Our Trend department highlights the season’s must-have looks that can be achieved with key items found in Chicago stores.  Both the Alex Woo Little Number 1 and Little Rock Star Double Note are featured.

With the celebration of Mother’s Day upon us, People Magazine’s May 9th issue fills you in on how to gift your Mom like the star that she is! From candles to candy, People found the goodies celebrities like to give and get…

With personalized jewelry, you can make it meaningful with the kid’s initials and birthstones. Amongst an array of trendy personalized jewelry, Alex Woo is perfectly nestled into the mix with her Little Number Collection worn by Heidi Klum!

Heidi Klum wears Alex Woo’s 14kt yellow gold “Little Number 4” necklace (she has four kids) and sterling silver Mini Heart.

Kelly Ripa loves Alex Woo’s Little Numbers too! Ripa has been seen wearing a diamond “Little Number 3” for her three beautiful children.

Alex Woo’s jewelry has been delighting stylists, celebrities, and regular people like us.  She is probably best known for her trademark letter and number charms that can be mixed and matched, (as well as charms featuring small animals and other figures), which make the perfect everyday accessory.  But her offerings also include bolder styles and extend to rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces in different styles.  Her designs are inspired by her travels, as well as her native New York City.  She was named a Rising Star by the JCK Show Design Center and included in Crain’s Business’s “40 under 40” list of successful people in New York.  All of Woo’s designs are made right here in New York City.  We caught up with Woo recently to get to know her better…

ifashion: What is your favorite line to create, Spring or Fall?

Alex: My designs are classic and not really seasonal, however, I do enjoy designing my travel-inspired pieces because it’s a time that I can reflect upon a place I’ve visited, like Morocco, or Macchu Picchu.  Traveling is another passion of mine, and I like to reflect that through my work.

ifashion: Who is your favorite designer?

Alex: Diane Von Furstenberg.

ifashion: What personal quality do you believe is reflected in your work?

Alex: I was born and raised in New York City – and it’s an important part of who I am, so I wanted to make sure that my designs reflect the energy and vibrant aspect of this city as well.  I am very proud of the fact that my designs and jewelry are made in New York and I can continue to create opportunities to support local talent.

ifashion: Do you think a woman is sexier in sneakers or stilletos? Why?

Alex: Stilletos. Any shoe that elongates the leg makes a woman sexier.

ifashion: What is a tough lesson you have learned from being a designer?

Alex: Having your designs knocked off.  I’ve experienced this from both large chains as well as fellow designers that exhibit at the same shows that I do.  It’s really disheartening to see that especially from fellow designers given we’re all supposed to be original.

ifashion: Is there anything you would have done differently in your career so far?

Alex: No. I love what I do and the path I’m on.

ifashion: What was your most exciting moment as a designer?

Alex: Walking the Union Square market on a lazy Sunday morning and seeing for the first time, a stranger wearing one of my designs!

ifashion: Where do you see your line in 5 years?

Alex: Growing and expanding into new international markets.  We’re getting there already though and we continue to ship globally.  Today it was Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Russia!

 ifashion: Where do you feel you were most successful and where did you feel at a low point? 

Alex: Fortunately for me, this has been a very positive journey, and I think it can only get better.

 ifashion: What do you think is the most important fashion piece a woman should have and a man should have? Why?

Alex: Just as every woman may have their favorite LBD, a woman should have a signature necklace.  Everyone can wear a necklace, and I think it’s the perfect way to express yourself.

 ifashion: What item do you think is worth splurging on?

Alex: A diamond pendant.  Diamonds are always classic and looks great on everyone.

 ifashion: How long does it take you to create a collection?

Alex: It can take anywhere from 1 month to a year to develop.

 ifashion: Do you create your own drawings?

Alex: Yes – of course.  I have a background in fine arts, and drawing is something that I always go back to.

 ifashion: If you weren’t a designer what would you be?

Alex: A food and travel writer.  I love to travel and I love to eat!

 ifashion: What is your philosophy about the art of fashion?

