I visited the MeshNY showroom last Saturday to preview the debut collection of the eclectic accessories line. The MeshNY umbrella is comprised of five designers: Carmen Fritsch, Boris Goynatsky, Sharon Lim, April Marzoli, and Ursula Masterson. The quintet of designers recently opened the doors of their Chelsea studio with a message of 'democracy', selling their wares both to the trade and public. The union of these four ateliers is a 'new concept in accessory marketing.' Their collaboration celebrates a melding of design aesthetics, from the hip downtown-chic of MeshNY (Carmen Fritsch and Boris Goynatsky), the utilitarianism of SLim NYC (Sharon Lim),  homespun knits by Zoli (April Marzoli), to the quiet elegance of Ursula Masterson. There is something here to suit every taste and budget; with wholesale pricing in the median range of $50-500. The line, which was launched this past fall, has already enjoyed placements on NY's own WB11 (WPIX-the local Warner Brothers affiliate), Desperate Housewives as well as in numerous publications including Elle, Lucky, and WWD. The 'one of kind' pieces will also be featured in upcoming episodes of Will & Grace.

Sterling Silver Moon Band

The MeshNY showroom setting is warm and inviting with dark wood floors. The space compliments the pieces nicely. It evokes a feeling of 'being one with nature', with pebbles, bark, sand crystals, moss, and branches providing the backdrop for the 'mesh' of design elements. The walls are adorned with framed clippings of aforementioned media placements, including two consecutive inserts at Elle. It's an indication of a brand that is off to a running start, being featured in a publication that is an astute purveyor of burgeoning [design] talent. Chatting with Ms. Fritsch, a third-generation jewelry designer, I ask her about the black and white family portraits hanging amongst the jewelry displays. Ms. Fritsch tells me tales of her maternal grandmother's glamorous life, undoubtedly a huge inspiration and influence. The pieces she crafted in 1940's Spain used materials indigenous to both her homeland and the Philippines, where she later settled. On a private tour, Carmen Fritsch provides background information on the individual designers, their respective lines, and even gives me a mini-chemistry lesson as she explains the lost wax casting process to me. Likening it to a sculptor with clay' one uses wax to mold the design into shape; the hardened wax is then taken to a jeweler to have a cast made. She pulls out a few silicone examples for me, which apparently are better, because they 'last longer.' And from these molds, the shapes are cast to metal. The artisan tells me how much she enjoys the challenge of blending metals, such as sterling and gold together in one design. Apart from being 'harder', it's also great because these pieces are more versatile and compliment a greater variety of outfits.

Sterling Manhattan Cuff

As I inspect the individual pieces more closely, Ms. Fritsch goes on to tell me how she was attracted to Mr. Goynatsky's unique style. The Ukrainian designer has developed some clever pieces any New Yorker or New York lover is sure to appreciate. His silver Manhattan Cuff is cut in the shape of the island with neighborhoods plotted on the outer side and an MTA subway map along the inner layer. There is also the borough ring, plotting the five municipalities that form New York City. They're planning to do other cities next year. One of Ms. Fritsch's favorite new pieces combines wood and sterling; a hollow pendant with an African wood frame is inlaid with their signature silver mesh-design. As Mexican rock band Mane plays in the background, she takes me through the range. There are a myriad of options from dainty to daring in earrings, pendants, cuffs, even bedecked belt buckles will add a hint of sparkle to your everyday ensemble. These pieces are little works of art. The modernity of these accessories is very well-suited for an artistic environment, befitting a collection at an art gallery or the gift shop of a contemporary museum. Ms. Fritsch describes the MeshNY customer as 'hip, up with the trends.' When I ask her what the traffic has been like since their October launch, she tells me that a lot of people in the industry have been in 'which is a huge compliment.'

Wood & Silver Heart Pendant & Necklace

18-karat Gold Cabochon Rings

According to the website, Carmen Fritsch and Boris Goynatsky create jewelry for the young in spirit. Free-form designs that are as appropriate with jeans and a T-shirt as they are with evening wear. Amusing 'theme' pieces such as the New York map bracelets and innovative gold rings with a non-traditional placement of precious stones have been very popular. Their use of small diamonds and mixture of different metals in one piece creates a cutting-edge look for the fashion industry. The duo's signature pieces are their 'mesh' sun, moon, and freedom heart pieces. Both fond of hearts, they have taken the classical shape and given it a new meaning, with their slightly askew shapes. Ms. Fritsch elaborates, "It's funny; women who swear they would never buy a piece of heart jewelry are my most popular customers.' One of my favorite pieces is the cabochon ring. Available in sterling; white, yellow, and rose gold this updated classic features a wide range of gemstones including: Moonstone, Aquamarine, Blue, and Lavender Chalcedony.

