It’s the TV version
If it’s been a while since your remote idled on the QVC channel, you’re probably under the impression that its fashion offerings are limited to blinking holiday sweaters and jeans with built-in Spanx. But home shopping is no longer a couch potato pastime. Top designers and luxury brands are putting their names on mass-market versions of their more expensive lines, which are selling like hot cakes on QVC.
Case in point: Texas-based designers Anthony Camargo and Nak Armstrong, whose high-end jewelry line Anthony Nak offers pieces from $3,500 to $5,000. The duo, who won the Council of Fashion Designers of America award in 2005, launched Atelier Anthony Nak, a lower-priced line created exclusively for QVC, last July. The 13-piece collection sold out in 40 minutes, proving that the QVC customer craves something more sophisticated that his-and-her sweat suits. On Friday, the line will be on sale again on QVC, with new styles added.
The Atelier collection features the same drop earrings the high-end line is famous for, as well as its signature sculptural settings. The biggest difference is the metal; Anthony Nak uses a beautiful, rich gold; Atelier uses an almost too-bright-white hue of sterling silver. A glance at the price tags explains why.
Atelier pieces fall between $72.50 for a sterling silver and citrine ring with a chain link band and $198 for a sterling silver and gemstone toggle bracelet with round, oval and teardrop links.
With large, dramatic stones such as smoky quartz and chocolate jade surrounded by textured silver, the pieces have a medieval feel, with a hint of David Yurman’s chunky style. Many of the stones in the earrings and pendants are about 13 carats, so the look is not dainty, and the chains and settings are far from simple. Most are twisted or hammered.
Several pairs of earrings are patterned after the Briolette drops in the main line, which are red carpet favorites with Angie Harmon, Ashley Olsen and Salma Hayek. The tiered pyramid styles frame the face nicely and can take a simple dress from day into evening. The draped, multi-strand necklaces are a little too much for everyday, though, and would look best with a dark dress or gown to make the silver look more substantial.
With prices less than $200, Atelier offers an affordable entry into the designers’ aesthetic and a way to add some interesting sterling silver pieces to your jewelry box without having to leave your couch.
Atelier Anthony Nak, 10 to 11 p.m. Friday on QVC, or at www.qvc.com.
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