Wendy Brandes Jewelry Blog

Never Is the Next New Thing

Thank You!

by

I wish I could list all the people who made my holiday sale and pop-up shop such successes, but it would take me so long that — if this were an awards show — the orchestra would play me off stage. So I’ll simply say thank you to everyone who blogged, Tweeted, attended, shopped (both in person and online) and worked at the store.  I am very lucky to know all of you. Special thanks to Zang Toi, who hosted me in his showroom on Thursday; Tina Tang, who loaned me her shop on Friday and Saturday; and GeorgeB, who helped out all day for three days in a row.

GeorgeB was also the house photographer. He’s still sorting through hundreds of photos and there will be a massive post or two when he’s done. Meanwhile, here is one shot of gorgeous bloggers Jordana (now celebrating her two-year blogversary) and Dream Sequins (who recently celebrated a birthday) modeling jewelry with me. I like how we’re each in our own world in this photo. I’m trying to show off my onyx and tsavorite skull ring, but laughing because I know Dream Sequins is getting fierce with the 18K gold and diamond Virginia Woolf Whistle. In between us, Jordana is acting passive-aggressive with the sterling silver Wendy Brandes for Francis swear rings. She’s smiling but cussing you out with her hand at the same time.

From left: WendyB, Jordana and Dream Sequins. Photo by GeorgeB.

From left: WendyB, Jordana and Dream Sequins. Photo by GeorgeB

Jordana also went solo to strike a tougher swear-ring pose.

Jordana will cut a bitch after she's done swearing.

Jordana will cut a bitch after she's done swearing with her hand. Photo by Dream Sequins.

The Virginia Woolf Whistle (for people who love expensive puns) was completed last week after more than a year’s work. I posted the silver prototype in March, expecting the piece to be done in the summer. It turned out that was only the first silver model. I had to make a second silver model to deal with the challenge of creating a whistle that works AND pops open to reveal a Woolf inside. After that problem was solved, I finally got to the gold version, but further tweaks were necessary. I will have close-up photos of the piece in the next couple of weeks and, if I don’t feel too embarrassed, I will do a short whistling video. In reality, I probably will be too embarrassed so, as consolation, I leave you with Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart.

UPDATED TO ADD: During part of my shop, I wore a color-blocked, strapless maxi dress by Francis. When Christian Francis Roth, the designer, stopped by the store, we got a picture of the dress and the designer together.

Photo by George Brandes

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Comments

  1. (1) GeorgeB is a very talented photographer. Is he available for special events? My favorite part of my visit to the shop was him telling us to do more dynamic poses. (2) I look like I’m feeding the whistle to the camera. And this is pre-haircut today, so I look like a choppy mess. But the whistle looks fantastic, don’t you think? (3) I’m excited about being necklace twins with Clutch22. (4) I’m even more excited about snatching up the lace glove samples from Zang. We need to talk, because I will made that skull necklace mine some day. And also Zang’s entire sample glove stock.

  2. Wendy, I have been reading your blog for a few months yet -and I hate to admit this- I never really look at your jewelry site until yesterday. Needless to say, I was blown away by your work. Moreover, I could not believe you had a Boleyn necklace. I am both obsessed with the Tudor dynasty (but in a cool way- not in like a creepy, Renaissance fair kind of way) and recently acquired a married name that starts with a “B”. Thus, I thought it be the ultimate ironic accessory to have a “B” necklace much like the one Ms. Boleyn wore herself. Yet, I haven’t been able to find one- not even with living in London the past year. So I was freaking out when I saw your piece. And it is now at the top of my Christmas list…along with many other pieces for from collection. Hopefully Santa comes through. And congrats on your pop-up shop- glad to hear that it was fabulous and successful!

  5. Do the whistle video! I bit the bullet and posted my “child on ludes” video. Isn’t blogging just a way to embarrass ourselves in front of the World! I’m glad your Pop-Up Shop was a success. I wish I could have seen it! Looking forward to the pics.

    Aren’t good husbands grand?!

    WOMP!

  7. I’m so glad everything went so well! You all look gorgeous and happy. What a great event… It’s times like this I so wish I lived in NY.

  14. I had a great time at the pop-up shop meeting all the bloggers that took some time out of their day to come down to Greenwich Ave.

    My anti-spam word is “hewwo”. It’s what I say when Wendy calls.

  16. I absolutely love the picture of the three of you! FIERCE. I am so bummed I missed it…but I have decided to make the move so I\’ll be there for the next one.

    You are AMAZING!!!!

  24. I absolutely loved your pop-up – it was such a lovely space too…

    And I adore my Fleur De Lis necklace, exactly what I wanted darling!!

    XOXO,
    Amy

    PS I especially appreciated Mr B’s commentary on TD – LOL!!

  25. ahh you three are just gorgeous and happy in this post! love it. i’m so happy that your pop up shop was a success! if you wanna host one in galesburg, IL i’m sure my boss at the coffee shop could lend you some counter space 😉 😉

  28. Oh Miss Wendy, I’m so glad it went well, that is excellent news! I am so bummed I wasn’t on hand to enjoy some of the fun, but equally pleased it was such a smash hit!

    You are such a star,
    tp

  30. I so wish I could have gone! I’m sorry I had to miss it but I’ve been under the weather. I was going to try to make it with Midtown Girl but I couldn’t:( next time for sure!! 🙂 xx