………………………………SURPRISE!……..SURPRISE!……..SURPRISE!………..Something new for my 20th ANNIVERSARY!………………………..EVERY TIME, just before I went onto the set at QVC, Jac would take my hands, look me in the eyes with her baby blues and say……………..”all you have to be is wonderful”…………………………………..
…………Now for the story…………..Jac loved Marilyn Monroe. She read every book about her, and saw every movie she ever made. She read every story, every magazine, and every newspaper article she could find about her…..the good….the bad….and the ugly. Jac would tell me about every one of them…..especially the scandalous ones! Jac had Marilyn paper dolls and a Marilyn Barbi. They are in the “Doll Bed Room” with the 200 or so other dolls! We have the Life Magazine with Marilyn on the cover and those famous photos inside. On one of our trips to California Jac had our friends drive us over to the cul de sac where she lived in her small ranch house. The house was no longer there, so Jac was very disappointed, but she knew what it looked like so she could imagine. We even went to see where she was entombed!…..Jac never really explained to me why she loved this legend so. I know Jac thought Marilyn was very beautiful and child like, but I also think she felt they had a kindred spirit. They both came from childhoods that were far from idyllic. Of course Marilyn’s was much worse, and Jac did have her dear Mom who she loved so very much…..but they were on their own. They both started their careers at a very young age. Jac was 16 when she did local modeling and 17 when she first went to Europe before she even worked in NYC. Jac really wanted to be an actress or a psychologist! When you think about it they aren’t that disconnected at all. A psychologist seeks to understand and explain thoughts, emotions, feelings and behavior…..much like an actress……Jac chose modeling because she could make good money quickly, and she could help her Mom…..Jac was always enthralled with Marilyn’s metamorphosis from Marilyn the girl to Marilyn the MOVIE STAR…..She was always curious about Marilyn’s process of changing Norma Jean into the glamorous Marilyn…..It was quite legendary how she would sit in her dressing room for hours doing her make up and hair….building up the courage to face the world of movie making just beyond her safe dressing room door……When she was finally ready Jac read that she would look at herself in the mirror and say to herself over and over and over….”all you have to be is wonderful”….before she would have to face the other actors, director, crew, and the camera that loved her so much. This was a ritual Marilyn repeated to become brave enough to face the world……This touched Jac deeply.
…………..When Jac and I were living in our NYC apartment our ritual was that she would always get up first and shower, while I laid in bed. Then she would come back sit on the bed and lay out a towel with her make up on it. She would proceed to transform Jac into “JAC” the model……I loved watching her in silence doing her thing. She would glance over and smile, knowing I was enjoying myself watching her. It wasn’t just the transformation, because honestly I loved her without any make up at all…..I was more about the graceful movements she had so naturally applying the make up.It was almost like a Japanese ritual.. I was mesmerized…………………………………………………………………………
…………..When Jac and I walked out onto the QVC set just before a show was to start, and she would say those words to me….”all you have to be is wonderful”…..coming from Jac it would energize me, and boost me up. I would take a deep breath and go…………..I can still hear her……………………….After Jac passed a group of Linea Ladies, the Llama Herd, sent me in Jac’s honor, a white weeping cherry tree that they knew Jac would love…..On the tree was a silver tree bracelet, and it was inscribed, “all you have to be is wonderful”………the tree is thriving………………………………….
…………..For my 20th Anniversary I pondered what I could do to make this a celebratory occasion. I had already planned the 20th Anniversary Medallion, but what else!?………It had to be something special. Something I hadn’t done for you before…..I came up with an idea….A Sterling Silver Bracelet. I have never done a precious metal for QVC before, so that in its’ self was special….but this could not be just an ordinary silver bracelet….What could I do to make it special!?…..then it came to me…..I would have each bracelet inscribed with….”all you have to be is wonderful”….It is inscribed where no one can see it, so it’s our secret………………….It’s Jac’s and my message to you…………………………………………………………………
………The bangle has a GRACEFUL SCULPTURAL TWISTING SHAPE… a graceful shape with beautiful movement….like Jac….and inside the secret inscription…………The bracelet will be avail in STERLING SILVER, and it will also be avail in Sterling Silver with an 18K GOLD PLATING…..These bracelets are just beautiful……The bracelets will also be avail in THREE SIZES…..the Small will be 7.25 X 1/2 wide X 3/8 thick which has a 30.3 minimum gram weight….the Average will be 7.75 X 1/2 X 3/8 which which has a 31.3 minimum gram weight, and the Large is 8.25 X 1/2 X 3/8 thick which has a 36.0 minimum gram weight!……..They are all stamped MADE IN ITALY, and marked with a 925….the Hallmark for Sterling Silver. The quality is superb and they are made by one of the finest world renowned jewelers……..It is a piece you can proudly hand down to you daughter, grand daughter, niece or anyone special to you. Either the Silver of Gold would make an incredible gift….with a saying that would touch anyone!
