Focus Magazine of SWFL Hot Summer Looks

It started with the love of small trinkets; things that sparkled always caught the eye of jewelry-maker Mika Altidor. And, growing up in Central Florida brought Mika lots of opportunity to find inspiration to create beautiful jewelry. Mika’s new collection, Whisper Love offers a certain charm, each piece its own bold charisma that captures your attention in an alluring way, perfect for the woman who loves life. Mika describes her designs, “filled with gratitude, love and all that comes with it.” That’s probably because early in her career, while studying fashion designed at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Mika became homeless. She lived out of her car while she continued to go to school, work, the gym, internships, all this and no one knew of her situation. During this time, Mika promised herself that every piece of jewelry would incorporate love and style. Ten years later, Mika specializes in handcrafted, original jewelry designs, one of a kind custom jewelry, and special order jewelry for fashion runway shows and celebrity endorsed charity events. Her collection of 21 pieces for women includes earrings, necklaces and bracelets. The pieces, in crystal, glass and silver, range from $30 for earrings to $124.00 for necklaces. They are also sold on her website, mmcjewelry.com and in surrounding shops in South Florida. The entire collection is handcrafted, adding that something extra special to the jewelry. From carefully selecting the materials that includes high-quality Swarovski Crystal beads to hand crafting each piece of jewelry, the result is delicate detailing and plenty of style. www.mmcjewelry.com Photographer: Michael Giragosian Stylist: Mika Altidor Hair/Makeup Artist: Jennifer Beverly Model: McKenzie Stephenson, BMG Agency Clothes: Macy's Jewelry: MMC Jewelry FOCUS of SWFL 2014 151

Focus Magazine of SWFL Hot Summer Looks | Page 151