Alex: Fashion is what you make of it.  I like to keep an eye on the trends of the moment, but no one should be limited by it or follow it blindly.  It is important to know what looks good on you, and my view has always been that classic pieces are always a good investment.

 ifashion: What is one piece I should have in my closet this fall and what color should it be?

Alex: A tailored black blazer – you can never go wrong with this classic.

 ifashion: In your opinion, what is the worst fashion faux pas a person can commit?

Alex: Leaving the house without at least 1 piece of jewelry!

 ifashion: What is your favorite article of clothing that you own?

Alex: My Karl Lagerfeld denim coat.

 ifashion: What advice would you give to someone getting into the fashion industry?

Alex: Have a distinct vision, and stay true to it.

On Mother’s Day, about 26.2% of us will be buying Mom jewelry for her special day, according to the National Retail Federation.

Will Gossip Girl fuel a must-have necklace craze?

New York–After a mid-season break, the hit CW show Gossip Girl returns with an all-new episode on Monday, March 8, and jewelry will be getting a primetime spotlight.

Character Blair Waldorf will be back and sporting a signature jewelry piece that one designer is hoping will be the new horseshoe necklace (the trend fueled by character Carrie Bradshaw’s go-to bauble on Sex and the City).

In earlier seasons, Blair donned Alex Woo’s “Little Letters” diamond necklace featuring her initials, but her new signature will be the designer’s diamond “Fleur de Lis” necklace from the “Little Faith” collection, a symbol of purity and light befitting of Blair’s ideals and how she would like the world to see her (fans of the show familiar with the character’s cunning ways know otherwise).

In addition to the necklace’s time on air, the network is said to be launching a secret Gossip Girl promotion around it, making for some extra high-profile exposure.

Available in 14-karat white gold and encrusted with pave diamonds, the pendant features Alex Woo’s signature shiny beveled edges and the designer’s signature. The necklace retails for $728, but many of the designer’s pieces are also available in sterling silver at prices that are a little more high school friendly, with metal-only pendant necklaces retailing for $148 a piece.

A Gossip Girl veteran, Alex Woo has worked with the show’s costume department since the series’ first season, helping to incorporate jewelry that adds a personal, sometimes humorous, touch to each character.

The sidekicks of the show’s newest “Queen Bee,” Jenny Humphrey, each wear an Alex Woo “Little Number” necklace, symbolizing the girls’ social ranking with the numbers “1,” “2″ and “3.”

As for Jenny herself, whose persona is bold and rebellious, the costume department has often accessorized her with Woo’s “Little Vegas” spade necklace in yellow gold, from a collection of designs inspired by “Sin City chic.” The piece has often been layered with edgy, modern pieces, helping to add to Jenny’s fashion-forward character.

“I love that Gossip Girl uses my jewelry to help tell the stories of each of the characters,” Woo said in a media release. “It’s exactly the reason why I designed the collections–whether it’s a favorite number, or a lucky elephant, each icon represents something special and meaningful to the wearer.  It’s all about telling your own story and making it personal.”

The ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ sister Kim knows how to support her boyfriend New Orleans Super Bowl champion Reggie Bush.  She scored customized Alex Woo’s diamond Little Double Number “25” and a yellow gold Little Faith Fleur de Lis necklace over the weekend in Miami to show her support for Reggie Bush and the Saints.

After the Saints’ ‘Miracle’ Super Bowl XLIV win, Kim went in for a kiss and congratulated her man with an “I’m so proud of you” and “I love you.” 

Now that Reggie’s got his Super Bowl ring, will Kim get her engagement ring?

What a great episode tonight of Gossip Girl.  With guest stars from singer and actress Hilary Duff joining to start some drama on the Upper East Side for a multi-episode arc, to talk show host Tyra Banks and guest spots for designer Tory Burch and English fashion designer and actress Georgina Chapman of Marchesa, it was truly memorable.  Memorable also for the number of Alex Woo jewelry that was featured.

Dan de Fleurette Episode Synopsis
It’s the first day of school at Constance Billard which means it’s also time for Jenny to take her rightful place as the new Queen Bee. Unfortunately for Jenny, Blair is more than happy to intervene when news reaches her that she may be needed back at Constance.

