Photo Credit from top: Cleopatra 18K gold and diamond earrings by Wendy Brandes. Screenshot from Sex and The City 2. Image of Wendy Brandes in Cleopatra earrings. All images courtesy of Wendy Brandes

Welcome to the Object of Affection feature series. This series will see me put the spotlight on one specific decadent piece of design, destination, art piece etc that deserves to stand alone as an Object of Affection due to it’s attention commanding qualities.

First on the bill is New York based fine jewelry designer Wendy Brandes’s Cleopatra Earrings. The luxurious shoulder length dangle earrings as featured in above images are 18K gold adorned with 1.36 carats of diamonds. Named after Eqypt’s Queen Cleopatra, they are sheer unadulterated luxury. The designer is pictured wearing them in the last image.

I have been a fan of Wendy’s inimitable designs for a while now. Her work is often inspired by iconic historical women and their amazing stories. I interviewed her on her designs here.

The Cleopatra earrings by Wendy Brandes are today’s Object of Affection due to their bold, intrinsic and intelligent design.

The designer recently documented a day in her life for Mariankihogo.com here. In the said feature she mentioned that the Cleopatra earrings had been on loan to the Sex and The City 2 wardrobe department. She did not know at that time if they had been used in filming and whether they would make the final cut of the movie.

A few weeks ago the SATC2 trailer hit the internet and I could not wait to watch it. I started screaming with excitement for Wendy when I spotted her gorgeous earrings on Samantha as played by Kim Cattrall (see image two).

Last night I was honoured to get the background on those earrings that made the much anticipated SATC2 movie, the inspiration behind their design, how you can win a pair and much more from Wendy Brandes herself.

1. Hi Wendy darling, thank you for this super mini interview. Your Cleopatra earrings make Mariankihogo.com’s ‘Object of Affection’ as they are absolutely stunning! I am intrigued by their form. In your recent ’24 hours in the life’ feature for Mariankihogo.com you mentioned how the earrings had been called in by the SATC2 wardrobe department. I was so delighted to see them in the trailer that I started screaming at my laptop! How did you find out they had made the movie and what was your initial reaction?

A friend of mine saw them in an SATC2 preview at the movie theater. I refused to believe her until I saw them with my own eyes

2. What was the inspiration for their design and what metal/stone options do they come in?

A lot of my designs are named after queens, so I always knew I was going to do a piece for Cleopatra. When I was pondering her design, I remembered a single, long, squiggly earring that I wore when I was a teenager … an earring that made me think of the Nile AND snakes. The earrings are available in a gold and diamond version, which is what Samantha wore, and a silver version. There’s a necklace too.

3. How do readers go about ordering a pair so they can make like ‘Samantha’ in SATC2?

The gold ones are here here and the silver ones are here.
Your readers should also enter the contest I’m running on Polyvore here for a chance to win the silver ones.

4. How would you like to see the Cleopatra earrings worn?

I personally like to wear them with a strapless dress and my hair pulled back so the earrings get maximum attention. That said, Kim Cattrall wears them in the movie with her hair worn loose and wavy and they look fabulous that way.

5. Your Cleopatra earrings are objects of affection because …..

Wendy Brandes jewelry kicks asp!

How great is the story and inspiration behind Wendy’s Cleopatra earrings? I love that the twists and turns in the structure of the design were inspired by the Nile and Snakes.

Sex and The City’s Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha have inspired women’s fashion for years. The series and movie has set a whole number of trends.

Judging by the trailer’s wardrobe this new movie will be no exception.

Snag a pair of gold and diamond Cleopatra earrings as seen in SATC 2 on Samantha here. If silver is more your thing, treat yourself to the silver option here.

Entering that Polyvore contest for a fabulous chance to win a silver pair here is an absolute must!

I look forward to seeing this Object of Affection on Samantha (as played Kim Cattrall) when the SATC movie opens at the end of May.

Many kind thanks and kisses to Wendy for the mini interview.

I adore gorgeous Wendy Brandes’s covetable luxury fine jewelry and so do the likes of red carpet royalty like Liv Tyler. Her jewelry has been featured in leading magazines such as W magazine, Marie Claire, GENLUX,O-The Oprah magazine, ESSENCE, Modern Jeweler, Jezebel etc. The great press is a no-brainer as her pieces are eye catching, bold and utterly clever. I am particularly drawn to Brandes’s strong mechanical (think delightful pieces that can be unscrewed, twisted or open and close) designs.

