About John Wind
THE BEGINNING!
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MAXIMAL ART IS BORN!
![]() Signature found-object collage brooches, belts, etc. came to define the era in a look that was a precursor to Steampunk. Janet Jackson, Cher and other superstars rocked the look. |
![John Wind Jewelry, Janet Jackson, charm bracelet](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0287/3292/files/3._Maximal_Art_is_Born_1987_Janet_Jackson_480x480.jpg?v=1695962995)
MINIMALISM & GIFTS
![modern vintage watches, john wind jewwlry](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0287/3292/files/4._The_90_s_Watches_NY_Times_1996_480x480.jpg?v=1695963200)
![modern Victorian jewelry, john wind](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0287/3292/files/5._Modern_Victoriana_1998_480x480.jpg?v=1695963273)
A RETURN TO FASHION
![Jennifer Lopez, Vogue magazine, John Wind Jewelry](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0287/3292/files/6._2000_s_A_Return_to_Fashion_480x480.jpg?v=1696919556)
It was a new look, but with iconic materials and themes-- vintage and modern chains and charms, and evocative stories from John's travels-- from Portobello Road, London to Worth Avenue, Palm Beach. The collection was very successful and eventually served as the inspiration for a refreshed Maximal Art gift line as well. Victorian inspiration was replaced with Mid-Century Modern, sweet ‘Mother’ pins gave way to retro-chic ‘Sorority Gal’ initial bracelets. And with its unique mix of fashion and gift, the company became a key secret source for companies like Anthropologie, designing and producing extensive private label collections for many years.
![Anthropologie, charms, john wind jewelry](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0287/3292/files/8._2010_s_Personalization_._2011_anthro_catalog_480x480.jpg?v=1696919653)
PERSONALIZATION
![oprah magazine, personalized charm bracelets, john wind jewelry](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0287/3292/files/7__2010_s_Personalization_2008_Oprah_jpg_480x480.jpg?v=1695964611)
When the company turned 30 in 2015, it had the honor of being accepted into the permanent collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, featuring jewelry John designed through 30 incredible years. (John and Hilary’s early designs are also in the permanent collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London and the Musée des Arts Decoratifs, Paris).
A RETURN TO THE CITY AND OUR ROOTS
![John Wind, Philadelphia HQ](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0287/3292/files/10._8th_St_Exterior_MED_480x480.png?v=1696919847)
To keep a company strong for almost four decades means being flexible and adapting to change. In 2017 John took a big leap into the future by deciding to focus more on artistic, signature, hand-made designs, rather than on the higher volume strategy of the past decade. He parted ways with Robbin, whose own leap was to take the lead in her own creative, entrepreneurial venture, Violet and Brooks. And he physically moved the company from the suburbs to an awesome 100 year old converted stable in South Philadelphia. There, working closely with Jennifer Rubin and a small team of artists and marketers, they got through the pandemic by reinventing yet again—this time as an online, direct to consumer
brand (while keeping a handful of loyal wholesale customers). Around this time John bought a chandelier at auction that used to hang at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. It was the beginning of the “Grand Hotel” Collection, the brand's first big online hit.
![Clarissa Grand Lariot, John Wind Jewelry](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0287/3292/files/11._Charissa_Grand_Lariat_480x480.jpg?v=1696919977)
At the same time, custom bracelets are more relevant than ever, and perfectly suited to online shopping.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0287/3292/files/9._Mini_Plus_in_Packaging_MED_480x480.png?v=1695965646)
Moving forward, it's all about keeping it personal, authentic, modern and relevant. Looking at the company's history but with an eye to today while creating the looks and brand that will define John Wind’s future!
![john wind jewelry, best of philly, award, balloons](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0287/3292/files/12._JW_Best_of_Philly_480x480.jpg?v=1695962610)