Founder and designer for SLim NYC Sharon Lim creates whimsically sophisticated bags that combine function and fashion with an innovative and exciting touch. Giving new meaning to convertible, the stylish bags can be worn three different ways and are tailored in both sporty fabrications and fancy, more embellished models. They are ideal for the 'girl on the go' who loves to travel or wants to collapse her day bag into a chic clutch for drinks after work. Ms. Lim also designs a series of yoga and Pilates mat bags. The San Francisco-native cites the book, The Artist's Way, a self-help guide to unblocking creativity, as the impetus for her rediscovery of design and sewing. The Fashion Institute of Technology alum says that her line was 'born out of the creative premise of combining her devotion to yoga with New York's energetic and fashionable style.' SLim NYC is proud to donate part of its proceeds to CancerCare, a national non-profit organization that provides free professional help to people with all cancers and their families through counseling, education, information, referral and direct financial assistance. SLim NYC has already been featured in WWD and Lucky magazines, 'each one of these colorful and fun bags is a unique way to help express your individuality.'

Retro Shadow Yoga Bag

Convertible Tapestry Hip Bag

Zoli is an emerging handbag and knitwear company committed to offering unique handcrafted pieces for women and children. Designer April Marzoli uses only the finest leathers, wools, and silks. Ms. Marzoli has always loved sewing and combining different colors, patterns, and textures together. Since childhood she has been inspired by the women in her family who create beautiful clothing through their talents for sewing and crocheting. Zoli combines classic style and craftsmanship with a modern twist for today's Fashionistas. The line is sold at some of the hippest boutiques on the east and west coasts, including [one of my personal favorites] Anthropologie. Ms. Marzoli has a gift for blending unconventional fabrications and treatments, whether she's weaving suede through knit for a decadent scarf or juxtaposing different grains of leather to create her signature envelope clutch. Zoli has already graced the pages of W Magazine, The Daily News, Nylon, and luckymag.com.

Isa Clutch

La Reina Shawl

Ursula Masterson is understated elegance personified. The eponymous line is a sumptuous celebration of fine metal and precious stones, bold yet entirely wearable. According to her website, Ms. Masterson is inspired by world travels, modern architecture, and a dash of ancient iconography. Her latest collections effortlessly combine an Haute Couture edge with classic sensibilities. The new mother, like her partners has a diverse background, which includes working in Moscow as a network television correspondent. A former goldsmith's apprentice, Ms. Masterson honed her design skills at New York City's Craft Students League. The accomplished jeweler sold to private clients before launching her collection in autumn of 2004. The tagline of 'fine adornments with edge' seems apropos given the innovative manner in which she integrates clean lines and classic sensibilities with powerful themes and bold colors. The Ursula Masterson line includes five signature collections: Kingdom, Oasis, Bedrock, Moderna, and Byzantium. The collection is available at Objets Du Desir in New York City.

Bedrock Bumblebee Pendant & Necklace

Stairway to Heaven Earrings

Mesh has several different meanings for this quintet: whether it's the physical melding of metals, a cross-pollination of backgrounds and career paths, or the union of parallel design concepts and approaches. What is paramount and evident from visiting their showroom and meeting Carmen Fritsch is their mutual respect for each other's designs. The individual lines are available at several outlets nationwide (please see http://www.meshny.com/boutiques.html) for a full listing. They will also retail through the end of December at Shecky's SoHo Holiday Shop and The Holiday Market at Columbus Circle. Most pieces are in stock at their showroom and may be ordered online (at http://www.goemerchant1.com/index.cgi?Merchant=meshny&Cartid=27001135195403&ExpandedDepts=) with a two-week turn-around. Chalcedony, the aforementioned stone Ms. Fritsch uses in her 'cab rings' is said to augment emotional balance, vitality, stamina, endurance, kindness, charity and friendliness. It [supposedly] alleviates hostilities, irritability and melancholy. The peaceful aura of this stone permeates through the MeshNY showroom. If you're searching for that special holiday, birthday, or all-occasion gift' you needn't look any further than this treasure chest of customized pieces. Receiving one of these exquisite designs will have the lucky beneficiary feeling as special and unique as the pieces themselves.

The MeshNY showroom is located at 122 West 20th Street, Suite 1-F, New York, NY 10011. Tel: 212-633-MESH (6374).

For more information, please visit www.meshny.com

For SLim NYC, please visit www.slimnyc.com

For Zoli, please visit www.zolistyle.com

For Ursula Masterson, please visit www.ursulamasterson.com

Images provided courtesy of Kate Sullivan at Kick Public Relations, www.kickpr.com and MeshNY.     

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