Did you know that last week was Bridal Fashion week in New York?
Why you should know: Thinking it has nothing to do with you is the outlook of yesteryear, because the future of tomorrow holds more in store for you than you may realize. First, many of the designers on the roster at last week’s bridal runway extravaganza do not have bridal jewelry lines, and they often team up with a bridal jewelry designer to bejewel models for the catwalk and for photo shoots. Second, this year the toughest critics (often the best critics) took note of the fashion forward thinking incorporated into the lines of almost all the designers. If bridal trends continue to move forward in concept and design, which we believe they will, then won’t the jewelry move forward as well? And the accessories? And the bridesmaid’s accessories? With bright colors the trend de jour these days, and collections of gowns that are all inspired from the rest of the ROY G BIV color spectrum, the looks seen on the runway call for jewelry that is more colorful, more playful, and more eccentric. The days of all white gowns with classic platinum/pearl/diamond jewelry will stand the test of time, but outside-the-box accoutrements will certainly join the mix more and more every year.
Why you will know next year: You can check out all of the shows at NY Mag online, but to give you an example of where YOU will fit in to the equation in the next year, I would like to focus on two of my favorite wedding dress designers. First up, the line by Monique Lhuiller (see photos above), who is no stranger to adding color to wedding gowns, was full of trims and draping that had an air of exquisiteness that can only be found in something vintage/something unique/something authentic. Her aesthetic is a throw back to a time of decadence and aristocracy, and the jewelry should match. Intricate or vintage-like pieces and non-traditional metals like rose gold, green gold, or oxidized gold would compliment beautifully. Next on my list is Reem Acra, who sent a fresh line down the runway, which was inspired by such outrageous characters as Alice in Wonderland and Raggedy Ann (see photos below). This fantasy like collection requires jewelry which is as mystical as the designs themselves. Bright and big cocktail rings, colored diamonds and gemstone, and big statement pieces, would bring out the underlying personality of Acra’s line.
Furthermore, Aja Magnum (NY Mag) reported that the biggest trend for bridesmaid’s dresses is black gowns that are multi-purposeful. Too bad nothing matches black…oh wait…everything matches black. The possibilities of jewelry for bridesmaids are endless.
It comes down to the ultimate question: Do you take thee (non traditional bridal jewelry) to be thy (non traditional bridal gowns) mate? I do!
Photos from NY magazine online and Fashion Wire Daily.
