Cute cats and dogs—our industry is mad for them.
Many designers and retailers bring their pets with them to work, the better to spend more time with them, a practice that both staff and customers enjoy.
If you’re shopping for engagement rings at, say, David Craig Jewelers in Bucks County, Pa., there are a couple Portuguese water dogs on hand for moral support.
When I was in St. Helena, Calif., I met a multigenerational family of Javanese at Palladium and its sister store, Patina, across the street.
Mark and Josette Patterson always came to work with their late doxie, Clio; now their adorable new pup Rosy is equally at home in the couple’s Corona del Mar, Calif., boutique.
You, too, may spend a good part of your workday marveling at your pet’s beauty. It’s okay to admit it—and you’re not alone.
In fact, designer Nancy Badia of Buddha Mama grew so accustomed to looking at her beloved Seven, the American bulldog/husky mix she rescued from No Paw Left Behind, that he inspired her to develop a palette for a new micro collection.
Seven, Nancy Badia’s dog/muse
As you can see, the pieces below refer back to Seven’s distinctive, multicolored markings.
Mandala wrap ring with diamonds and enamel in 20k gold, $8,000
Mandala Coin Necklace with white and gray enamel and diamond accents in 20k gold, $15,000
Cross Bangle with white and black enamel and diamonds in 20k gold, $14,460
For designer Mark Bronson, of Vitae Ascendere, it was a cat called Mimmi, belonging to one of his clients.
Designer Mark Bronson was inspired by Mimmi the cat.
“She wanted to immortalize her as a wearable piece of jewelry,” says Bronson. We loved the idea and the striking pose so typical of a cat, and with her permission, we included in our line,”
Cat Bangle in 18k gold, $1,800
Mimmi also lends her lean, lovely shape to a cuff version of the bracelet, pictured at top.
Speaking of cats, anyone out there feeling inspired by this guy? Maybe with ombré gray diamonds and “striped” agate for his tail? Asking for a friend.
Elf the cat
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