‘Acorn’ necklace by Wendy Brandes, image courtesy of Wendy Brandes

A wonderful theme that seems to be the ongoing inspiration for her pieces is strong women with intriguing stories. Think designs inspired by the unfortunate wives of Henry VIII, Nefertiti and other interesting women

‘Marie Antoinette’ ring by Wendy Brandes, image courtesy of Wendy Brandes

I also like her fun whimsical pieces like her Squirrel necklace, Swear rings or her fruit necklace series.

‘Grape’ necklace by Wendy Brandes, image courtesy of Wendy Brandes

Everyone in blog land adores her witty blog which features everything from humor filled musings to her lust inducing designs. I was honored to interview the very busy Wendy, read on for a fabulous piece.

1. Hi Wendy, hope you are well darling. One funny thing from your week so far?
Last week, when I started working on this interview, two friends in different parts of the world sent me photos of hilarious drink names: Diet Cock and the Ike Turner! What made it even better was that neither of my friends knew I was writing a post about drinks at the time. http://wendybrandes.com/blog/2009/12/outfit-post-almost-starring-jude-and-sienna/

‘Nerfertiti Poision’ ring by Wendy Brandes, image courtesy of Wendy Brandes

2. Tell us a bit about your stunning jewelry…
I work in 18K gold, platinum and silver. As you say in your intro, mechanics are my signature. That means lockets http://wendybrandes.com/pro-detail.php?colid=29&collect=true&id=256
, poison rings http://wendybrandes.com/pro-detail.php?colid=28&collect=true&id=414 ,things that twist and turn http://wendybrandes.com/pro-detail.php?colid=30&collect=true&id=204 .

Another characteristic of my jewelry that you can’t see in pictures — so it always shocks people — is how much heft my rings and necklaces have. I don’t skimp on metal. When you pick up my handmade Nuit ring http://wendybrandes.com/pro-detail.php%20colid=28&collect=true&id=475 you find out what an ounce of gold feels like. That says “Luxury” to me. Of course, my earrings aren’t that heavy. I wouldn’t want the customer to wind up with lobes that stretch to the ground.

‘Citrine & Pink Sapphire’ ring by Wendy Brandes, image courtesy of Wendy Brandes

3. I read that your first designs were your engagement and wedding rings. How did this come about?
Standard diamond solitaires depress me. I wanted something that represented my style. In fact, I wanted everything related to my wedding to represent my style. A lot of women think, “I’m going to have this ring/these pictures forever, so they have to be classic.” Boring! Bring on the leather outfits and crazy cakes. http://wendybrandes.com/blog/2009/09/your-wedding-wish-is-my-command-now-vote/ . I only regret that I wasn’t wilder. I look at the wedding photos now and think, “Too safe”!

4. You seem to be inspired by strong historical women from English Royalty to Nefertiti. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I’ve always been intrigued by women who led extraordinary lives in times and places where they had no real rights. Empress Matilda is one of my favorites, kicking ass and taking names in the 12th century. It took me three blog posts to cover her; http://wbjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/04/book-club-empress-matilda-part-i.html,, http://wbjewelry.blogspot.com/2008/05/book-club-empress-matilda-part-ii.html and
http://wendybrandes.com/blog/2008/05/book-club-empress-matilda-part-iii/ .
And check out the necklace I named after her! http://wendybrandes.com/pro-detail.php?cat=true&id=406

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‘Matilda’ necklace by Wendy Brandes, image courtesy of Wendy Brandes

5. Lipstick shade that you are currently addicted to?
I’m all about red and I just can’t quit MAC’s Lasting Lust http://wendybrandes.com/blog/2008/07/red-lipstick-1-macs-lasting-lust/ .I need to get some more. I’m on my last tube right now.

6. If you could only wear one piece of jewelry. It’d be?
Definitely my one-of-a-kind onyx skull ring with hidden diamonds http://wendybrandes.com/pro-detail.php?colid=32&collect=true&id=420 ). My website says the price is available upon request, but I’d rather that no one request it. I only want to sell that ring to Lady Gaga, Madonna or Beyonce. It either goes to a megastar or it stays with me.

‘Onyx Skull’ ring by Wendy Brandes, image courtesy of Wendy Brandes

7. You are throwing a fancy dress party, what or who do you go as?
You might think Marie Antoinette (I’ve already done Anne Boleyn– http://wendybrandes.com/blog/2008/10/anne-boleyn-postmortem ) but I’ve always wanted to look like Jim Morrison for a day.

8. Your Party trick?
I wish I could say that I tie cherry stems into knots with my tongue, but that would be a lie. Instead, I entertain people by opening up three or four pieces of jewelry to show them various hidden compartments. A few years ago, when I was the only not-famous person at a dinner, Queen Noor of Jordan saw me open a bunch of rings and left off talking to Michael Douglas to say, “Ooh.” That’s all she said: “Ooh.” And it’s still one of the best compliments I ever received.

