VIRGINS SAINTS & ANGELS ACCESSORIES / JEWELRY
CHERYL FINNEGAN-DESIGNER/OWNER and CFDA INDUCTEE!
MAY 4th 2009
Words, Images Judith Ecochard and courtesy of Virgin Saints & Angels
We trolled the aisles of ENK’S Intermezzo and we are happy to say, we had company.
Yes…the mood of retail buyers and exhibitors was cautiously optimistic---after all, the buyers actually showed up and wrote orders, (albeit smaller ones with promised hopes of more deliveries TBD).
Compared with the February trade shows scheduled smack dab in the middle of Fall 2009 Fashion weeks and the massive Project/Magic shows in Las Vegas, brick and mortar and internet-only store owners now seemed ready to stock inventory from NY show displayers.
Takeaways…three/four season items AND versatility ruled…
Which makes sense, given the buy it now-wear it tonight mind set. And the fact that many consumers live in warm climes all year round--that makes strictly “Fall” looks moot.
Well priced accessories and garments…a $ / value mentality ruled. We heard over and over again that the pricier selections in booths we visited, while staggeringly eyeball fabulous, were not being ordered…too risky.
Additionally, we learned that many customers were day-trippers, coming into New York for a few hours, and leaving on late afternoon flights/trains. NYC's tourism biz may not be happy, but at least the flow of goods is flowing.
YEAH.
VIRGINS SAINTS & ANGELS ACCESSORIES and JEWELRY
We got a tip on this “celebrity-driven” collection (think Madonna, Dave Navarro, John Galliano, Tim McGraw, Eve Longoria, Usher)… of belt buckles and jewelry.
What a great tip.
VIRGINS SAINTS & ANGELS is an amazing line of spiritually crafted, vaguely religious (symbols, icons) - made from gold, silver, enamel, semi-precious stones and diamond accessories…
“Dedicated to designing adornments inspired by Goddesses and Imagery that encourage enlightenment, expression, and creativity.”
BACKSTORY:
Cheryl “Finn” Finnegan has been living in the scenic mountains of Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende, an artistic enclave of natives, and retired types fused with a large contingent of ex-pats from around the globe.
“Everything has to have a meaning,” Finn remarked of her extensive collection that is “…an evolution of eight years.”
The initial four-piece collection she designed and had locally made “… was initially inspired by 17th century colonial Mexico…and Mexicans who wear their religions on their sleeve.”
THE COLLECTION:
Virgins Saints & Angels currently has several lines, that we can honestly say, had us salivating with wanna have-it-itis.
Favorite looks included a hand cast silver Day of the Dead belt buckle
Hand forged cuffs
The “San Benito” a signature piece--- in collar, buckle or as a necklace to ward off evil spirits
Belt buckles embellished with microscopic stones and original Vatican medallions…
Archangel Bracelet (silver dipped in 24k gold)
And several items from the Royal Collection with images of lions and bold Celtic looking crosses.
SHE POWER:
The Goddesses items feature images of the Virgin of Guadeloupe, Mary Magdalena, and Eve.
We loved the versatility of the necklaces that we can wrap around our wrists or wear as belts.
And the feel of the line, “fun and edgy…to wear with everything- from denim to evening gowns…has the same quality as Tiffany’s.”
The latter opinion is FACT –IMHO/BTW.
NEW:
Peace out.
Set to launch at Fred Segal’s Sparkle on June 23rd, is a collection of 18-22kt gold splashed with diamonds, and emblazoned with “PAX.” The pieces will have the old world/gothic antique style of VSA-- with a modern twist of the precious stone.
Pieces will range from $600- $6000.
ADDED PLUS:
The packaging for Virgin Saints & Angels is exceptional including a gold tone medal round hard case with the Virgin of Guadeloupe…and for the PAX collection-a buttery leather, lined pouch adorned with the diamond/gold company icon.
AVAILABLE: Fred Segal, Ylang23, and soon…NY ADORNED