I was just checking out a gorgeous collection of accessories by German designer Julie Menthel called Feathers, a collaboration with Berlin-based Greek designer Kostas Murkudis.

Menthel studied fashion design in Florence for two semesters and went on to continue her studies at F.I.T. in New York. Menthel worked for Anne Klein as an accessories designer for three years before freelancing as a consultant in jewellery design for Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. After two years of consulting she applied for a one-year course at Central Saint Martin's where she got accepted and moved to London in 2000. She's now based in Berlin, where she launched her own line in 2005.

Quite ther CV, I must say. When you see her collections, you'll see how Menthel skillfully mixes old world elegance with a hip twist -- steel mesh -- to create a line that defies categorization.

The Feathers collection is by far my favorite. The Feather Shawl necklace (the last item on the full collection page) is incredible. I can't put it into words and won't even try. It's just hot. If I were a girl, I'd buy it and wear it every day both day and night, as it would look sexy and cool dressed down and hot and chic dressed up. Check out pics below and see the full collection here.

Dont' miss her Mesh With Pearls collection, which is pure unadultered elegance at its best, and the Mesh With Flowers collection, which is a bit more whimsical, but very elegant at the same time.

I'd link you to Menthel's site, but it's down. Check out pieces from her various lines at this shop in Berlin.