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- Will's Notebook: Zodiacs, 4:20, and Palm Springs Shopping
Will's Notebook: Zodiacs, 4:20, and Palm Springs Shopping
Tinker Solution & Will Kahn
April 20, 2025
This week, we’re lighting things up with a 4:20-inspired roundup of jewelry and lighters that honor the ritual. We’re also decoding the magic behind Brent Neale’s dreamy new zodiac charms, looking at the recently unveiled Eyeswoon x John Hardy collaboration and heading to the desert with a curated guide to my favorite Palm Springs shops. Let’s go.
Brent Neale looks to the stars
The designer who gave us the mushroom pendant and breathed new life into the classic gypsy setting is now turning her gaze skyward—to the cosmos. Zodiac signs are well-trodden motifs in the jewelry world, with the most iconic interpretations being the medallions of the 1970s by Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier—pieces that have reached holy grail status. Brent Neale’s latest collection feels poised to join that legacy: made-to-order sculptures of each sign, rich in detail and charm. The standout for me? The charm bracelet—whimsical yet timeless. But don’t overlook the custom kaleidoscope pendant: your star constellation is engraved on the outside in diamonds, while inside are gemstones of your choosing.
The Kaleidoscope pendant
Athena Calderone Shines with John Hardy
In the last newsletter, I let you all know: silver is back. Now it’s confirmed by none other than Athena Calderone. While in Miami this week I got to spend some time with Athena, the celebrated designer and influencer behind @eyeswoon. You will be happy to hear she’s every bit as lovely and chic as her Instagram would suggest. Her jewelry caught my eye— it turned out to be her new collaboration with John Hardy. Here’s the snap I took on the spot: |  Athena in her cuff and necklace |
Athena co-designed the collection with Reed Krakoff, Creative Chairman of John Hardy (formerly of Tiffany & Co. and Coach). Their design influences mix 1920s/30s décor minimalism with the natural, handcrafted elements of John Hardy’s heritage.
I also had to include her collection with Crate and Barrel, which is just as great.
High Jewelry
Harwell Godfrey’s latest creation is an ode to cannabis culture: styled like an old-school digital watch but displaying “4:20” in diamonds and tsavorites.
Which got me thinking about the other essential part of the ritual—the lighter. I received an S.T. DUPONT lighter last year and I have to say, it changed me. Suddenly, I was James Bond or Cary Grant. Everyone should have a nice lighter, see some of my favorites below. Lisa Eisner’s handmade bronze creations are particularly cool.
Light it up!
PALM SPRINGS
The Palm Springs area is a Mid-Century Modern lover’s dream come true. The best shopping experience I’ve had in a long while was at the Palm Springs Vintage market. You’ll find incredible outdoor furniture, barware, pottery, glassware—everything. Go early, drink water and wear sunscreen.
Designer Paul Marlow, known for his bespoke suiting and RTW menswear, has opened a new store in Cathedral City. It features rotating exhibitions of fine art, select furniture for sale, and standout pieces like his swim trunks and leather totes. The store is located in the Perez Design Center—a one-stop destination for the best vintage dealers in town—so it’s well worth a visit.
Right next to Paul is HEDGE—an eclectic vintage furnishings gallery. If you can only go to one gallery, this is the one.
That’s it for this week—hope you found something to love (or add to your wishlist).
Next up: a Mother’s Day gift guide with picks that are thoughtful, beautiful, and never boring.
