Brilliant Brooches
Sunday, November 30, 2008 at 12:29 PM 
Photo used with kind permission from photographer Bill Burke, Page One Photography We love what Mrs. O has done for the brooch. With her fresh spin, what could be a dated, old-fashioned piece of jewelry now feels quite new and of-the-moment. Mrs. O chooses brooches that truly complement her ensembles, picking up a floral pattern or hue in the fabric of her dress. And how she wears them - whether arranged in a series pinned at the neckline or a single statement piece showcased at the peak of a v-neck - is always distinctive. Erickson Beamon is the jewelry design duo behind many of Mrs. O's most dazzling accessories and at least seven of her brooches. The trio of floral brooches Mrs. O wore for the final night of the DNC was the custom creation of designer Karen Erickson, and made specially for Mrs. O. We're thrilled to highlight them and all of their magnificent detail, below. At first glance, these pins may not be the likeliest combination, but against Mrs. O's floral Thakoon frock, they worked seamlessly. Up close, we're privy to unexpected details such as the cluster of pearls on the brooch to the left and the lilac and plum starburst of beads on the brooch to the far right. Sensing a vintage influence, we'd love to know the designer's inspiration.
Images used with kind permission from Erickson Beamon / Showroom Seven New York
While these brooches are one of a kind, more of your favorite Erickson Beamon jewelry can be found at the newly opened Beyond 7 in New York and Ikram in Chicago. And at a lower price point, Erickson Beamon will launch a new jewelry line through Target's Go International in February. (Thanks for the tip, Roberta.) Early reviews leave us eagerly anticipating its arrival.
Erickson Beamon in Jewelry
Reader Comments (12)
I have several of my grandmother's brooches and I love to wear them. For once in my life, I'm actually fashionable?
I've always admired pretty brooches on others, and have a couple, myself. It may just be time to revisit these, and also add to my tiny collection.
It's lovely that Mrs. O has helped to put the humble brooch in the spotlight, again.
Thank you, Mrs. T, for keeping us informed on Michelle's fashion nuances. Love the various dimensions you weave into your stories. I always learn something unexpected!
I'm glad that Michelle sports the brooches. I have loved wearing them since high school. They just add so much to an outfit. I have brooches from my mother, grandmother, and great aunts. They had amazing taste and jewelry from the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Brooches are a great alternative to other jewelry against your skin and are sure to brighten up your face just as they do with Mrs. O. I really haven't seen her in large jewelry other than pearls and it's something that will never go out of style.
Michelle's use of brooches is really quirky and endearing. My favorite really unexpected look of hers was the dress she wore to the last debate. http://www.nancarrow-webdesk.com/warehouse/storage2/2008-w41/img.377148_t.jpg
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/83288885.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19303D83A05122D2369077CC89851DCD5E45A5397277B4DC33E
The brooches were used in a totally original way and she looked amazing.
The fact that Mrs O has the confidence to wear three different brooches on the same frock speaks volumes about her fashion confidence and originality.
Does this woman have her own singular sense of style within the context of what is 'fashionable' at the moment - unquestionably !
Love Mrs. O. love her sense of style, maybe I'm not old fashioned enough but I don't like the broaches. They look like something my grandmother would wear. I don't even think they go well with all outfits. I liked them on the JCrew (Leno) outfit but that's about it.
Essence.com has the new cover with Mrs.O on the cover!!!
They also have the cover with President-elect Obama too!
I can't wait to get my issue!
I brought a couple of Erickson Beamon brooches a while back during a Gilt Groupe sample sale. They are beautiful!!! I wear them just like Michelle! I think Gilt Group is going to be doing another one soon but Im not sure. You can join Gilt Groupe by being invited by a member- try using this link-
http://www.gilt.com/invite/pateltoral
Hope it works!
These brooches are fine (my fave is the right-most) but I think it would have stood out much more on a different dress. Even on Jill Biden's! Michelle's dress just has such a busy pattern that the brooch seemed unnecessary.
Kristan
http://jbu.phuzzymath.net
I don't particularly care for the brooches against the print. I think they got lost again the busyness of the print. I do love Mrs. O's brooches in general.