Braided Bliss... by Melissa

From top to bottom: Zephyr, Laloue, Small Universe & Journey. All Jeanine Payer

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. ~Lao Tzu

19th century Mourning bracelet advertisement

The back of a Victorian mourning brooch
Portrait of a young Queen Victoria in braids

Stevie Nicks, "Gold and Braid" live, 1981

In the 1880's, braided jewelry was sometimes used to commemorate the death of a loved one, which was the polar opposite of the 1980's, when a braided bracelet signified true and enduring friendship. The braiding process is a ancient one and can also be very therapeutic and spiritual in itself, and is found making its graceful way through Jeanine's Fall Collection. Besides leather, artisan fabrics from Liberty of London are used to create looks that marry both centuries - the Arts and Crafts look of Victorian England and the updated Preppy chic of the 1980's. It also reminds me of one of my favorite songs of Stevie Nicks, who, in 1981, looks like she stepped out of a 19th century Rossetti painting.