I'm not one of those people that buy into the "Anna Wintour is the devil" theories. I believe she is a focused, brilliant, intuitive, fashion icon, and a genius businesswoman. Since I don't know her personally, I cannot comment on her character. Publicly, she he does seems cold at times, but I've also witnessed great warmth, generosity of spirit and personal restraint too. That being said, I'm here to address Vogue, Anna Wintour and jewelry.
Vogue, on occasion, has published great stories about important, collectable jewelry. Overall, its been my personal experience that no one at that publication knows anything about jewelry, unless it's "fashion forward". In my jewelry world, that's a rather major faux paux. It shows your limited understanding of what's really going on, and makes Vogue the equivilent of the JC Penny's catalogue for fashion. That's how wrong their presentation of jewelry has been. Yes, they've done the right story about an exhibition here or there, or shown a big necklace - but they don't help the public understand how important it is to daily wear, and they downplay its importance even more, evidenced by how their editors handle the jewelry as well. Until recently, I cannot tell you how many times I've been involved with a project where Vogue has asked for a piece, only to treat it terribly. The entitled attitude from them never helps build your confidence in them changing their tune either. This is something Town & Country, W, WWD, Departures or Robb Report would never do. Their editors actually understand jewelry. Vogue - not so much. But recently the tides seem to be changing.
Something is different. I'm seeing that the editors are presenting more jewelry, and featuring it more appropriately. I don't think they'll ever help jewelry sales the way other publications do, but they are certainly taking a more focused interest in it. Because of this focus (or a very pissed off insurance department), the jewelry is being handled better. Maybe it's because Ms. Wintour seems to be more interested as well. Who really knows, but for the past few years she's been presenting this great double and triple strand of color, Georgian jewelry (either real or inspired), and she looks amazing! Sales of necklaces like these have shot through the roof, making us all know that if Queen Wintour takes an interest in jewelry, real jewelry, so will the world! For me, it's one of the greatest looks around for a woman of any age, and I doubt if I'll ever tire of it. Day or night, even a single strand of color makes a statement. It's like you care enough to make sure that you don't leave the house without telling the world who you are. Obviously, AW does this with every step she takes, but you out there, you women who won't step out of your comfort zone - TAKE A RISK! If a real piece of Georgian jewelry is beyond what you can currently afford, check out something by Swarovski. Websites like ebay and Portero may offer something for you as well. Just think of your LBD (little black dress) with a few pops of color from your necklaces and you're done. For those that can afford, while in NYC visit A La Vielle Russie or Stephen Russell to find the real deal.
I want to be clear, Anna Wintour has worn jewelry before - big pearls in the 90's and giant "fashion" necklaces too. Hey, maybe one of you will get back to me and prove me wrong - that would be fantastic! All I can report is my own experience. I'm in it first hand, and I'm excited about what I see. Others have told me not to get to hopeful - Vogue is Vogue and always will be. To the naysayers I say - a girl can dream.
As always, thank you Anne Wintour.
Shine On You Crazy Diamond
