Stamford Style Makers Take New York

NEW YORK, New York -- Fashion and beauty editors converged on the Bryant Park Hotel in New York City last Friday, for a sneak peak at some of style’s up-and-coming stars for fall 2012. The invitation only event, organized by American Rebel, featured one of Stamford’s best kept style secrets, Agabhumi, the Best of Bali, a bicoastal curator of eclectic accessories and apparel.

"The timing is perfect for Agabhumi," said Chris Detert, President of American Rebel. "One of the frontrunners on American Idol this season, Skylar Laine, wore a piece from the new Agabhumi collection on last night's show." The piece Laine wore while strumming her guitar was the "Lazy Oval" onyx ring. (Video)

On display and worth singing about were dozens of pieces from Agabhumi’s newest collections, like “Corporate Cool,” “Tribal,” and the Kirshbaum’s latest awareness and fundraising collection, “Pearl Girl,” created in collaboration with the Stamford Mayor’s Youth Initiative.

“A pearl evolves from a grain of sand, adding layers and layers of strength over time,” explains Regina, “until it finally emerges, solid, strong and beautiful.” For the Kirshbaums, the pearl was the perfect symbol to embody the anti-bullying message of the Mayor’s youth programming. “Bullying is so accelerated now with the technology available. But it still comes from the same, cowardly place it always has. Pearl Girl pieces are designed to make it easy to carry your strength with you.” Fifteen percent of proceeds from this collection will benefit Mayor Michael Pavia's youth and anti-bullying initiatives.

The new pieces expertly blend South Asian artistry with western style and practicality. In many cases, you simply can’t find pieces like these elsewhere. “I love the ‘Shoulder Shopper,’” says Regina, slipping a multi-functional leather bag with seemingly endless pockets over her head. The bold but simple “Cleo” cuff bracelet, the cinematic “Matrix” coat—ankle length and made from supple black leather—were definite standouts. And younger fans will appreciate the "textanym" collection, dotted with "BFFs" and "LOLs." 

"Girls love the textanyms," says Regina. "They will by two sets of earrings and combine them, so each friend wears one of each."

Other event labels included LAMade, Bell Sports and a new, all-natural skin care line called Lily.B. (One application of Lily.B's "Ultra Eye Cream" was enough to turn me into a fan, but that's another article altogether.)

Agabhumi’s collection, derived almost exclusively from carefully selected artisans in Bali, retains its signature affordability. “We go to Bali regularly, and we are fortunate enough to work directly with the most extraordinary artists,” says Regina. “But I love it most when people tell me they were complimented—often by total strangers—on pieces they have found with us. That’s the best part of what I do. It’s how I know I’m doing my job well.”

Shop Agabhumi’s latest pieces at the Stamford store, located at 22 Magee Ave. in Starmford, or online at Agabhumi’s website.

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