‘Pomegranate Peace Sign’ necklace by Wendy Brandes, image courtesy of Wendy Brandes

9. Your current collections?
You mean stuff I collect as opposed to my jewelry collection, right? In that case, I’ll say “grievances.”

10. Last movie you watched?
“Precious.” I still have my 1996 original edition of the book (“Push” by Sapphire) on which the movie is based. I also remember sitting on the beach with my mother and reading that book. My mother asked, “Would I like that book?” and I considered a moment and said, “NO!” I can barely remember what I did yesterday, so I’m not sure why I recall that little exchange from 1996.

11. Love your gorgeous jaw dropping ‘Venus’ earrings from your ‘Eden’ collection. Tell us a bit about that collection.

With my queen-related and historical pieces, I usually work from a concept and find the materials to bring that concept to life. The pieces in the Eden collection are more likely to be inspired by the gems I find. For instance, the cabochon-cut rose quartz that I used for the first Venus pieces immediately brought the “Morning Star” concept to mind, complete with diamond “stars.”

‘Venus’ earrings by Wendy Brandes, image courtesy of Wendy Brandes

12. Your blog shows a love of vintage, you have some great pieces by designers like Ossie Clark, Patrick Kelly, Moschino Cheap & Chic etc. Most recent vintage fashion purchase?
A black Patrick Kelly dress that’s covered with little bows in rainbow colors. While researching the dress, I found a clip of Bette Davis mentioning Kelly on the David Letterman show in the ’80s. I’d been looking for that footage for a while http://wendybrandes.com/blog/2008/05/meet-80s-designer-patrick-kelly/ . Bette was a damn good salesperson. I wish she were around to wear my designs.

13. You are a proud New Yorker, if a tourist had an hour to see NY for the first time where would you take them to?
I’d do what I did with gorgeous blogger Solo Lisa and take you to St. John the Divine and the Columbia University campus. http://wendybrandes.com/blog/2008/10/bloggers-invade-upper-west-side/

‘Primavera’ ring by Wendy Brandes, image courtesy of Wendy Brandes

14. You recently had a two day pop shop, tell us about it.
I don’t have a regular storefront where I can show my full line so it’s great to have the opportunity to personally show the whole collection. (About a dozen of my pieces are available in a great store called Broken English in Santa Monica, Calif.) I love to tell people, “Hold out your hand!” and then drop a one-ounce ring or pendant into their palms. Their stunned expressions are priceless!

15. Five words synonymous with your designs…
Amazing, amusing, feminine and feminist. Yeah, I’m counting “and” as one of the words!

Isabella Wolf Fang earrings by Wendy Brandes, image courtesy of Wendy Brandes

How witty is Wendy? I adore the lady,her answers are brilliant! Drooling over every single design. I’m all for personal,strong pieces.Cookie cutter jewelry is far too boring. Wendy pieces are timeless,organic and unique. Simply love pieces that tell a story and these do that in heaps and bounds. Thank you for the interview Wendy!

Visit her below.
Wendy’s Website

Wendy’s Blog

Stay glam!
Marian.

Interview republished with kind permission from Wendy Brandes. Originally published on mariankihogo.blogspot.com in December 2009.

♥ Gilda & Pearl

Images from Gilda & Pearl

I am loving lingerie line Gilda & Pearl. Their decadent designs are handmade in the UK and would make a fabulous Valentine’s Day gift. The below designs trump tops! I am enamoured by the ‘Blue Dahlia’ set in first image and adore ‘How to marry a millionaire’ set in image two. I think that is such a memorable name.

The Blue Dahlia set is priced at £72 for the pleated bra and £45 for the skirted knicker. The How to marry a Millionaire set is £65 for the bra and £39 for the bow knicker.

Shop the lingerie at Gilda & Pearl.

♥ Wendy Brandes

Images from Wendy Brandes

These above pieces by fine jeweler Brandes would make any girl very happy. The hefty sterling silver, heart shaped ‘Diana’ ring, is named after the late Diana, Princess of Wales. It was inspired by Diana’s efforts in the late 80′s towards to the AIDS cause.

The Diana ring is $450. It also comes in plain gold and a gold bedecked with diamonds options too. I am in love with the decadent Mignonette earrings too! They are $935.

Buy the pieces at Wendy Brandes.

♥ Duchess Marden

Roses have become synonymous with Valentine’s Day. Eco fabulous beauty product company, Duchess Marden uses the rose in it’s products, as it is known to have a positive impact on well-being.

