Designing in the USA: The Good Times!

I was living in Orange County, California. Business was crazy good. It was most of all fun, at least it was for me. Long hours in the wholesale biz, flying to Providence, Rhode Island to design my new collection for the season. Getting down and dirty in the old factories where I always found an old mold amongst the discarded ones. I remember the pure joy I felt as I envisioned the old mold come alive with a few changes I was about to create. I would go over walls and walls of stones of all kinds and shapes. I didn't care what the trends were, I made my own trends.

The owners of the different factories, from Enterprise Jewelry, Inc. to Vanity, Inc., to... Oh my, too many to mention. However, my favorite was Enterprise Jewelry, Inc. The owner, Jack, an old, Italian-American, "old-school" guy, knew to leave me alone because when I entered my magical world, I left all behind. When I would be ready, placing stones aside metals molds, I would be creating not only a line that was 3 years ahead of the rest, but a line that would grant me exclusivity for 6 months. Then they would sell my designers all over the world. Japan was a big fan of my designs. The manufacturers at that time kept their words. No need for a formal contract. As for me, well I was simply happy that I had my passion. I didn't even think I should have asked for a royalty fee. I was too young and exited about my passion.

Money was unimportant, but it came in anyhow in other ways by selling to Dayton Hudson, Marshall Fields, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Cache, ect. I was the first one to create the mesh bold choker with a big, geometric Swarovski Crystal Triangle slider. Going into the factory from the daytime in to the evening. Who had heard of mixing Lucite with crystals in gorgeous geometric designs?!

Yes, it was me. The dark hematite mystical line consisted of multi layered toilette chain with a big, bold star and moon in bright orange and purple colors. Of course in the many trade shows I displayed at, from the Fae in NY to Dallas to LA to Magic in Vegas, it was always a hit! Many magazines in these trades were wring up and taking photographs of my babies ;) Write-ups from Accessories Magazine to Marie Claire to Accent... OOOHH what great times.

Then after working hours, I would go back to the Marriott in Cranston, Rhode Island. Getting ready for dinner was always a special surprise. The manifacturing company I would be working with that day would find the perfect fun, typical Italian restaurant where laughter, great company, fantastic food, and champagne and wine were flowing. There are so many nostalgic moments and events that I will always cherish and place a great smile on my face. We simply took over the restaurant! Once, a team of Japanese old school buyers were in the group. I went in to the restaurant kitcken, and came out with a huge tray of pastries and cannolli. I had the chef follow me with a can of whip cream. Well, can you imagine the expression on the foreingn guests when we started spraying whip cream all over the table?

OHH yes, I got mine as well. Yes, those were the days Made in the USA. Of course, with an Italian twist. Here are some of the write-ups to share with you.

LOVE, Peace, Laughter! Bless your day today and always!

BACIONI

Bling Queen
Anna;)