Jewels to Fall For

Bohemian, ladylike and filled with luxe accessories, fall/winter 2010/2011 is a season of fashion contradictions. Looks range from a pared-down, restrained style reminiscent of 1950s fashion icon Grace Kelly to over-the-top, mix-it-all-up prints with a carefree attitude that harkens to the 1970s. For those who like unrepentant luxury, there are plenty of glitzy sequins, furs, leathers and gold-treated fabrics. Credit Hillary Clinton and the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuit,” but the pantsuit is back and made fresh in a short version.

Gilded GirlsMolten gold is hot for autumn. Whether used in a fabric or as a metallic in leather accessories, it is the metal color of the moment. It makes a glitzy statement on its own, but pairs perfectly with gold and diamond jewelry as the right accessory, especially big rings that don’t compete with the fabric for attention.

Ladylike

Uptown girl, trust-fund baby…the ladylike look is best characterized by camel — one of fall’s most important colors. It’s an understated neutral that is always classic, blends well with other colors and has an upscale air that reeks of old money, especially when it is wool or cashmere. A stack of diamond bangles trumpets the message of luxury as a modern alternative to the classic diamond line bracelet.
Edgy Sophistica
tion

Leather and fur are two of the most important trends this fall. Together, they create an edgy, contemporary, urban sophistication that is a softer version of tough-girl chic. The warm tones of yellow diamond earrings keep the edge from going hard, enhancing the femininity that is permeating the season, while adding the sparkle that is center stage for autumn.

Clash of the Patterns

Individualists will get their thrills this autumn with the anything- goes, happy-go-lucky, mix-up of unmatched patterns and fabrics — wool with sequins — that creates a funky, texturally rich, color-throbbing outfit for a self-assured woman on the move. A textured platinum brooch shining with diamonds and black onyx is a statement strong enough to show off against lively patterned backgrounds.

Keep it Short

Need a suit? Forget the miniskirt. Pairing a tailored jacket and matching shorts in a classic fabric is a cool new way of suiting up for young career women, especially those in creative or information technology fields. Casual, but serious, the short suit travels easily from the office to drinks after work. A diamond pendant dresses up the suit just enough for those on the career fast track.

Article from the Rapaport Magazine - June 2010. To subscribe click here.