Original Article on The New York Observer

In January, before decking out the models at his Chanel couture show in white paper headdresses, Karl Lagerfeld observed to the BBC that bling is over. Mr. Lagerfeld had obviously not visited Henri Bendel recently, where bling is not over; if anything, it is all over. Not the rhinestone name necklaces of yore, but: gigantic stretchy flower bracelets in 70s-inspired hues of coral, mustard, white and green ($128 each); an imposing necklace made out of six blue crystal chandelier earrings ($318); several gothy rhinestone crystal cuff bracelets ($478 each), and a selection of bulbous Technicolor glass cocktail rings by Legge Braine. Its so fun, said Bendels vice president and fashion director, Ann Watson, of the costume jewelry that the store ...(read more)