Is there much of a market for belly chains outside of the sex/entertainment industry?

[Orrex]

I make chainmaille jewelry, and I could crank these out by the yard if they'd sell, but I don't really aspire to be an exclusive supplier to exotic dancers et al.

Thoughts?

[MiddleFingerMom]

1. Back in the 80's, one of my best friends from the Army had become an investment advisor.

.
.
.
He ended up doing amazingly well providing advice and assistance to exotic dancers -- many of
whom WITHOUT his help would have blown each night's huge haul of cash on cocaine and more
dancing outfits (he was truly doing the Lord's work ). He actually WAS helping them a great
deal, beside having tapped into (Why do I keep getting the urge to use this smilie , huh? )
an enormous source of investors with ready and consistent cash and no real savings skills or
knowledge of their own.
.
His wife made him give it up.
.
.
.
Smart woman. In other ways, he was a great guy... but he was also a pretty disgusting dog.
.
.
.

[HopeHoops]

2. I've honestly never considered such a question.

[applegrove]

3. I worked at a hospital where everyone wore a lanyard around their neck to hold their ID. Some wise

Last edited Sun Jul 15, 2012, 01:36 AM - Edit history (1)

person started to make beaded lanyards and many, many people bought and used them because they looked so nice (rather than a nylon cord). Kids at university also use lanyards for ID to get into labs and such. Might be an idea to come up with a chainmaille lanyard and sell them to hospitals and campus gear stores. Just a thought.

[Orrex]

9. Interesting idea...

I have a good friend who's a nurse at the local hospital. I'll ask her to test the waters...

[applegrove]

10. I don't know if all the metal in chainmaille would affect the swiping of the cards. You may want to

Last edited Sun Jul 15, 2012, 01:30 AM - Edit history (1)

check that out first.

[Orrex]

13. Good thought

For chains of that length I'd likely use aluminum, which I suppose wouldn't have too much impact.

Maybe I'll have my friend try one out.

Cool!

[JI7]

4. try selling them at tattoo/piercing shops

[Orrex]

8. Great suggestion!

I have some well-inked feiends who might be willing to act as walking billboards in exchange for some free bling, too!

[frogmarch]

5. the fashion industry!

http://www.nola.com/jazzfest/index.ssf/2012/04/jazz_fest_features_world-class_1.html

Part II: Elaine Unzicker: Fashionably Swimming with Sharks

Chain mail garments and accessories, Contemporary Crafts Area

Where: Tent J

There are always castles to storm, barbarians to defeat, and arrows to be deflected. So it stands to reason that every haute couture closet should contain a chain mail party gown by Ojai, Calif., designer Elaine Unzicker. "It makes a huge statement," Unzicker said, of her sheer, supple, form-fitting armor. "When you're wearing something like that, people are going to see you."
Unzicker produces her dresses from the stainless steel fabric meant for shark-proof diving suits and she suggests the translucent designs be worn with camisoles and tights or a slip. Her metallic designs have a some heft, Unzicker said, "like a leather jacket." She also produces chain mail scarves and hand bags.
Prices range from $160 to $4000.

Preview at unzickerdesign.com.

[Orrex]

7. Neato!

I'll have to check that out. Me, I'm a one-pair-of-hands operation, so fullscale garments aren't feasible, though I've made a number of shirts in the past. I suspect that she has a machine to weave the "cloth" to size, and she then stitches it to the desired pattern. Very cool, but unfortunately beyond my means.

[frogmarch]

11. You could probably sell lots of

these cool footwear accessories on Etsy or somewhere like that. (I shop at Etsy often for interesting gifts.)



See another design here: http://fashioninfusion.blogspot.com/2010/04/chain-heels.html

I saw several links when I typed chain heels or chainheels into Google search.

EDIT: I can imagine really beautiful footwear accessories that are less heavy-looking than the style shown in the photo. That's a lot of chainmail there!

[Orrex]

12. We're on etsy, as a matter of fact!

My Good Babushka

I confess that I can't imagine someone wearing those chain-augmented heels, but I've been surprised before.


Thanks again!

[frogmarch]

15. I'll bookmark you on Etsy.

Thanks for the link! I'll go look around now.

Speaking of chainmail, this is a neat piece:



My daughter and three granddaughters would wear those shoe chains. When I was younger, I would have too!

[loli phabay]

17. nice dress very unusual

[Baitball Blogger]

6. Do something for the Harley Davidson crowd.

[kentauros]

14. While this falls under your criteria of what you DON'T want to do,

I'd suggest looking into the belly dance market. It's not "exotic" dance as you're describing, but they do like jewelry and adornments beyond waist belts.

Have a look at this site for ideas: http://www.bhuz.com/content/

[loli phabay]

16. erm question what would a waist chain with chain to neck choke chain

and say an under chain joining front and back run cost wise, preferably in a delicate but strong chain.

[Orrex]

18. PM sent!