Meanwhile, Lily returns home to Rufus and her family to find that things are definitely not as she left them. Plus, a famous movie actress, Olivia Burke (Hilary Duff), enrolls at NYU in hopes of having a somewhat normal college experience, and is assigned to be Vanessa’s roommate. Guest star Tyra Banks appears as Ursula, an actress co-starring in Olivia’s movie and someone who Serena befriends.

Jenny wears Alex Woo’s Little Vegas Gold Spade and her followers each wear the Little Numbers 1, 2, and 3.

Pictured Left: Taylor Momsen as Jenny
Photo Credit: Giovanni Rufino / The CW
© 2009 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

We’ve always been a big fan of Alex Woo jewelry. We first featured her designs in 2003 when Audrey first arrived on the scene, and she’s been a regular within our pages since. 

She creates amazing designs, from simply bold to intricately minimalist. I especially love her Narissa collection (now in rose gold vermeil, my latest obsession!), with its organic/mosaic/faraway feel.

We love that she’s still going strong, and now she’s getting some serious celebrity love, too. 

The Korean girl band Girls’ Generation are sporting Alex Woo’s silver “9″ necklace. The nine-member pop group is mega big in Asia, and they have no shortage of fans on this side of the Pacific. 

My personal favorite from her icon collection is her “Little Princess” star earrings. A funky version of the classic diamond studs — I’d wear them anywhere! (Hint, hint!) 

Alex Woo’s latest project is a collaboration with Christina Applegate on a new design to fight breast cancer.  

The “Tree of Life” pendant represents harmony, hope and renewal, according to Alex, and each of the seven leaves serves as a reminder to live every day of the week to the fullest. Net proceeds go to Right Action for Women, a Christina Applegate Foundation, which encourages women to educate themselves about breast cancer and provides funding for the expensive MRI screenings that help in early detection. 

Alex’s mother passed away from breast cancer and since then the jewelry designer has been actively involved with a number of charities. She has a number of designs that benefit a variety of charities. – Posted by Anna M. Park in Audrey

Shop Girl Diaries blogs about Girls’ Generation, a nine member star studded Korean pop group that has been hitting American soundwaves with their song “Gee”.  They have also been seen wearing our American jewelry designer Alex Woo’s “Little Letters” and “Little Numbers” charm necklace collection. Another charm? This one will be sure to make you feel like a pop star! “Gee!”

Girls’ Generation (also known as So Nyuh Shi Dae or SoShi) is currently one of the hottest South Korean girl groups today. With an attractive nine-member team formed in 2007, the members (in order of official announcement) include Yoona, Tiffany, Yuri, Hyoyeon, Sooyoung, Seohyun, Taeyeon (the leader), Jessica, and Sunny. Hand picked from a pool of 15,000 Korean and Japanese candidates, the all-round girl group promises to turn the music world upside down with their new generation of sweet melodious vocals.

As the holder of the longest running #1 record on the music portal M.NET for their hit song “Gee” they succeeded in winning the hearts of K-pop fans with an unique confection appeal with feel-good pop rhythm that stays in your head and doesn’t bring you down. As hint of the cross-over appeal, “Gee” was even featured by celebrity blogger and personality Perez Hilton on his gossip website.

However, what keeps the group going are its hardcore fans and Girls’ Generation is no exception. In fact, the girls that run Soshified, the largest international fanbase for the group, went ahead and purchased Alex Woo’s Little Number 9 as special gifts for each singer within the group while they were in Los Angeles performing at the 2009 Korean Music Festival at the Hollywood Bowl. With each of their names personally engraved on the back, not only did they appreciate the gift from their fans, but some of the singers have been wearing the accessory non-stop. Power of 9 anyone?

Alex Woo’s Narissa 14K gold cuff, which was inspired by the wonders of the natural sea, is a luxurious accent for the arm.  It is the perfect accessory to match Behnaz Sarafpour’s gold, shimmery, featherlike, beaded dress that donned the runway.  The elaborate dress doesn’t need much accessorizing, but for a dramatic and high-fashion look, defintely opt for the Narissa cuff. 

