Dive Into Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios

Judith Ripka and Mercedes-Benz Bring L.A. Luxuries to Life With Pool Jewels

LOS ANGELES, March 20 -- On Sunday, March 19th, Judith Ripka, Official Jewelry Designer of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios joined with title sponsor Mercedes-Benz to dive into fashion week with Pool Jewels, a party celebrating everything glamorous about the luxurious L.A. lifestyle, from fabulous pool parties to the finest jewelry and automobiles. The celebration for invited guests including Fern Mallis, Davis Factor, Dean & Shannon Factor, Downtown Julie Brown, Chudney Ross, Emmanuelle Vaugier and Minnie Mortimer was hosted poolside at the W Los Angeles, Westwood from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Judith Ripka indulged guests in an exclusive preview of the new 18k Couture Collection, 18k gold and diamond jewelry, brilliant in color. Mercedes-Benz showcased their spectacular $450,000 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren supercar, and chauffeured guests to the event in both all-new S-Class flagship sedans, and all-new GL-Class seven passenger SUVs. Once guests arrived they kept their cool by sipping Diamond Daiquiris and Mercedes Mojitos. Poolside pleasures were plenty in the cabanas with bliss spa providing mini-massages, manicures and pedicures.

"With jewelry leading today's powerful accessories market, it makes sense that women are reaching for diamonds and bold colored gemstones to look and feel more glamorous, especially while they are lounging at a fabulous L.A. glam-style pool. Where diamond jewelry was once reserved for red-carpet events only, celebrities have given license to dressing up their relaxed L.A. look with dramatic jewels in order to differentiate their personal style," says Judith Ripka, CEO, The Judith Ripka Companies, Inc., "This is definitely a celebrity-driven look we're celebrating. As the L.A. fashion community continues to emerge and mature, Judith Ripka wants to recognize the designers that are making it happen."

Each guest received the Ultimate Pool Jewels Swag Bag, a truly L.A.-style glam gift bag including a bliss spa Sweet Orange & Spearmint Scrubs and Sunban Lotion, C&C California Summer 2006 Poolside Loungewear, Cia Maritima Bikini Swim Suits, Havaianas Flip-flops, Judith Ripka Gift Certificate, LA Confidential Magazine, LeSportsac Overnighter or Medium Tribeca Tote, Mercedes-Benz Baseball Cap, Smashbox Cosmetics, VILEBREQUIN Beach Towel and Vineyard Vines Sailor Belt. The Ultimate Pool Jewels Swag Bag has an estimated value of nearly $1,000.

For event photos, please log onto: http://editorial.gettyimages.com/source/search/FrameSet.aspx?s=EventImagesSear chState%7c0%7c1%7c0%7c28%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c1%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c57116959%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c 0%7c0%7c%7c%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0&p=5&tag=2