…………..My Dear Friends…..it would make me very happy to think you will start your day hearing Jac and I say to you…..”all you have to be is wonderful”…..because being wonderful is in each and every one of us…………………………………..much Love…………………………..Louis
LDO–I missed the first offering on the bangles, but I see that there is advance purchase–so I bought two gold and one silver. I know, it’s a lot of bracelets, but I think these might be spectacular stacked.
While I wait for those to arrive, I can enjoy the new anniversary medallion! I managed to get one and holy smokes this is a fabulous statement piece. The scale, the color, the cord–it’s perfection and to my eyes looks like a glass case piece from a very expensive jewelry store. Greedy that I am, is there any chance of an earring? Not so much to wear together, more like something to wear when you want to slay above a dinner table! I don’t think it’s that much like the coin earrings-it would also make a fabulous “signet” style ring.
In other news, I bought 6 of the floral scarves and beads by the way and sent them to the important women in my life on Mother’s Day (although only one is my actual mother!)–what an impressive gift and everyone loved it. Living in lockdown has been challenging so I’m extra grateful for all of the ponte slim skirts and pants you’ve done for us over the last few years. Wearing those while on conference calls helps me to feel polished as I try to do my job from the kitchen counter! I look forward to seeing what you bring to us for the summer and fall. How I do live for your fall fashions!
You asked for jewelry suggestions recently and I think I babbled about organic something-or-other. What I really meant is that I would love to see some sort nature/garden collection–acorns, cherry blossoms, branches, leaves. Something to celebrate your garden, but also the beauty around us that no pandemic can take away.
Okay, I’m done! Be well. Lots of Love, Kate
Dear Kate….it is always wonderful to hear from you! Love the garden ideas. I did an acorn necklace years ago for AK11. We actually did do a mini “Sundial” earring but we didn’t follow through with it. I’ll bring it up at my next ZOOM meeting……I will have some wonderful things this fall starting in Aug, Sept. Oct, Nov, and Dec…………..and look out for the Zodiac necklace in July!
Oh, Louis, Missed out on the 20th anniversary medallion. Will you bringing more in?
I don’t think so Lorraine…it was always meant to be a limited quantity as a special piece, but I’ll ask and see what they think.
P.S. Louis,
Any chance of this coming in a Rose color?
Yes Louis, sometimes life “cuts like a knife”. But this beautiful, unique knife edge bangle is a lovely way to Get Over IT and Just Be Wonderful ! Nobody makes a point quite as beautifully as you can Louis. Happy Anniversary and thank you for years and years of WONDERFUL clothing and jewelry, my closets are overflowing with not only beauty but love that you put into designing each piece. Mr. Dell Olio, there’s no designer quite as wonderful as YOU!
Dear Louis,
Congratulations on 20 fabulous years. You have brightened my life with your designs and wonderful stories. I feel like we are friends even though we have never met in person. I cried with you when you lost Jac and have cheered you on as you have tried to keep going without her. The surprise bracelet is so special! I too ordered both silver and gold. What a beautiful way to commemorate our time with you and Jac. Wishing you much happiness and I hope many more years with your Linea ladies. I’m so thankful for you.
I was just made aware and wanted to convey my deepest condolences of the passing of your beloved, beautiful wife Jac. I am so sorry for the tardiness of this note. I was watching a presentation on your today’s special and was led to your blog. As soon as I started reading, my heart sunk and ached for your loss.
As I continued to read, for some reason my mind immediately remembered Jac modeling one of your rain coats, the safari style leopard print one in the color purple. She left such an impression on me that I ordered that raincoat in the same color. She looked amazing and was intimidating, in a nice way of course. When I heard her sweet voice recollecting on how you and she met, on one of your interviews with Lisa Robertson, I was not intimidated anymore, as I realized Jac is REAL and not just a beautiful doll.
