Earlier this year, full-figured Christina Hendricks graced the cover of New York Magazine, and the Vancouver Sun commented about her “dangerous curves” saying:
“The recently married Hendricks is quietly becoming the guilty pleasure of males—and females—across North America, and the reason why is simple; she’s real.”
We’ve seen her for three seasons as Joan Holloway, the signature pen-necklace wearing, hot office manager for Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency on New York’s Madison Avenue. She’s not only hot on the show but off, with people buzzing about her, and her figure, all over the media.
Mad Men is set in the 1960s, peak of the fun retro era—the era of pop art, false lashes, Jackie Kennedy, pastel colors and the death of Marilyn Monroe, whom Joan compares herself to. Like the other characters, Joan Holloway has a fashion-perfect 1960s wardrobe and the show’s costume designer consistently nails it!
I always know when Mad Men season is approaching because that’s when our 1960s inspired pen necklace sells like crazy! If you recall, back in 2008, we had our very own Joan Holloway contest on who could imitate the character best donning our pen necklace, and the winner from New York got it down pretty well. (See for yourself by clicking on the bolded link.)
We’re excited for the new season! And be on the lookout for our compilation of Joan Holloway-inspired jewelry coming soon!
Now I just know that all you retro-fashionistas out there are simply chomping at the bit to get your Joan fix (I’m sorry, do you prefer a different fashion icon? Who? Why?) as interest in the new season picks up, so do sales of our pen necklace. I spoke with Anita in Customer Service who informs me that people are buying the 1960′s pen necklace to wear to their season premier costume parties. Who are these fabulous people and why haven’t they invited me?
It’s still a little embarrassing to admit that we discovered the show due to it’s fans (of which we now proudly count ourselves, of course) who were calling us asking, “Where can I get Joan’s pen necklace?” These er, mad fans actually scared us at first, but we recovered.
Two of our most favorite 1928 Jewelry pieces made the Feb/March issue of BUST magazine, yes – the beautiful one that has the bombshell Amber Tamblyn on the cover.The magazine featured a stunning DIY lay out of how to achieve the beautiful Christine Hendricks’ look on AMC Mad Men.
Just remember Holloway-inspired women, you can wear your vintage bling anywhere, with anything – except when the light go off…a lady always removes her jewelry for private occasions.
A large number of ladies ordering the 1960′s Inspired Pen Necklace from 1928 Jewelry have been commenting that they are going as Joan for Halloween. This leads me to wonder, “Who are these fabulous fashionistas?” And, “How can I get them to send me their pictures?”
Hello, contest time anyone?
In honor of all you 60′s stylin’ retro ladies, we are giving away one of our highly desired pen necklaces, this one accented with lovely violet crystals!
That’s right ladies, for those of you brave souls who will be wearing your Aquanet sprayed red haired wigs, bullet bras and cat eye makeup… Get a picture to us by midnight 11/14/08 and on November 19th we will announce our winner! (Who will be judged by me, my boss and some random guy down the hall.) Entries will be judged on creativity and interpretation, so even if you’re not a dead ringer for J.H., send in your pics, you just might win!
How to enter:
Send us a photo of you as Joan Holloway to: jenb.1928@gmail.com
I found this on YouTube this morning and found that the character of Joan Holloway has the necklace in almost every scene! The song, a classic “Fever” – sung by A FINE FRENZY – just sets it off. It jut makes you have to have it (the necklace), and a dress & shoes to match.
The necklace would work something delicious like this outfit from Banana Republic.
Thanks to Anita in customer service for bringing this to my attention…
Apparently Joan Holloway, that delicious, sexpot redhead on Mad Men who is the 60′ equivalent of “a cross between a mother and waitress,” wears a gold tone vintage style pen necklace in nearly every epsiode.
Fans are desperately seeking a reproduction of this item. Anita is fielding both calls and emails asking, “Is this necklace by 1928 Jewelry?” Hmm, great question…
The story: What We Know About the Actual Prop
Found while shopping at an open air market in Pasadena California, by the mysterious “Janie” the necklace is pure vintage.
But is it 1928 vintage inspired, an older 1928 design or somebody else’s?
Pics of Joan Holloway’s gold tone pen necklace are leading to “maddening” answers from our design team here, “Well, it looks like some of our older stuff .” to “Maybe from back in the early days.” to “Can you make it bigger can we see the item closely” and “Can you get me a photo of the clasp?”
The verdict is: Yes, it is one of our pieces from when we first opened in the late 1960s. Sadly, the only place you can find the original vintage gold pen necklace is either eBay or your local antique shop. But, the good news is, we offer a slighly more modern replica on 1928.com! And, it’s only $20 bucks…
