The media and fans alike have noticed the number of celebrities sporting vintage jewelry at this year’s awards shows, and Maejean Vintage co-owner Amanda Jean Hornberger is proud to count Maejean among the brands that have provided jewels for star-studded events.
Maejean Vintage lent some pieces to the stylist for indie-rock trio Boygenius for the Grammys (where the group won three awards). Hornberger says she and Maejean’s all-woman team were honored to work with Boygenius and thrilled with the results. Amanda Jean founded the online retail store—which focuses on jewelry from the Victorian, Edwardian, and art deco eras and other retro styles—in 2010 with her sister, Laura Mae.
Maejean Vintage sent the Boygenius stylist a 1940s nameplate bracelet (above) for consideration, and singer-guitarist Julien Baker wore it to the Clive Davis pre-Grammys party. After the retailer got the bracelet back, it was relisted—and sold.
Baker’s bandmate Lucy Dacus wore Maejean’s circa 1980s diamond hummingbird brooch to a Grammys after-party, showing off its 14k yellow gold bird sparkling with 12 single-cut diamonds. That piece is currently available on the retailer’s website.
JCK asked Hornberger to outline the process of getting your jewelry not only noticed but worn by celebrities. Here is an edited transcript of her remarks.
“What we like to do is follow social media accounts of celebrities we love. Boygenius is one of my favorite bands, and I love following their musical journey on Instagram, as well as their iconic photo shoots. I noticed they often work with a Los Angeles–based stylist, so we began following her on Instagram.
“Her styling work is edgy and fun. In addition to Boygenius, she regularly styles Paramore, Rico Nasty, and other celebrities,” Hornberger says. “We messaged the stylist on Instagram in November just saying we love her work and would be honored to lend jewelry for any photo shoots or events. She responded several days later saying she had an upcoming photo shoot with Maya Hawke that she would love brooches for.
“We overnighted a bunch of jewelry for the shoot, and she ended up styling a bunch of the brooches on Hawke’s blazer. The photos for that shoot have not been released yet, but we are so excited to see the finished project in the spring.
“After the success of that photo shoot, we mentioned to the stylist that we would be thrilled to lend jewelry to Boygenius if that opportunity arose. She responded saying she would love a large jewelry pull for the Grammys, where Boygenius was nominated for multiple categories and had many red-carpet events to attend.
“Seeing our jewelry at such an iconic event on one of my favorite bands really makes me think ‘Wow, dreams do come true.’ I think it is so important in this industry to use social media to genuinely connect and reach out for opportunities that you dream of happening. The worst-case scenario is you don’t get a response, and that is okay.”
Top: Maejean Vintage received this behind-the-scenes photo from Boygenius of group member Julien Baker wearing a vintage nameplate bracelet lent by Maejean for the Grammy Awards. (Photos courtesy of Maejean Vintage)
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