Wynn Magazine - Las Vegas
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/63192
JUDEFRANCES white sapphires, is more graphic and urban in feel; the palette was inspired by the New York neighborhood The idea of two Orange County moms meeting at a charity dinner, becoming fast friends, and launching a fine-jewelry line together sounds like an ill-fated plotline straight out of Real Housewives. But since Jude Steele (pictured left) and Frances Gadbois launched JudeFrances 10 years ago, they have become best friends—spending countless hours power-walking on the beach, chatting effervescently about anything, and trading ideas for new collections and ways to grow their business. With Gadbois heading the design and operations part of the enterprise and Steele overseeing sales and marketing, they have created a remarkable synergy, considering that they're so different. Were they characters in Grease, Steele would be Rizzo to Gadbois' Sandy: "Frances is very classic, like a timeless Hermès bag, and embodies that elegant and refined Kate Winslet vibe," Steele says. "She loves traditional European architecture and the English countryside." Meanwhile, Gadbois offers, "Jude is my edgy counterpart. Whenever I hear Katy Perry's 'Firework' it totally reminds me of Jude, who is so full of energy. I'd say her aesthetic is like Alexander McQueen meets Michael Kors." Their jewelry effortlessly balances both points of view. Gadbois hails from England, a background that, she says, instilled in her an affinity for traditional themes. Before she teamed with Steele, she worked as an interior designer who favored dignified chintzes and plaids à la Brunschwig & Fils. This explains why the JudeFrances line is anchored by a classic, ultra-feminine design story (floral motifs, fleur- de-lis, sparkling white and blue topaz briolettes, and the most delicate pavé diamond fretwork). Steele's influence—an abundance of big, bold statement cuffs, Maltese crosses, and black spinel (this last criss-crossing a pair of white sapphire earrings like corset laces on a bustier)—spikes the designs with a dash of rock star-worthy allure. "Sometimes I'll create a one-off piece just for Jude that becomes the basis for a new collection," Gadbois says, citing a pair of black diamond and ruby skull charms that inspired a limited-edition series that sold out at Tiny Baubles (all that remains is a luxe and most unusual belt alongside the other collections offered by the Wynn jewelry retailer). See if you can't spot traces of each lady's persona in their new spring collections. Laguna, inspired by the inimitable light, colors, and boho- posh lifestyle of Laguna Beach, consists of faceted quartz in shades of vivid fuchsia, lime, and blue violet. Soho, an essay in black spinel and piece just for Jude that becomes the basis for a new collection." –FRANCES GADBOIS "Sometimes I'll create a one-off WYNN 77 SoHo and London's Soho. Filled with artists and fashionistas, both areas feature some of the most extraordinary examples of street style in the world. Fascinated by these muses, Gadbois says she was compelled "to create a collection that was edgy and cool, but still totally wearable." Adds Steele, "I've been wearing four or five of the bangles, and people are always asking me about them. Last week I sold one off my wrist." n Sterling silver and black spinel hoops ($220) with sterling silver, black spinel, and light green quartz earring charms ($1,250) by JudeFrances. Tiny Baubles, 702-770-3559