| Sophistication is the Style
Mantra for 2006 |
Coco
Chanel once famously remarked that the purpose of jewellery is to
adorn - not look rich; and that they are not necessarily the same
thing. Well the past few years were more about ostentation than
aesthetics but thankfully, that over exuberant attitude towards
high end jewellery is now showing a decline. The declining standards
of taste have taken an upward curve so to speak.
Colour
and size are still in but mercifully, they have been toned down
a notch. Loud is out as opulence gives way to more discreet nudges
that still spell money with a capital M.
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Yellow
gold as evidenced at the all the major international shows this
year are scorching hot this summer, as are textured surfaces. Textures
drawn directly into the medium of the metal or with enamel painted
contrasts, carved gemstones, and the like to create an extra visual
dimension.
Design
has moved into a more natural flow, and has scaled back on the gemstone
menageries encrusted into a single ring big enough to double as
a traffic light. Palm trees, flowers, leaves, birds, bees and assorted
insects still flutter their pretty wings but a little more softly
than before.
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Dangles
and playful elements are still around and there is a girlish, innocent
charm in the rosy hues of sun kissed cheeks. There is a slight change
that has resulted in a hint of composure, an aristocratic touch,
a sense of comfort with wealth which assures its owner that everything
is possible yet does not have to be so. That element is truly what
links all the collections seen so far this year.
Sophistication
rules, and black, white and red are reclaiming their hegemony of
the glamour stakes. Sophisticated and chic are the watchwords this
season if the Fall/Winter 2006-2007 couture collections are anything
to go by.
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The
other trend allows for the dreamy, ( romantic look that has been
missing for the past couple of years. In fact, even white and black
have in many instances been used to give an enhanced perception
of femininity and its attendant attributes of coolness, taste, elegance
and endurance rather than edgy or over the top style statements
that were embraced by the celebration of the I in individualism.
Understatement for effect - That's what it's all about this year. |
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