Using unusual antique items he found at flea markets, John Wind made big, bold jewelry that was all the rage in the 1980s. His pieces sold in a few boutiques—and that’s where Wind’s work may have stayed if he hadn’t met Robbin Cook Anderson in 1985. In no time, John Wind Jewelry was selling at big retailers like Barneys and Neiman Marcus, and upscale stores like the
much-loved Nan Duskin and Bonwit Teller.
Turns out Anderson was just getting started. She landed deals to have Wind create private labels for QVC, David’s Bridal, Anthropologie and the Walt Disney Company. In the past five years, John Wind Maximal Art has grown its business two-and-a-half times over.
Most of the company’s products are made in Delaware County. “We assemble 90 percent of the boutique line in Aston,” says Anderson, who resides in Wallingford. “I love being able to manufacture domestically. It’s one of my company values.”
What’s next for John Wind Maximal Art? Anderson has a five-year plan that includes creating bridal, baby and home collections, plus more timepieces. “Watches are where we began,” Anderson says. “I think we are ready to reinvent them.”
