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Red Hot Days & Cool White Nights: My Trip to St. Petersburg, Russia!

by on ‎07-11-2013 02:19 PM

St Petersburg


Although I have been selling my jewelry at TSUM Department Store in Moscow for several years, my trip to St. Petersburg last week was my first time in Russia.  I fell in love.


Russia is another world.  I am very pleased that my first exposure to this country, so rich in history, was the cosmopolitan St. Petersburg.  I learned more from this trip than I could have ever learned in a history book.  Upon arriving, Ron and I discovered that St. Petersburg, like Venice, is a canal city.  I should have known that as soon as we learned this, Ron would rent a boat to explore.  And, that we did!


On our way to the hotel, we saw the Church of the Spilled Blood!



The back of the Church of the Spilled Blood where we discovered the canals.



A boat tour of St. Petersburg.


Judith taking a boat tour


More views from the boat tour.



Peter and Paul Fortress from the boat.



After Ron and I did a bit of sight-seeing, we reconnected with the group of friends we were traveling with and went to a lovely cocktail party.



At the party, we were with Jennifer Gardner, who wrote “Where You Left Us,” which is about the loss of her husband on 9/11, and how she and her children survived it.  After enjoying cocktails, we all sat down to eat dinner.  No sooner did I sit than Princess Beatrice of Great Britain (Queen Elizabeth’s Granddaughter) came up to me to introduce herself.  I was very honored and flattered that she had heard of me.  She sat down next to me, and we started chatting about fashion and jewelry. 


Me and Jennifer at the first cocktail party of the trip!



Princess Beatrice introducing herself to me; then, having fun chatting about jewelry!



Judith and Princess Beatrice


The sightseeing continued the next day with a visit to The Hermitage.  Can you find me heading to The Hermitage?



Clearly, we were not the only people who wanted to see this historic landmark!



Fortunately, the DLT Department Store, which carries my jewelry, arranged for me to have a Private Tour.  Here I am with one the curators of The Hermitage entering through a secret door.  



Here is a sneak peek inside The Hermitage!



After enjoying a wonderful day at The Hermitage (Thank you, Nadja!), Ron and I dressed in our best “summer whites” for a “White Nights Party.”  And, what better to pair with my ensemble than Judith Ripka QVC Estate Cuffs.  Yes, it really is true that I wear QVC jewelry from blue jeans to black tie and everything in between.


Getting ready to go to the White Party!


Judith Ripka


Ron escorting Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie to the White Party.  And, yes, that is the Duchess of York on the far right.



Walking upstairs to the party.



Even the center pieces were works of art!



First course – caviar, of course!



Me and two Russian folk dancers who entertained us.



The day after the White Nights Party, I took off my “Cinderella” slippers and went back to work!  However, even work in St. Petersburg feels glamorous.  While visiting DLT Department store, where my jewelry is carried, I had the pleasure and honor of speaking with 2-very prominent magazine editors.  One from InStyle Russia, and one from Vogue Russia.  I had been looking forward to these press interviews for quite some time, as I am always curious to know what the editors like – especially editors from a different country. 


As soon as I sat down to speak with them, I felt at ease.  Their positive feedback quickly turned into an active dialogue with back and forth banter about fashion, accessories, jewelry and all things beautifully designed. 


I was incredibly impressed by the highly curated assortment at the store.  As I walked from counter to counter and from department to department, it was as if the walls could talk.  Each area of the store told a story.  It was an amazing feeling to see my designs in a store in St. Petersburg.  And, especially a store as high-end as DLT.   In Russia, fashion is now front and center, and women know what they want.  The bigger, the better.  More is more.  And, color, color, color.  And, color again.  Rich, bold color sells, period.  


This is a picture of the store, DLT, which features my jewelry.  Simply breathtaking!



DTL Store


My jewelry in the case.



Interview with InStyle Russia Editor.



Interview with Vogue Russia Editor.



Our whirlwind trip continued that evening.  Although we boarded the a boat at 10pm for a dinner cruise, I quickly learned what “White Nights” really meant.  Since we were so far North, the sun sets for only a few hours of the day, leaving close to 20-hours of daylight.  


Looking outside the window of the boat at 11pm with our lovely cocktail waitress.  It almost felt like 11am it was so bright!  



The dinner table on the boat.



Me again.



The Hermitage from the boat.



Peter and Paul Fortress – finally the sky getting darker at 2am.



After a very late night, I was happy to have a more low-key day.  Ron and I, and a few friends, decided to enjoy a non-touristy restaurant to get the true “flavor” of St. Petersburg.



I felt very at home, especially since I sat next to fellow New Yorker, Dr. Elisa Port, a close friend and breast cancer specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital.



Ron’s blinis.



Beyond the rich history, architecture and culture, I was in awe of the fashion and style. I felt inspired at every turn and with every person I met. And, our group was no exception. The final evening, we dressed up in authentic clothing from the time of Catherine the Great for a gala party held in Catherine’s Summer Palace.   


We approached the gate, and WOW!



Although I do not usually like costume parties, I thoroughly enjoyed getting dressed up for this one!



Walking in...



Our group – well, half…



Princess Beatrice, Me and Princess Eugenie.



Me and Ron.



The festive evening (including entertainment) started outside during cocktails.



Dinner is (almost) served.





Our first bite – caviar again, this time in a clam-shaped ice-cube.



The entertainment was as extraordinary as the food.  The Moscow Symphony Orchestra and Ballet performing Swan Lake during dinner.



The Prima-Ballerina.



Sunrise at the Summer Palace – 5am and time for sweets.



The evening and trip ended with Ron arranging to take me home in a horse drawn carriage!



I have so many more photos to share.  As of last week, I have officially joined Instagram, and I will be posting more Russia photos daily.  The trip was a once of a lifetime experience, and as with all of my travels, it opened my mind and inspired me to create many new designs. 


Until then, I have many other new, exquisite designs to debut including a NEW TSV which will debut on July 14th at Midnight.  Please tune in to see my next shows on July 13th beginning at 11pm, 3:00am-4:00am7:00am-10:00am, 4:00pm-6:00pm, and 8:00pm-10:00pm


With much love,


Judith