Mail Bag: Brooch The Subject

For every negative message or tweet I receive 100 positive ones. The haters are out there and I never usually respond to them but this time (for me) I wanted to.

I received a few tweets recently regarding my Evolution Rewind Ring collection. The woman accused me of "destroying vintage jewelry" and ranted on and on until I had to block her. I rarely block people either because I'm always open to a healthy debate or growth through constructive criticism. This person just didn't get it.

It is hard in 140 character or less to define WHY I created my ring line and HOW the pieces are chosen. Thankfully I have a blog.

WHY? The brooch over the years has been an accessory or a piece of jewelry that was widely worn and styled by women of all age ranges and classes. I have read that it is one of the oldest pieces of jewelry, dated back to the Bronze Age when pins were a popular adornment for clothing.

In recent years it has not garnered a lot of attention. From where I sit "modern day" women sparsely style these pieces. Fashion and trends are cyclical in nature; what was old always comes back around in a new form. For some reason, I have yet to see a contemporary spin on Re-Styling the brooch in a modern way with any consistency.

People do wear them, like myself, the odd celeb and fashionista but it is not a style staple, like a cuff or cocktail ring. When discussing the topic with other women the words "matronly" or dowdy" have been thrown around. I personally think they are a chic accessory with styling possibilities only limited by your imagination!

I wanted to bring back the brooch in a contemporary way via unique cocktail rings.

In my travels I found it difficult to find the authentic Vintage cocktail rings that I liked so I thought merging the two elements would be fabulous: Evolution Rewind was born. The rings are also reaching a new demographic of women who may not otherwise brooched the subject.

HOW:  Each brooch is hand selected by myself and all of the REWIND pieces are one of a kind. Some of the brooches have broken pins/backs and otherwise would not be functional. I have rescued these pieces from flea markets, old auntie's drawers as well as amazing Vintage jewelry collectors/dealers. Some are procured and created using amazing pieces from ladies personal collections.

I personally feel that Re-Styling these pieces is RESPECTING fashion's past and Vintage jewelry. A modern nod to the craftsmen and designers of days gone by. The pieces are too beautiful to sit in a thrift store or a drawer. The metals, stones and designs should be worn and given a new life. 

I still style brooches as they were intended (turbans, hats, lapel, bags, scarves, etc) but I have also made them Eco-Chic and Re-Styled them on the fingers of Fab fashionistas all over the world.

Bring the brooch back and Re-Style them in these ways: 

HAIR

A Large Modern Scarf

At the waist for evening (or day)

Double Duty: Oscar de la Renta brooches the band & sweater!

DIY Brooch belt - using a large brooch and vintage printed scarf. Adds a new look to the plain dotted dress. See more HERE

The lapel X 2

The Brooch Bouquet

 On a hat or beret

 Worn at the neckline for Day or Night

 Multiple Brooch Details at neckline of a dress or blazer.

Turban

Trim out a neckline on a solid color

An Evolution Vintage Brooch on a clutch!
(Thanks the Creative CjBlue for this)

Even the men can get in on this. A Fabulous brooch adds an extra something to a
traditional necktie.

How do YOU brooch the subject and style this accessory?

Portable Luxury ~ It's in the bag

Twitter has opened up a whole new world of communication, instant digital gratification and by the minute information to me (and MILLIONS of others). I came across a very creative and kind lady in Lina of Analeena's Handbags (http://www.analeena.com/) or follow on twitter @LinaAnaleena (www.twitter.com/LinaAnaleena )





With a background in high-end fashion and accessories beginning at luxury fashion house Hermes, Lina Hamed is well versed in high quality, craftsmanship, and materials. She add's her own personality, attention to detail and artistry to each of her creations to create the signature Analeena bag! She has successfully merged luxury with practicality with her added touches that women need in a functional handbag; like an umbrella pocket, a torch (for keys) and a bag hanger (keep that bag off the floor ladies). The pieces are intended as a fashionable heirloom to be loved, used, treasured and passed down to the next generation of fashionistas.

My favorite part of her collection? THE BOLD COLORS!!! I love that the clutches are made in both jewel tones and brights ~ ORANGE being my FAV! (I also love the bright yellow, lime and the jewel tone green over sized clutches!)




Her collection is quickly becoming a favorite of celebrity Style Mavens as well. Dita Von Teese, Blake Lively and Molly Sims all share Lina's appreciation for fashion and luxury!



Style Maven: Dita Von Teese




Model & Jewelry Designer ~ Molly Sims


Blake Lively (Gossip Girl)

Character "Juliet" on Gossip Girl


I had the opportunity to ask Lina a few questions about her collection:

LISA: Where did the concept of Analeena bag's come from?

LINA: Analeena was created because I have a penchant for luxury, I worked in Hermes, which was one of the most beautiful and treasured experiences I have had. I always loved bags, and was always called the 'bag lady' by my family and friends. I love Exotic skins especially crocodile, and there was a boom in the market when I was doing my market research. I wanted to create a kind of universe of things that are classic, unique, eye catching, and easy to use. I mixed colours and skins together, I added the umbrella pocket, the rose gold metal buckles which I had not seen in the stores and a torch in every bag. I created the hand woven rock ‘n roll python bags with a metal thread and added the bag hanger, so you never have to put you bag on the floor. There is a superstition in South America and the Mediterranean that if a person puts their bag on the floor, they will lose their money. “Bag on the floor be poor"...but not with Analeena

LISA: What inspires you?

LINA: Everything. Nature, People...I am inspired by life. Everything that surrounds me is an inspiration. The fact I can never find my car keys lead me to create the torch in the bags. I can't stand to have my bag on the floor in case it gets dirty, so I thought to have a matching bag hanger in each bag. I love colour, I love emotions, feelings and I reflect that in the skins I choose.

LISA: Is the Analeena line all bags? or accessories as well?

LINA: Also accessories, such as belts, bracelets, diamond and crocodile bracelets, laptop covers.

LISA: Who are your style inspirations? or icons?

LINA: I'm inspired by many people, Gianni Agnelli, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, and Diana Vreeland.

LISA: Where can my readers buy your creations?

LINA: Harrods in the Uk, Javece in Hong Kong, Hip in Cairo. The online shopping is being launched but it will take sometime.

LISA: What is your personal favorite Analeena bag?

LINA: Oh that's a difficult one! As I carry all my bags, I designed each piece around what I need, carry and use. I even carry the clutches during the day!

LISA: What would you recommend for your readers for S/S 2011 from your line? for day AND night

LINA: All of them! But if one were to choose just one bag then id say the Analeena Over sized Clutch, that gets you through day to night

For those of you who are in LOVE with the line and are unable to get across the pond to buy one, start $saving ladies in anticipation for her on-line launch! Remember when making large luxury purchases, you really DO get what you pay for!