Another hot look pick is Alex Woo’s Little Big Number collection which can symbolize a significant date or number.  The necklace is available in sterling silver, white/yellow 14K gold and white/yellow 14K gold with diamonds.

Ten years ago, Tyra Banks became the first black supermodel to appear alone on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. This year, singer and actress Beyoncé Knowles has landed the cover and is the first woman to be on the cover of the magazine that is not a model or an athlete. With a music theme, this super issue features supermodels with Kanye West, Aerosmith, Kenny Chesney, Gnarls Barkley and Panic! At the Disco. And inside, three of the supermodels, wear Alex Woo’s Little Big Notes and Little Big Numbers.

Julie Henderson: The “rookie,” this 20 year old Houston, Texas born model marks her first appearance in the swimsuit issue. Discovered at a modeling school in Houston when she was only 8, by the time she graduated from the Barbizon School of Modeling at the age of 18, she had already signed with New York Model Management. What attracts her to a man? “If they make me laugh and they are taller than me (5 feet 10 inches)

Oluchi Onweagba : Born in Lagos, Nigeria, this 24 year old beauty was discovered by a modeling scout at the age of 17 while selling bread on the streets of her home town. Shortly thereafter she moved to New York City to begin her modeling career and marks her third appearance in the swimsuit edition. in Oluchi’s native Nigeria, her first name means “work of God.”

Jessica White: Just 22 years old and hailing from Buffalo, New York, she was 14 when she went to New York City for a IMTA (International Modeling and Talent Association) competition and did so well that she got so many call backs for both modeling and acting the rest is history. Marking her fourth appearance in the swimsuit edition, she is the first African-American model to appear in three consecutive editions of the SI Swimsuit Issue (2003, 2004, and 2005).

When it comes to hot products and trends, what’s in store for 2007? Dannielle Romano, editor-at-large of online guide Daily Candy, dishes on the what everyone will be wearing and using in the new year so you can stay ahead of the curve.

Click on the play button on the bottom left to watch the video.

Jewelry – numbers, numbers everywhere!

The next generation of name-plate necklaces (like Carrie’s on Sex And The City) are number pendants. Designer Alex Woo makes them in silver or gold, even decorating some with diamonds. Wearing a number that’s special to you, like a lucky number or special date, makes this necklace personal while keeping things mysterious.

Paris Hilton has it all – money, fame, men, cars and more clothes than she can wear. But there’s one thing missing from the heiress’ life – a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

At an event on Oct. 30 honoring veteran TV Producer and LA Lakers owner Jerry Buss with a star on the Walk of Fame, Paris was heard lamenting about her lack of recognition, an eyewitness tells LifeandStylemag.com

“I don’t even know half these people,” she said, according to the eyewitness. “And like most of them are dead. I should totally have a star. I deserve one. I’m one of the most famous people on earth!”

Jewelry junkie: Paris Hilton picking up three Little Number One necklaces by Alex Woo – a diamond, gold, and silver version – at Henri Bendel in NYC and exclaiming to the sales girl, “That’s hot,” before paying.

$1,500 – $5,000
Simply marvelous medium range

Little Big Guys
Whether you’re into musical notes, numbers or card games, Alex Woo has an icon for you. The designer’s Icon Collection features pendants crafted in 14K white or yellow gold set with diamonds. The line consists of Little Big Vegas, Little Big Notes, and Little Big Numbers.

September/October 2006

The Emmy award winning and ultimate player from HBO’s hit series Entourage, Jeremy Piven lights up the cover of Avery Cardoza’s Player Magazine this month. Inside, the actor jokes that “At some point maybe Kevin Spacey will sleep through his alarm and I’ll get the call” regarding his ability to break through and be a star.

Little Big Numbers
By Alex Woo
The chic sheik? No. The chic geek? Really no. Cheeky chic? Okay enough bad rhyming. But how about very cool jewelry for a special girl? When kelly Ripa, Eva Longoria, and Lindsay Lohan are wearing it, you know the jewelry is…. chic!

