A Look Back at JCK 2023 With LeMel
LeMel Showroom is a Houston-based retailer started by sisters Melanie Fitzpatrick and Jennifer Roane in 2015. Like its Texas showroom, the shop’s gorgeous online presence is filled with fashion-forward and universally appealing items. One look at the retailer’s stylish, super wearable items and you can tell—these sisters know how to shop.
We connected with Mel and Jen to talk about their experience with the most recent JCK Show in Las Vegas.
How many visits have you made to JCK? What would you say was different this year compared to past events?
This was our sixth visit to JCK, and this year was our favorite yet. There were so many great events within the show that we were able to take advantage of this year. From the Permanent Bracelet bar to the Plumb Club party, JCK isn't your normal trade show, it's an opportunity to build long term relationships with vendors, fellow store owners, and industry professionals. We also love that JCK was in the Venetian again this year. After a long day of shopping and networking, it's really nice to have a short walk to your hotel room!
Do you have a favorite moment from the show this year? What were some of your highlights?
We were invited by The Kingswood Company to be their guests at the Plumb Club party. This was our first time attending the event. Not only was it a really fun event, we were even able to make some amazing connections with fellow attendees.
What sort of trends did you notice on the floor? Which, if any, do you plan to stock in your store?
It's so much fun to walk the show and spot the jewelry trends each year. Some big trends we noticed were the rise in men's jewelry, colorful enamel and diamonds, tennis jewelry, and floating diamonds. Tennis bracelets and necklaces really had a comeback in the past year, and those classic styles are here to stay. We picked up a new collection of tennis bracelets with mixed shaped stones that take this classic piece to a new level. We also bought some beautiful tennis necklaces with that classic tennis chain, which will layer perfectly.
Men's jewelry was also everywhere, and we are excited to bring this into our store. We have had a huge interest in men's jewelry, and seeing all the popular styles at JCK made it an easy decision to start a men's collection at LeMel.
What was your favorite thing you saw on the show floor this year?
Our favorite thing we saw were diamond and enamel letter charms and pendants. Personalized jewelry is a huge collection at LeMel, and we are really excited to introduce these fun and colorful twists on the traditional letter charm.
What do you anticipate will be your biggest selling item/category this summer?
We saw a lot of beautiful pearl jewelry that we think will be huge this summer. Not only are pearls the birthstone for June, but they are the perfect stone to wear all summer.