New York - January 09, 2006

Origin of the Species

Les Bijoux des Sophie

With regard to the fashion food chain, only one creature grazes above the painstakingly stylish New Yorker — La French Girl.

Observed in her natural habitat, she is deceptively simple. But further study reveals a highly evolved species adapted to its accoutrements. (See diagram 1: vintage Hermès scarf as bandana, belt, or bandeau.)

The fittest variety has been wearing baubles from Les Bijoux de Sophie of late. Rare on this side of the Atlantic, Sophie Levy’s trove is feminine but full of animal instinct. Intricately sculpted skulls frosted with flowers are equal parts cutesy and carnal. Gilded fish necklaces make Field & Stream as chic as APC. Sophie scavenges everything from cowhide to horn and works it into unpredictable pieces.

Experts at Paris’s Colette and Palais de Tokyo have been observing Les Bijoux de Sophie for some time and have proposed western migration to NYC. Indigenous creatures are encouraged to adapt or face possible fashion extinction.

In the asphalt jungle, only the accessorized survive.

Available at Destination, 32-36 Little West 12th Street, between Ninth Avenue and Washington Street (212-727-2031 or destinationny.net).