“Desesperada” por el número nueve

Featuring exclusive interviews and all the latest news on your favorite Latin stars, Mira! this month highlights one of the best – Eva Longoria! Below is the original text as well as an english translation.

¿Qué tienen en común Eva Longoria, Kelly Ripa, Hillary Duff y Courtney Cox? Pues que todas ellas usan joyeria de la colección Little Numbers, del diseñador Alex Woo, muy popular entre las estrellas de Hollywood. La actriz de Desperate Housewives va a todas partes con su collar Little Number, que tiene un pendiente con el número nueve, el mismo que identifica a su novio, Tony Parker, en el equipo de baloncesto Spur, de San Antonio, Texas. Los collares están disponibles en la página de internet alexwoo.com

“Desperate” for the number nine [Translation]

What do they have in common Eva Longoria, Kelly Ripa, Hillary Duff and Courtney
Cox? All of them have jewelry from the Little Numbers collection, from designer Alex Woo, who is very popular amongst the Hollywood stars.  The actress of “Desperate Housewives” goes to all parts with her Little Number necklace, and has a pendant with the number nine. The same one that identifies her fiance Tony Parker, that identifies his number on the basketball team from the Spurs of San Antonio, Texas. The necklaces is available on the Internet at alexwoo.com!

M is for the many things she … uh, well, you know what’s coming. It’s Mother’s Day on May 14, the one day when children of all ages stop what they’re doing to pay their respects to the family matriarch.

And give her presents. After all, what’s a special day without a gift? If you haven’t already scoured the malls and amazon.com, you might be able to find that perfect little something on this and the following pages.

Our staff writers have suggestions to pamper and spoil, entertain and amuse, tempt and satisfy. But hurry … there are only seven shoppping days left.

ONE LUCKY NUMBER: Many celeb moms have become fans of jewelry designer Alex Woo’s Little Number necklaces, including Kelly Ripa, who wears a No. 3 for her kids, and Courteney Cox Arquette, who wears a No. 13 for daughter Coco’s birthday. From an anniversary to a lucky number, the Little Numbers collection can be personalized for any mom. The necklaces are available in silver, gold or diamonds.

By Julia Hunt

DESPERATE Housewives star Eva Longoria is keeping her boyfriend close to her chest with her new diamond necklace.

Basketball hunk Tony Parker, who wears No. 9 for the San Antonio Spurs, bought the £230 Alex Woo necklace with a pendant in the shape of a nine as a present for the Wisteria Lane beauty.

Eva, who is starring in action thriller The Sentinel with Michael Douglas, has been dating Tony for a year.

She said: “I live in San Antonio, Texas, and work in LA so I am home every weekend. Tony is the big celebrity in San Antonio and I never get bothered.

“Tony hates visiting me on set. He thinks it’s the most boring thing in the world.”

Eva isn’t the only star who thinks Woo’s numbers are magic. Courtney Cox has a Woo necklace with a 1 and 3 on it, representing her daughter Coco’s birthday, Drew Barrymore has a 7 and a gold spade pendant for luck and Julia Roberts has a gold 2 charm representing her twins Phinnaeus and Hazel.

Cargo magazine is a vibrant, detail-rich, hype-free guide to all the products guys want. Arming men with the tools they need, the mag does all the shopping and provides expert opinions so guys can focus on what really excites them: getting the best and the most for their money. In the celebrity feature, former boy-bander Nick Lachey makes a comeback and discusses life’s top 10 pleasures including drinking beer, eating steak, watching the Reds play and driving his new black Ferrari 575.

This month in two different features, Alex Woo’s “Little Number” jewelry is revealed to be as fit for men as it is for women.

Here’s What We Forked Over our Cold, Hard Cash For…
Alex Woo 14K yellow gold “Little Numbers” charm and chain
“My birthday is August 8, so when I saw this cool necklace, I had all the excuse I needed to buy it. I love how the matte finish gives it a modern look.”
Miguel Enamorado, Senior Fashion Editor

Necklace

In this Multitasker Fashion [Style] section feature, Alex Woo’s silver number necklace is worn with a Paul Smith linen blazer, Acne jeans, and Tod’s leather belt for a perfect “On the Weekend” look.