After reading the thoughtful inspiration for the 20th anniversary bracelet, I decided to purchased it in honor of you and Jac. It is fitting that the message is inside the bracelet, as you said ,she was a private person and I believe a little shy too! I am sure going to miss seeing you on QVC, but I understand. Thank you for sharing your love story and life with us, it endears you and Jac to us even more. Please don’t stop! Thank you for being you.
“Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” (Alfred Lord Tennyson).
May you be comforted in knowing that Jac will be with you ALWAYS and you will meet again.
Louis, what a treat to see your “guest appearance” on your 20th anniversary show. You looked wonderful in your tuxedo. I purchased both bracelets and all four big deal blouses. But I want to praise the quality of the anniversary necklace. Wow! I love anything zodiac, but this piece is a stunner. I wrote a review on the Q website, but wanted to tell you personally. Congratulations on this milestone event.
Dear Louis, what a wonderful surprise. Your story was so touching. I will cherish these bracelets forever. You and Jac have meant so much to us. Happy anniversary! Thank you, thank you Louis.
🤗🤗🤗🥳🥳🥳🎇🎇🎇
Thanks Kate! I finally GOT IT, and went to QVC and ordered under the new item number. A silver one is coming to me!!! Now, all I have to be is wonderful!!!!
Louis,
What a lovely tribute! Your love and devotion is reciprocated right back! You truly are cherished by so many! And thank you for supplying the second item number! I thought I missed out as I was working all day…I was able to order my gold bracelet under the new item number and will impatiently wait for its arrival in June.
Happy 20th Anniversary Louis!!! Here’s to the next 20!!! 🥂
Much love, Kate
So, explain please, Louis, for those of us who weren’t able to order a bracelet before they sold out. More will be available but there will be a different style number?
Just ordered the gold in medium. If they are reordered, I may order the silver to be worn separately or stacked for two-tone effect. What a great surprise. You have been my favorite designer for years. I will enjoy wearing this in honor to you and Jac. You and your designs have given me so much pleasure and I will wear this bracelet as an inspiration.
Ceicei….it’s already been done! and it won’t take months and months either….a matter of weeks There is already a new style number for the second go round….J489007….They do this so the two deliveries aren’t confused….I guess?
Oh, fabulous, Louis. A small, discrete suite in Silver and Gold plated Silver would be my go to everyday pieces. Maybe the ring in two sizes–a 1/4″ for those who want to stack, together or with other rings, and a 1/2″ for those who want a bold look. Maybe hoop earrings could come in two sizes, too–big and bold and then more demure–depends on how much they weigh, though. I think the necklace will be the most challenging. Looking forward to future pieces! Love, Sheila
What you have written so touchingly gives me a bit more understanding of the beautiful love between you and your Jac. She had the delicate vulnerability of Marilyn Monroe and you had a sweet soul with heightened sensitivity to Jac’s hurt and pain. She could not have asked for a more tender lover. How she must have loved you, Louis, as you gave her gentle love and comfort. A beautiful love story that is immortalized in this bangle.
Wow, Louis. The bracelet is fabulous and I ordered one of each in Small. Now, would it be possible to have a matching twisted hoop and a band ring? I see it easily translated into the earring and ring. I think that would be fabulous. A necklace, too, please–maybe a band/collar piece. Oh my! I would buy matching pieces in both metal colors, too!
Sheila
OHHH Shelia I love all of your ideas!!!!!! I will get on it Asap!
Louis, you know how to get into a woman’s heart! I ordered the gold in the size small. I’m normally a silver girl, but I wanted the bracelet to go with the Anniversary necklace. Thanks for having SMALL! I will wear this bracelet and necklace with both pride and nostalgia. It has special meaning for those of us who sent the tree bracelet. Much love from all your Linea Ladies!
Dear Carol…The tree is thriving as I said, and the bracelet looks shiny and new. Can you believe its two years. When the tree was in full bloom I took the girls out to see it….Unfortunately, they love to eat the fertilizer Franco puts at the base! I only wish the flowers on all of my cherry trees lasted a little longer. Why is it just as they are at their most beautiful Mother Nature sends a windy rainy storm to blow all of the flowers off. It never fails! So now we have to wait another year to capture those few and fleeting moments when we can enjoy their true magnificent beauty.
