, the collection is inspired by their timeless sense of individuality and fashion: Jackie Kennedy, Eva “Evita” Peron, The Duchess of Windsor Wallis Simpson, and Michelle Obama have defined fashion for women around the world with their unique sense of style.

Jackie Kennedy was the epitome of elegance and grace. Both during and after her time in the White House, she was well known to Americans as a style icon for her constant use of pearls as a wardrobe staple. With the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Kennedy Administration, as well as the new film Jackie and television series The Kennedys, Carolee commemorates Jackie O with a triple-row pearl necklace with ornate crystal enclosure — a classic piece that was a favorite of the former first lady.

Michelle Obama and the Carolee Michelle 16mm pearl necklace

Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, was considered one of the world’s best-dressed women. She had a style all her own centering on her jewels.

Current US First Lady Michelle Obama’s classic and confident fashion statements have drawn admiration from women around the world. In February 2007, Michelle was featured on the cover of Newsweek wearing a Carolee 16mm pearl choker. Since then she has worn this bold necklace in dozens of photos including the iconic image of herself in a purple sheath dress on the night her husband won the Democratic nomination.

Carolee is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-la Plaza.

Wallis Simpson and Carolee’s version of The Duchess of Windsor flamingo pin given by the Duke of Windsor.