Madison Welcomes New Pop Up Boutique

If you’ve walked through downtown Madison lately, you may have noticed a new neighbor on the block.  Say hello to Alex and Ani,  a new pop up jewelry store that recently moved to Wall Street and is already generating a lot of fashion buzz.  

Owner and designer Carolyn Rafaelian founded Alex and Ani, named for two of her daughters, over a decade ago in Rhode Island with a mission. “to design products that adorn the body, enlighten the mind, and empower the spirit.”.  This eco-friendly company utilizes recycled brass from New England mills to create beautiful jewelry just to the north in Rhode Island.  The line includes necklaces, earrings and rings, but it’s core piece is an expandable bangle adorned with a single charm or embellished design.  Katie Keeney, manager of the Madison store, explains that, “the bangles all have meaning and significance, and we can guide a customer to something that lifts their spirits and embodies them.”  While there are an array of bracelets to choose from, a customer can design a collection of bangles that truly reflects their own life story and inspirations.  “It creates a conversation piece”, Keaney said.  Alex and Ani also offers a more contemporary, edgy collection called Vintage 66 which is designed by Rafaelian’s niece.  

Each month, Alex and Ani promotes a “charm of the month” bangle that offers a discounted price.  For October, the featured charm dangles from the Compass expandable bangle.   “The Compass symbolizes the direction one’s life will take, signifying fortune and wealth. It represents movement toward perfection and a balance between spirit and physical.”   

Alex and Ani strongly believes in giving back to the community with their “Charity by Design” line.   When customers purchase one of these specially designed pieces, Alex and Ani donates a percentage of the sale to various charitable projects.  For example,   the Young and Stong charm bangle benefits young women with cancer through Dana-Farber.  The New York City subway token charm bangle benefits Tuesday’s Children which supports 9/11 families. The company also offers private store parties where customers can raise money for a charity of their choice.   

Countless stores throughout the country, including Connecticut, carry the jewelry line as well as in individual Alex and Ani boutiques.  However, there are currently no stand alone stores in Connecticut.   The company plans to keep the Madison pop up boutique open for at least six months in order to build brand awareness.