New York - July 31, 2007

Puff, Puff, Give

MSG Leather Puff Jewelry

Remember the summer of oversize Hawaiian bead necklaces? Knocked out by extra-long granny-pearl strands. Upset by “reworked vintage” trinkets on a string.

Fighting for heavyweight title these days is MSG leather puff jewelry — bold, gold chains interlocked with soft, squishy, stuffed leather that feels protective on the body (like boxing gloves). It’s an eye-popping fabrication we haven’t seen before.

Thick, woven leather puffs create necklaces that are over the top in size and shape (like a twisted basket weave), bracelets in vibrant primary colors, and cushy rings that are big but not clumsy.

The experimental line is the work of Mimi Golzer, who designs private jewelry collections for Calypso, Nicole Miller, and Wink; and Mami Suzuki, a Parsons alum who worked with Marc Jacobs and a bevy of Japanese designers before opening her shop, MSG, in Chinatown. Where, we predict, these pieces will go pretty fast.

They pack quite a punch.

Available at MSG, 66 Kenmare Street, between Mott and Mulberry Streets (212-334-4032 or msgnewyorkcity.com).