Bracelets, Bold Necklaces and Brooches
Although earrings were out in full swing at the fall 2017 Paris haute couture shows, from long dangling pendant earrings to the now ubiquitous single chandelier, our attention was drawn to the bevy of bracelets, bold necklaces and vintage inspired brooches that appeared on the catwalks
Armfuls of bracelets look fresh with both diaphanous and sinuous gowns and would look equally well with sleeveless dresses we are wearing now or with cashmere crewneck with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of favorite jeans.
In our article last week on Giambattista Valli’s take on the lily of the valley and how it has been a favorite motif in jewelry through different centuries, we also mentioned the collaboration between Valli and the vintage jewels of Eleurteri, (which has shops in Venice and Manhattan). The contrast of feminine florals, tulle and chiffon gowns with bold stacked vintage gold and gemstone 70’s cuffs, David Webb and Bulgari bracelets were eye-catching and inspirational for how well-mixed motif bracelets and colored stones can work in stacks that climb up the wrist
We also saw stacked bracelets at Jean Paul Gaultier, Armani Prive, and Schiaparelli.
At Chanel, ropes of pearls wrapped around the wrist.
At Alberta Ferretti Limited Edition, one ultra wide vintage inspired bracelet was enough of a statement.
Bold necklaces were often ethnic inspired and featured multiple vertical stations that dipped down to the décolletage such as this openwork style at Elie Saab.
There were charm necklaces at Schiaparelli and long antique-inspired large pendants at Armani Prive.
The brooch, which made a comeback among antique and vintage jewelry collectors and on both the runway and red carpet for the past couple of seasons and which Bejeweled showed how real people were wearing them (read here) continues to be a direction that keeps moving forward in both antique, antique inspired and modern interpretations. So if you haven’t inherited one or invested in one, we suggest you raid your grandmother’s jewelry box or go out and purchase one from the Victorian era or from the mid-20th century. These are the most versatile and can be worn in diverse ways.
We saw a duo of vintage inspired brooches on the lapel of a jacket and one on worn on a belt at Alexandre Vauthier.
One of our favorite looks was the playful way a combination of crescent moon and starburst brooch were placed on a surrealist ultra short dress at Schiaparelli.
Alberta Ferretti showed us how to make an exit in this bow brooch flirtatiously worn on the back of a plunging wrap back gown.
And, back to Eleueteri and Giambattista Valli—we suggest you take note of the way a 50’s aquamarine starburst brooch was pinned to the neckline of a pink mini dress and Faberge ruby and emerald floral brooch popped from a white lace gown. Pure femininity and perfect styling.