The reports of the armed robbery of Kim Kardashian in Paris — with millions of dollars of jewelry stolen — reminded me of advice my late business partner used to give to customers. Always insure your jewelry, she would tell people who were nervous about getting a sizable diamond. If (“God forbid!” she’d exclaim) you’re…
Jewelry Inspired by Customers on JCK
A big thank you to Jennifer Heebner from the jewelry trade publication JCK for including me in her post about jewelry inspired by customers. I’ve told the story of “Mud Flap Jill” on the blog before, but that was a long time ago, so click on the photo of the wimmins with the ruby nipples…
The Week in Review and More Recommended Reading
For my week in review, I’m reposting several reading suggestions that I’ve already linked to. I’m also adding new article/essay recommendations. Guns: Three percent of American adults own half the nation’s firearms. These “super-owners” have an average of 17 guns each. Only 22% of American adults own guns. The NRA doesn’t represent a majority. This…
RuPaul Rules
I’ve been a fan of RuPaul — Nicki Minaj’s real inspiration — since “Supermodel” in 1993. I mean, a song that shouts out my beloved Linda Evangelista? After that, when RuPaul told me, “You better work,” I got to work, dammit. I was happy that after eight seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race, RuPaul won his…
Two Fashion Favorites, Two Big Magazines
My favorite model of all time is Linda Evangelista — and I especially like her Harper’s Bazaar covers from the 1990s, when the late Liz Tilberis was editor in chief. The September 1992 issue electrified the industry. I still have the January 1995 cover framed and hanging on my wall. It’s appropriate that the first…
New York Times Review of “Hitler: Ascent, 1889-1939”
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book review quite like Michiko Kakutani’s take on Volker Ullrich’s Hitler: Ascent, 1889-1939 for the New York Times. The review generated headlines of its own. The Huffington Post said, “New York Times Brutally Subtweets Trump With Hitler Biography Review.” The Washington Post’s take was, “This New York Times…
Jewelry for the Warrior Woman
Gorgeous jewelry blogger Becky Stone has wonderful timing with her story about “the Warrior Woman” in InDesign Jewelry‘s fall edition. As Becky writes, “The Warrior Woman is a power player and she knows it.” This is my obviously my type of lady: Most of my jewelry designs are inspired by female badasses. Becky selected several…
Recommended Reading
Yesterday, the New York Times published a fascinating story by Ellen Barry on young rural women in India who are recruited to move to Bangalore to work in factories. There, the women — some of them teenagers — make products for Westerners, including Marks & Spencer miniskirts. The work is relentless, the hours are long,…
The Weeks in Review, Plus Wax Jewelry Models
In case you missed it, here’s what’s been on the blog recently. Monday, Sept. 5: September’s birthstone is sapphire and it comes in a rainbow of colors. Tuesday, Sept. 6: Love big diamonds? This is the wedding ring of your dreams. Wednesday, Sept. 7: Snake jewelry and signet rings have endured since ancient times. Friday,…
Fashion Repeats Itself: Anchors and Rainbows
I like to keep an eye out for “Fashion Repeats Itself” moments, so I was pleased that Vanessa Friedman of the New York Times pointed out the anchor wedges at the recent Thom Browne runway show. But a tip of the hat goes to my designing friend Stacy Lomman, who alerted me to Vanessa’s tweet….