Plus: Sarah Jessica Parker unveils a Made in America dress collection.
ALEX AND ANI have taken Made in America to another level by combining historic, landmark materials as well as a concept that America was built upon — liberty.
The trendy jewelry company is out with a new, limited edition collection called LIBERTY COPPER, featuring pieces of original copper from the Statue of Liberty. Consisting of 26 pieces, the collection is being conducted in partnership with The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc., and ALEX AND ANI report that it is “inspired by the very principles our country was founded upon.”
The Statue of Liberty underwent major restoration from 1984 to 1986, and stainless steel armature bars replaced the statue’s original iron frame and copper supports. But the original copper was preserved, melted down and put into storage in Tennessee, where it sat awaiting a new purpose for three decades.
"We always knew there was a greater purpose for these preserved materials," said Stephen A. Briganti, president and CEO of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. "This collaboration with ALEX AND ANI will bring the Statue's message and spirit directly into the lives of people around the world. We couldn't be more pleased."
The signature meaning card that accompanies each LIBERTY COPPER Collection purchase reads, "Bearing her torch…we become Lady Liberty's movement of light and hope. When we CARRY LIGHT, we ignite the light in others, and create one light indivisible."
On the front the design of each pendant states "CARRY LIGHT," which is basically a message of hope. As the jeweler notes, "When we CARRY LIGHT, we ignite the light in others, and create one light indivisible."
The design also shows three stars representing icons of peace, love, and unity. In the center of each piece lays the torch and flame, which is actually an exact replica of Lady Liberty’s torch, raised high to light the way. Behind the torch is a background of rays that depict radiant light enlightening the world with her message of hope.
On the back are 50 stars which represent the 50 states as well as a pedestal, which replicates the shape of Fort Wood on which Lady Liberty’s pedestal stands.
ALEX AND ANI also is encouraging consumers to draw inspiration from Lady Liberty by recognizing the light they bring to the world. The company is asking people to answer the question, "What do you CARRY LIGHT for?" — for example, their causes, passions, art, the Earth, loved ones — and share their response via social media with the hashtag #CARRYLIGHT.
"By wearing Lady Liberty’s copper, we absorb the energy of everyone who has ever believed in her. Bearing her torch, we brighten the world," ALEX AND ANI says.
The collection is now available online and at ALEX AND ANI stores and authorized retailers nationwide. Prices range from $38 to $2,000.
Sarah Jessica Parker Debuting Made in America Collection
SURPRISE! “It's time for the big reveal. Introducing the SJP LBD. A new collection of Little Black Dresses designed by me, all made proudly in the USA.” —Sarah Jessica Parker
The actress and fashionista just expanded her venture into fashion design from a successful shoe collection to a line of little black dresses, called Sarah Jessica Parker Little Black Dress, that recently debuted at Bloomingdale's in New York and on the retailer's website. Only one dress from the collection has been revealed so far, a sleeveless, above-the-knee style with a layered tulle skirt called TITLE, but there are more to come in spring 2017. TITLE is retailing for $395.
The Huffington Post provided some insight on the new SJP LBD collection, calling TITLE a "nod to her iconic Carrie Bradshaw character" but also pointing out that the piece will only be available in sizes 0-12.
SJP LBD will be featured in Bloomingdale’s Lexington Avenue windows in mid-October as part of a collection of Little Black Dresses that have been created exclusively for the retailer by various designers, including Karen Millen, Sandro, Tahari, DKNY and Theory. Parker will be in attendance at the retailer’s 59th Street flagship to celebrate the launch on Saturday.
If you always had dreams of dressing like Carrie from Sex and the City, you can now make that into a reality (while also keeping it Made in America)!