Because I’m a gracious bitch, I want to congratulate my friends at Topshop and DCK Concessions for getting props for their clever three-ring OMG set.
I think that is such a cute jewelry concept! In fact, I’ve thought so since 2010, when I introduced my own OMG rings.
My rings. Click to purchase.
My sterling-silver, limited-edition rings cost $300 for the set. If you can’t afford that, the good news is that Topshop is having a great sale on its mass-produced brass rings. They are now $5 for all three, reduced from $20. I’ve seen the rings and Topshop’s other letter-ring sets in person so I can testify that they’re fully worth 500 pennies.
You know, I didn’t get any encouragement from stores or mainstream media when I introduced my swear rings — the precursor of the OMG rings — in 2008.
Gorgeous model Tina J rocking my swear rings. Click to purchase the rings.
Customers loved the rings though, so I knew they’d catch on someday. And I was right! Topshop totes got into the idea! (You can read all about that here.) Thank you, Topshop, for proving the validity of my (trademarked!) Never Is the Next New Thing™” fashion motto. I’ve explained the motto before, this way:
“I’m convinced that the styles that are most hated at first — the ones that make people say, ‘Never!’ — are the ones that are most loved once our eyes adjust, with past examples including leggings and various kinds of jeans: skinny, acid-washed, high-waisted, distressed and boyfriend.”
In this case, with the rings, I’m the trendsetter. How cool is that? I feel like a big celebrity or fashion-magazine advertiser … or maybe even one of those famous fashion bloggers I read so much about! Don’t worry. I won’t get all big-headed about it. I’ll just give y’all a fashion tip: if you want to get something before the masses do, you’ve got a healthy budget and you like supporting an independent designer, buy something from my signature Wendy Brandes fine-jewelry line or my WENDYB by Wendy Brandes diffusion line. Psssst … this is my hottest design right now. Be the first on your block to wear it!
UPDATED TO ADD: The IPKat recently blogged about my Topshop experience and the challenges of protecting intellectual property in the fashion industry.
I thought they agreed to stop selling the copied designs??
They only agreed to stop selling their version of my swear rings. You can read more about the OMG rings in this post, if you scroll for the bold words “Here is the update” http://wendybrandes.com/blog/2012/08/making-a-long-story-longer-update-on-topshop-swear-rings/
Ugh, every time I hear about this happening to you I want to simultaneously hug you/punch someone. You must be INSANELY frustrated.
Aw, thanks! I have to say it’s a crazy experience to be showing jewelry to people for years and having them act like the idea is no good and no one will ever buy it or want to see it…and then see those same people applaud the late-comers! It makes me nuts!
geez it never ends does it? Well I hope so for your sake! XXX Suzanne
cunts
Total rip-off merchants! I feel very pissed off on your behalf Wendy. I swear, if I see a Sulky in my local store, you’ll be reading about it on the news!
They bug me. UGH
aghhh. so dull of them for sure
just thought of you when i learned about sketchers ‘bobs’ a complete rip off of toms, eeek well at least it seems like they are donating shoes in the similar fashion that toms does.
kisses xxom <3
It’s hilarious that they have to copy their philanthropy too!
Totally annoying. I’m glad to see the IPKat update.
Why am I not surprised? Top shop is such a swagger-jacker. But they do say that copying someone is the best form of flattery…..
Oh, Wendy, this continues to blow. Don’t worry, I haven’t and won’t buy anything from TopShop.
Someday, my children will all have jobs, and then I will buy your acorn necklace 🙂