For over 25 years John Wind has uplifted his fashionable customers by designing jewelry, helping them look good and feel good. His work tells stories inspired by a passion for travel, art, fashion, and style, along with a love for the symbolism and history of vintage jewelry. While the meaning of “Vintage” has changed over the years, the company’s focus on producing accessible and affordable fashion jewelry in the USA is at the foundation of every design.
We had the pleasure of putting Mr. John Wind in the haute seat and get the scoop on Maximal Art and the man behind the brand.
Who is the John Wind clientele?
She’s ‘Classic with a twist’, loves a cleaned-up vintage look, and enjoys attracting a little attention and starting a conversation through her jewelry.
Tell us about your design background?
I went to art school in London in the ’80′s, and started making jewelry for my friends and myself to wear going out. It was the era of Culture Club and the Thompson Twins, and every night was a dress-up party! As my jewelry started attracting attention, I figured out how to make it more professionally.
Were you always interested in jewelry making?
Not until I started making it as a hobby in London. Then I realized that it was a great way to combine art and fashion, and to make a living as an artist!
Describe your signature aesthetic.
Chunky chains, reproductions of great vintage charms (including lots of initials), pearls and crystals.
Who would you love to see wearing your collection?
Michelle Obama
Any projects on the horizon?
We just introduced a brand new division called ‘Circa 1985′–it is a collection of petite charm-based jewelry at a lower price, and much of it with the look of real. Druzie pendants are particularly hot right now. The new project is taking Circa to the next level!
a few fun questions…
My guilty pleasure is…
Gucci Shoes (they happen to make a 14 1/2, so I can justify it that way too…)
The one electronic I can’t live without is…
It’s become a cliché to say it, but my iPhone.
My current favorite song is…
The whole new Daft Punk album. I was a huge Giorgio Moroder fan the first time around, and love their homage to him and his sound.
On a typical Saturday night…
It’s either dinner at friends, or movie night at home~
The one store where I’m always guaranteed to find something I want is…
Bergdorf Goodman
My biggest jewelry pet peeve is…
When customers say they’re too short/tall, big/small to wear something. Most of the time, it’s your attitude, style and confidence that makes a piece of jewelry look right!
When I want to relax I…
Meditate. But the way I do it looks a lot like a nap to the rest of the world 
The most meaningful piece of jewelry I own is…
A gold Longines watch that was my grandfather’s.
When I’m looking to get inspired I…
Flip through my most recent design scrapbook—they’re a mixture of sketches, notes, photos and tear sheets. I’ve been keeping them for years!
Visit the official online store at www.maximalart.com. Happy Shopping!