Mad Men Jewelry

While most watch Mad Men for the clever dialogue, the show’s impact on fashion trends has been powerful, particularly in the world of fashion jewelry. Mad Men’s costume designer Janie Bryant displays an intuitive understanding that little period pieces go a long way. The jewelry on Mad Men is distinctive to the era which is portrayed and the feminine archetypes that inhabit it:

Mad Men Logo Credit:  AMC

The Housewife
Betty Draper is the paradigm of the chic housewife of the 1960’s. She is a combination of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn; alternating between the classic strand of pearls by day and diamonds by night. Matching earring and necklace sets are commonly seen on her character, delicate and tasteful, as a housewife should be.  The Iridescent collection from Majorca Jewelry provides the glamour of the era without the hefty price tag.

The Femme Fatale
Joan Holloway’s introduction in the pilot has revolutionized the Hollywood POV on curvy women. As portrayed by Christina Hendricks, Bryant styles the in-house femme fatale for exhibition. Joan’s bold jewelry draws the eye, whether she is dressing for work with a single statement piece like a brooch, or for play, wearing a matching necklace and bracelet set. Subtlety is not the goal. For similar evening style, see Suzanna Dai’s Antwerp collection.

The Career Girl
Fan favorite Peggy Olson began her journey from a little girl in a big man’s business, and has become a power to be reckoned with; this working woman is finally dressing her age. Peggy’s jewelry has made the transition from strictly utilitarian to functional and fashionable. To dress up your daywear, try an accent piece like this brooch from Liza Sonia’s fine silver collection.

The Socialite
To be young and beautiful in Manhattan circa 1963; Trudy Campbell is the character who best represents the latest high end fashion trends of the sixties. A Deb through and through, her jewelry is appropriate to the occasion. Alexis Bittar’s Elements collection has the feel of the jewelry worn by the metropolitan society girl of the sixties: confident and sophisticated.

Those who tune in on July 25th for return of the award winning AMC series Mad Men, keep an eye on the trends shown there; they will be seen on the runway soon enough.