Spoil yourself or a love one with the all natural luxury line’s Enzyme Exfoliatant. The soothing mask is great for tired skin at $44. I am forever spritzing myself with their Rose water. It is such a mood lifter! It is $40.
Images from Duchess Marden

Purchase at Duchess Marden.

♥ For the girl who loves Pink

Images from Net-A-Porter

The Erdem for Smythson Medium Manuscript notebook is delightful! It is priced at £195 and makes me want to throw a chic tea party.Fashion designer Erdem always creates the most adorable prints. This Smythson notebook would be perfect for jotting all your inspired thoughts.

Lanvin’s grosgrain pompom key ring equals love! I would wear it hanging off a handbag. It is £125.

Both are available at Net-A-Porter

♥ Black is always super chic

Images from Net-A-Porter

I am drooling over these pieces. The Burberry patent leather bracelet is simple but makes the right impact. The yummy piece is £75.

The Mulberry ‘Continental’ purse will remain a classic for years to come. The purse is £195. Purchase at Net-A-Porter

Wendy Brandes in a modified version of her ‘Swear’ ring. Image edited by Observation Mode

Wendy Brandes is a fabulous New York based luxury jewelry designer.

Her pieces are bold, witty, drool inducing and intelligent. Each piece tells a story cleverly translated into its design.

Her signatures are mechanical pieces that open, (on occasion with delightful surprises inside them) twist or unscrew. Like her ‘Sophie Twisting Heart’ Necklace as below. It can be twisted to be worn in three different ways; as a gold heart, diamond heart or gold and diamond oval. Adoring!

Sophie Twisting Heart necklace by Wendy Brandes

She pulls inspiration from strong historical women with interesting stories such as Empress Matilda, Anne Boleyn and Nefertiti etc.

Marie Antoinette ring by Wendy Brandes

Other than her stunning work, Wendy is also notable for her amazing style and witty blog posts. I adore her blog!

I caught up with Wendy to share a typical day in her life. This series will give you a glimpse into the busy lives of varying industry professionals. Read on for 24 hours in the life of Wendy.

9 a.m.
On my way to the gym. This is pretty early for me nowadays. Since I started my own business, I often don’t fall asleep till 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. because my mind is racing. Then I can’t wake up at a reasonable time. In my corporate days, I used to be at the gym every morning at 6 a.m. Anyway, look how old my sweatshirt is!

10:30 a.m.
Realize the dogs need to be groomed. Call groomer.

11:30 a.m.
I can hold a strange, uncomfortable position for hours, yet I refuse to channel this skill into something positive, like yoga. I perch on the tiny amount of free space on the left corner of this chair as I make calls, check email and write appointments in my calendar. I’m also getting Teeny Genie necklaces ready for shipping. I’m selling them to raise money for a blogger in need

1 p.m.
The wardrobe department of Sex and the City 2 borrowed my Cleopatra earrings for a long time. They were returned with this note saying they might be called back, so I’m going to take them to the vault and keep them safe till then.

2 p.m.
It’s cold today, so I’m wearing my yellow leather gloves and a hat Jennine from The Coveted gave me. That’s a Prada tote I got a few years ago from a consignment store.

2:30 p.m.
Go to the post office to get more priority envelopes for the Teeny Genies. Get yelled at for taking a picture in a federal building. A federal building is a place that has 10 counters but only one open, with a line of angry people snaking out the door.

3:30 p.m.
Two of my friends — clothing designer Zang Toi and jewelry designer Tina Tang — met at my New Year’s party. Tina wanted to see Zang’s studio, so I meet her there.

4:30 p.m.
Go to one of my jewelers to pick up more Teeny Genies. I also approve the wax model of a custom ring.

7:00 p.m.
Meet my friend Abbie, an editor at Marie Claire, at Odeon. We eat French fries and discuss crazy people.

11:00 p.m.
Family Guy reruns are on!

1 a.m.
Gorgeous blogger ENC arrives from California for a weekend visit. I thought it would be rude to take a picture of her after a long plane trip, but I assure you she looks as fresh as a daisy!

It is amazing how much she gets done. I love that the Cleopatra earrings were called in, by wardrobe, for the Sex and The City 2 Movie! Here is to hoping they make the movie!

How cute are her dogs? Oh don’t get me started on her yellow gloves! Many kind thanks and glam kisses to Wendy for this piece. All images used in the piece are courtesy of Wendy Brandes.

Find more on Wendy and her work at the below links.
Wendy’s Website

Wendy’s Blog