That was beautiful. It brought be to tears – one of those ugly cries. Thank you. I have the necklace and ordered the bracelet.
Thanks Louis! I love both silver and gold, depends upon the rest of my outfit. This is something I’ll wear forever and treasure. Will get both colors.
I just got a call from Cathy at TCJC to tell me the woman at QVC called her to say they already sold much of the quantity to order more!
Size Large in both options is now completely Sold Out!
My order – at least I have an order – is now showing as an Advance Order.
Seka.
Dear Louis..What a beautiful tribute, and endearing story. You are gifted with an eloquence that goes beyond fashion design. I am pleasantly surprised to learn that Jac collected dolls. I also have a doll collection, in a variety of styles, including high quality fashion dolls. Thank you for sharing your life and talent with us.
She collected over 200 dolls mostly Madam Alexander and R&B dolls plus a variety of others. We also have her Moms bisque German dolls in perfect condition. The funny thing is Jac played with dolls since she was a little girl, but destroyed most of them. Her sister however never played with hers and they sat on shelves in her bedroom. So Jac got them years later and they they are on shelves in the “Pink” bedroom.
Louis I can’t believe your bracelet is sold out in Medium and large in silver. I’m so glad I ordered early.
Oh. Louis! This is so much more than a bracelet! It is a beautiful love letter to all of us from you and from Jac. It’s design is like life. It ebbs and flows, the wide part represents all the fullness in our lives and then it narrows as life does when we are faced with difficulty and our world becomes narrower. The inscription reminds us that all we have to be is wonderful to uplift us and bring us back to the fullness of our lives. A beautiful and special gift from you and Jac and for us to keep you both close,always. How very generous and kind of you.
Your video was wonderful. I became very emotional while watching it and realized that you have entered my world and my heart and have truly made a difference in it. Your talent is not only in design but in taking the time to care for and about all of us. You draw us into your world and share all of it’s beauty with us as Jac did. A truly amazing gift. You dress us beautifully with all your designs and envelope us with your kindness, caring and beauty of your soul. I feel honored and blessed to be brought into your world. You deserve all the goodness, joy, love and happiness that comes your way.
You, truly, are a gift! Thank you, thank you, thank you! oxoxox Cat
Dear Cat…..I love what you see in this piece, and that it is so much more than a piece of silver. Your words are truly beautiful…..thank you
Such a touching story. We will be wearing the bracelets with pride!
Perfect, Louis, just perfect.
Beautiful. Jac, the story, and the bracelet. Perfect way to honor your esteemed career, Louis.
Oh my!! What a wonderful surprise!! This is gorgeous and so meaningful. 💜
Do you know if the price listed is a special price that won’t last? Trying to decide if I want one or two…
Dear Melissa…..YES…..this is the special price which will be good through tomorrow before it goes up!
What a surprise Louis! I am ordering the gold plated large. I received my anniversary necklace and it is everything and more. What a collectors item to own. Thank you.
Louis, the story, the style, the symbolism of this piece are all so very special. I’ll be buying and cherishing it.
My husband and I were actually on Paradise Island when you did your first show for QVC. I was a young professional in NYC, in an industry where you were expected to dress far beyond your paycheck! I will never forget walking past a rack of gorgeous clothes at the resort – beautiful linen sheath dresses – and finding out they were Louis Dell Olio designs for QVC. I had never shopped the Q, but I started because of you. Thank you for 20 years of beautiful fashions.
And about the bracelet – it’s a Möbius strip, a plane curved and joined, symbolizing the infinite. Infinite love, infinite beauty, infinite bonds. Thank you.
Happy Anniversary Louis
Thanks for 20 years a beautiful fashion and wishing you many more.
I purchased the silver what a keepsake.
Louis,
I just found the bracelet on the Q website and it made me tear up, remembering you sharing how Jac would say those words to you before each show. Then I came here and read the rest of the story. The Herd is thrilled to know the tree is thriving!
rae
The Bangle is posted on the Q!
https://www.qvc.com/SH-520-Linea-by-Louis-DellOlio-Sterling-Anniversary-Bangle.product.J488987.html
Louis! What a fabulous surprise! The ‘Story’ is Beautiful. I love Bangles and will be ordering the Gold plated option in Large – I love drape with bangles/bracelets/cuffs and always order the Large when it’s offered.
Seka.