Instead of jostling for calendar space later in the week, jewelry designer Lisa Salzer decided to debut her new Lulu Frost line Tuesday night alongside a sculptural clothing collection from her friend Karolina Zmarlak (back in 2005, both designers won Gen Art awards in their respective categories). “We just decided to do a little showing of our work as old friends,” said Lisa of the low-key fête at the Highline attended by the likes of Irina Pantaeva and Amanda Hearst. “And it’s really the first time I’ve debuted a full new line. It’s based on a trip I took to Tulum with my boyfriend and a bunch of friends. It has an ethnic feel with bright colors.” The collection utilizes multihued hem tape, sterling and bronze African beads, and deco and Victorian baubles—the latter of which have become more available with a steady stream of recession-driven estate sales. “It’s really sad that
people are loosing their traditional heirlooms,” Salzer admitted. “But we’re also doing something to counteract this difficult time, like our new line with Urban Outfitters. You have to understand what people can afford.” The early celebration doesn’t mean Salzer—who’s done the runway jewels for DKNY, Alexander Wang, and Chris Benz in previous seasons—is done for the week. Earlier in the day she was asked to whip up something for Melissa Coker’s Wren show a few days away. “I knew something would come about tonight or tomorrow,” she said. “It’s always a last minute thing.”