Eclat de Mode & Wendy Mink

I went to the big fashion expo in Paris this last weekend, Eclat de mode, and the best jewelry there was Wendy Mink's.

It's gorgeous. Photographs and images just do not do it justice. I know that's the case with most jewelry, but the colors Ms. Mink uses are just delightful. Everything glimmers, shines, or sparkles, and the colors in each piece compliment each other beautifully.

I was also really impressed with Ms. Mink's staff, who were very friendly and courteous, but more, they are obviously proud of the company they're involved in and happy in their jobs. It was a great experience, and I would have liked to have been able to spend more time at their booth.

Aside from Ms. Mink's, there was one other booth with jewelry I liked, but the show was mostly disappointing. The big styles for winter - and I suppose next year - are mostly more of what's on now and a rehash of 80's styles - big, gothic crosses and chunky, kitschy jewelry in black, white, red, and gold. Baroque and gothic styles are totally on their way back in. And if you make beaded peyote or embroidered cuff bracelets, I am sad to tell you that those are being mass-produced in China now, and will probably be all over US department stores by mid-year or next fall, if not this spring.

So there you have it: rehashed 80s styles, bad. Wendy Mink, good. :) Live from the heart of Paris, this is Jenie Clark, signing off. Back to you, Bob. ;)