The Evil Eye is an ancient belief that has roots in almost every culture in the modern world. Believed to protect its wearer by repelling the negative thoughts and energies of others, it has recently become one of Hollywood's most popular fashion statements. One woman who is responsible for the resurgence of this belief, and the resulting popularity, is Annette Wright, owner of Divine Invention.

To quote the company’s mission statement –– “Divine Invention is dedicated to the development, production, and distribution of high quality fashion items that contain spiritual meaning. Whether the ancient Mediterranean “Evil Eye,” a “Circle of Angels” ring, or a simple “PondeRing” that can be listlessly spun to inspire thought, our crafts are conceived in the common ground that exists between our varying spiritual beliefs.”

To put it simply, Divine Invention believes that the message is more important than the medium.

It was in 1990, after giving birth to her third son, that Wright first discovered the belief of the Evil Eye. Her family was vacationing in Mexico, when she noticed that the local’s would go out of their way to touch her new baby, who had been born with red hair. They would approach and speak the word “Ojo,” which is the Spanish word for “Eye.”

Intrigued by the behavior of the townspeople, Wright set out to discover the origin of this belief. She soon discovered that the local’s believed that if evil looks upon you, it can be warded off by either touching someone with red hair, or by wearing an “Evil Eye” talisman.

It was the latter part of this explanation that led Wright to the decision that would change her life. She wanted to make an item that could feature the “eye,” but be practical for everyday wear, regardless of the occasion. Something beautiful and durable, a talisman that would never have to part from it’s wearer. In fact, her new creation would be so successful in it's quest for durability, that it was no longer just a bracelet, but an anklet and ponytail holder as well. Now that she could be constantly surrounded by the eye’s protective power, Wright decided that others should be able to do the same, and started production through her company, Divine Invention.

Creating the bracelets took more than just a little footwork and some creativity though. Wright had to hire a chemist to find a reliable bond that could be fused together , so that she could ensure the quality of her product. Next came the importing of the finest Moretti glass from Italy, and the hiring of the artisans in the United States to help craft each eye individually.

The final product, dubbed the “LOOK” features the signature “five eye” pattern, and can come in an almost infinite array of colors and patterns. These patterns are arranged around a “scrunchie-type” band that enables it’s use as a ponytail holder, that is surprisingly kind to one’s hair.

Soon the items were being worn by fellow Malibu mom’s, such as Pamela Anderson, and other stars that value the belief like Steven Tyler, Joan Jett, and Madonna. It was not long after that Wright’s wares were being stocked in some of Hollywood’s hottest stores, including Kitson, Jennifer Kaufman, Fred Segal, Malibu Beach Club, and Crush Boutique.
Wright feels a profound connection with both her creation and its goal, to be a, “positive force in these uncertain times.”

WHO HAS “THE LOOK”?

The “LOOK” has become quite popular among many of California's residents, including some of it’s biggest celebrities. “Sometimes I’ll pull up to a stoplight,” says Wright, “and find the person in the car next to me has their hair up using one of my bracelets. It’s an extremely satisfying feeling.”

Wright would soon experience another satisfying feeling, from a phone call that came a few nights later. After reading that Aerosmith front man, Steven Tyler, was seen having an “Evil Eye” drawn on each shoulder before going on-stage, she sent over a gift basket of some bracelets and a Divine Invention guitar strap. Wright received a call two days later from Tyler himself, and again on his daughter’s birthday, when some of his daughters friends failed in their attempt to part Tyler from his bracelets.

Another one of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, Madonna, has taken to the gift of Wright’s “LOOK” for spiritual reasons of her own. Madonna fans might remember her open affiliation with Kabala, a facet of Judaism that is loosely described as a focus on Jewish mysticism. One of the core beliefs in Kabala involves that of the “Sacred Eye.” This belief, along with their shared Jewish heritage, and Wright's unyielding footwork, resulted in a deep appreciation from Madonna and her family. Madonna had even requested a set made in gold, which Wright had specially crafted for her.

Beyond appealing to these two media giants, Wright has a list of other celebrities wearing the “LOOK” that includes Rene Russo, Jackie Chan, Jennifer Tilly, Lara Flynn Boyle, Brooke Shields, Francis Fisher, Billy Campbell, Lisa Bonet, Christina Aguilara, Tyra Banks, and the entire Osbourne family.

Wright is also working with the band KISS to make a special bracelet that features the faces of the four members of the band, as well as the KISS logo!

Wright has recently designed special charity bracelets to both help raise awareness and funds to combat Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, AIDS, Diabetes, and other worthy causes.

The “Melissa Bracelet” is the one helping the Breast Cancer cause. It is named in memory of Melissa Danielle, the daughter of one of Annette’s dearest friends, who succumbed to breast cancer at the young age of 31. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this bracelet will benefit the “Melissa Danielle Fund” –– dedicated to educate your adult women about early detection, treatment and research using the most advanced ultrasound and MRI technology available.

Some of the new jewelry product lines coming from Divine Invention in the first quarter of 2004 are “Daydreamcatcher” earrings, “Circle of Angels” rings and “PondeRings.”

A Divine Invention clothing line is also forthcoming; as is a chic spin-off line of upscale clothing called “Worthless,” designed by Annette’s son, Patrick. Samples of the new jewelry items and trendy fashion lines are currently available for previewing on the company’s website.

Even with the almost unbelievable success of the “LOOK” amongst L.A.’s elite, Wright still looks forward to the day that everyone has adopted some form of the “LOOK” into their wardrobe. And since her products have been featured in both “People” magazine, and on the “Today” show, it seems like that day is rapidly approaching.
The “LOOK” starts at a retail price of $65.00, which can increase depending on the metals and stones that are used for the design. Requests have ranged from gold to diamonds which, while possibly seeming excessive, only illustrates the versatility and quality that Divine Invention offers it's customers.

Remember, keep an “EYE” on yourself!

Back to Press