Anna Wintour on Late Night with David Letterman
Anyone see her on the program last week? My mother-in-law, Gretchen, tipped me off to her appearance the morning after the show aired (Letterman is on way past my bedtime).
Thanks to the wonder of the Google search, however, I was able to queue up the entire video segment on my computer the next day. Gretchen’s take is that Wintour was uninspiring with regard to fashion options in a down economy. I agree.
I think Wintour missed an opportunity to celebrate and promote some of the designer-retailer collaborations-Jimmy Choo for H & M-that promote democratization of fashion for consumers. For example, when asked what a consumer with a $20 fashion budget could buy, Wintour said “a lipstick.” Not untrue, but also not inspiring, especially to a nation of television viewers who, chances are, have been hurt by the economy and would like a little more bang for their buck. What did you all think?
Wintour says recessionistas with a $20 fashion budget can buy lipsticks. That’s it?
If the Late Show asked me what fine jewelry lovers could afford in a down economy, I could point to a number of amazing jewelry designs that all cost less than a good cut and color (perhaps even Wintour’s). For less than $250 retail, consumers can find jewelry featuring gemstones and diamond accents, silver with karat gold accents, upscale costume pieces, and more, and all are sure to deliver that euphoric feeling of satisfaction that comes with the purchase of something new and fabulous.
Serenity pendant necklace features diamonds set in sterling, $130 retail, hotdiamonds.com
Open Hearts by Jane Seymour Diamond Ring in silver, $149.99, jared.com
Silver Single Pink Blossom ring $135.00, shaunleaneshop.com
Peacock ring with vintage enamel peacock, peridot, blue topaz, pearl, brass, and sterling, $98, marsandvalentine.com
Sterling beads set with Murano glass and Swarovski crystal start at $24 retail, chamilia.com
8.0-9.0 to 10.0-11.0 Tahitian Baroque Tin Cup pearl bracelet in 14k gold, $220, pearlparadise.com
Hand-hammered sterling wire with iolite and iridescent shell, $20, silvercurve.etsy.com
Fleur de Lis Earrings in silver with 18k gold accents and gemstones, $140 retail, starhavenusa.com
Mini Pod bangle in sterling, $90 retail, melindamaria.com
Don’t forget to:
* Follow me’ on Twitter to read helpful, one-sentence insights on the jewels, trends, and business commentaries I glean from walking the show floor.
* Become a fan of JCK on Facebook to see photo albums industry friends (you might already be on there). And finally,
* Update your subscriptions to JCK is up to date so that you don’t miss any print coverage in the coming months.
Smith commented:
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JH commented:
You are correct in that this is not an apples-to-apples comparison, Abbie. I felt like Letterman was asking her about fashion in general, though, not just fine (ie, Chanel). That's why I felt her responses were uninspiring. If Vera Wang is making clothes for Kohls, then that is a fashion option--why wouldn't she suggest a designer-retailer collaboration like that? It's an option if you want a piece of new clothing for your $20, not just a lipstick. In jewelry, there are lots of designers who craft lines for QVC; those lines are, I think, great options for consumers who can aspire to own a designer's original.
I chose a higher price point bc, in general, 'fine' jewelry is thought of as more expensive than clothes, so an entry p.p. would automatically be higher. However, perhaps I should have done a 'jewelry for $20 and less' post. :)
Abbie commented:
I'm not a huge fan of Anna Wintour, but I don't think this comparison is exactly fair. She was asked $20, not $250. And, she was discussing FINE fashion, her expertise (like JCK's is fine jewelry). Her advising something from H&M or Target, made from sub-par materials in sweatshops in China, would be like someone asking you to advise on fine jewelry and you suggesting a knock-off in base metals and fake stones. Thanks for your examples of affordable jewelry, they are beautiful, but the comparison to Anna's lipstick comment is apples to oranges.
