When was the last time you strolled along California Street and climbed the steps of Mason? Or, if you don’t live in our fair city of San Francisco, when have you last enjoyed the nostalgic architecture of those neighborhoods built around the turn of twentieth century? Do you notice that bricks are no longer laid in those patterns, or that columns today aren’t poured in such grand stature but with such intricate detail? That was a time when we didn’t have ... Read More

Each of us is drawn to our favorite things, a collection that defines who we are and makes us unique. We prefer certain colors, identify with distinctive shapes and place value on bright and shiny things. Some may even verge on a certain aesthetic addiction- an all-black wardrobe, complete households of minimalist square furniture, an entire family of “J” names! It’s okay, we understand. John S. Brana-Distinctive Jewelry recently ... Read More

John S. Brana- Distinctive Jewelry has signed Karri Ann Frerichs, Altitude Promotions, as its San Francisco wholesale representative and press contact. Karri Ann launched Altitude Promotions in 2007 with the purpose to represent talented designers to the buying community and to increase the fashion industry’s awareness and appreciation of the local talent working right here in the Bay Area. She moved to San Francisco from Omaha, NE in 2005 and has experience in retail management, fashion column and feature writing, ... Read More

If you act now and RSVP online at www.appelandfrank.com, you can receive 50% off the entrance fee. Just enter the discount code DESIGNERSF on the ticket purchase page. (Note, this code is only good for pre-event ticket sales, tickets at the door will be $10 each.) “Spring into Style” San Francisco will be held at the Regency Center - Sutter Room, located at 1270 Sutter Street at Van Ness from 5:00pm to 9:30pm. Over 600 guests will shop from 65 designers, including John ... Read More

Are you ready for something different? I have been working on an innovative style of wire wrapped beaded gemstone earrings for spring to the Barbary Coast Collection. These new earrings feature various semi-precious gemstone beads in either Fine Silver, 14K Gold Filled, or 14K or 18K Gold. Current selections include Apatite, Aquamarine, Carnelian, Crystal Quartz, Garnets, Freshwater Pearls, and Peridot. Limited quantities are available online as well as through selected Bay Area retailers. Read More

Oryx - The Inflight Magazine of Qatar Airways - January 2008 Style Resolutions   It's time to make 2008 the year for high-voltage, maximum impact glamour   Dress, Ralph Lauren Women's Purple Label; Shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti; Gloves, La Crasia; Ring, John S Brana - 12 carat Blue Topaz ring set in Sterling Silver from the Pacific Heights Collection- pages38-39   HER Pleated Halter Dress, Issey Miyake USA; Pleated Shrug, Issey Miyake USA; Shoes, Nina; Citrine Gold Ring, John S Brana - 12 carat Citrine ring set in ... Read More

Kempinski - Luxury & Lifestyle Magazine - Middle East & Africa - January 2008   The Fashion Files - Look Great in 2008 Join the glitterati and set a shining example for the year ahead   HER Pleated Halter Dress, Issey Miyake USA; Pleated Shrug, Issey Miyake USA; Shoes, Nina; Citrine Gold Ring, John S Brana - 12 carat Citrine ring set in 18k Gold - pages 18-19   Dress, Ralph Lauren Women's Purple Label; Shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti; Gloves, La Crasia; Ring, John S Brana - 12 carat ... Read More

While cautious about the year ahead, designers at this year’s Centruion Jewelry Show in Tucson, Arizona (Feb 2-6) had not entirely reined in their creativity. The Centurion is the crem-de-la-crem of the fine jewelry industry. As reported by JCK, look for these emerging trends to influence jewelry designs throughout 2008: "Elongated Pear and Oval shapes. Designers are taking the traditional pear and oval and stretching them for dramatic, sensual shapes in everything from cut stones to metal forms. The shapes ... Read More

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