More Products

ALL TIED UP

Soft leather and suede; embossed animal skin motifs; and fabrics such as metallic organza, crochet and lace adorned with clip-on pendants and dangling charms are being tied around the neck or wrapped around the wrist multiple times as an alternative to the more structured cuff bracelet. These looks combine tough and tender, femininity and elegance with rough hewn and rock ’n’ roll. 

CLICK TO EXPAND GRAPHIC

Michael O’Connor

Mixing cords and thongs with high-end metals and gemstones has been spawned by a more casual feeling in clothes and the “high-low” style (jeans/sneakers with more luxurious belts/jackets) we’re seeing on celebrities.

In a tougher economy, this is a great way to introduce pieces into your merchandise mix that create lower price points yet maintain a fashionable look.  

From a trend standpoint, it’s a great way to appeal to your 20-something customers who don’t view their jewelry as merely pieces for special occasions. Some smart designers offer several colors of cord with one pendant, allowing it to be worn with several outfits. Even some of the higher-end designers like William Goldberg have created great bracelets using a diamond center on a watchstrap wristband. It’s very chic and modern, and is a look that I see going forward.

 Michael O'Connor is a jewelry and style expert and TV commentator.

Helena Krodel

Chains add a significant cost to what were once simple and affordable pendants. But price point considerations aside, these fabric and leather looks also provide multi-functional styles: most consumers today are savvy shoppers and appreciate pieces that can be worn in numerous ways.

These more nonchalant, non-ostentatious looks offer more freedom of choice and individuality for the consumer. Bracelets can be added to, with personal charms. Several pieces can be layered and worn together for greater impact at a fraction of the cost of a large cuff or stack of bangles.

The further appeal of using silk or fabric is that color can be easily and affordably added. The style is easy and also works well for men’s jewelry as it provides dressed down looks.

Helena Krodel is director of Media and Special Events for the Jewelry Information Center.

Duvall O’Steen

As the price of precious metals continues to rise, designers are finding inventive ways to show off great looks in gold. Incorporating fabric and leather instead of chain is an idea that is definitely trending. Pendants with buckle-style slide elements and charms with pretty and functional bails now adorn silk fabrics, leather cords, crocodile or wide rubber wristbands. These innovative looks offer not only high fashion at affordable prices, but also the versatility of easy conversion between choker, necklace and bracelet.

Black and brown tend to be the favorite in terms of leather cords, as both work beautifully with the yellow gold. But designers are also working with shimmery fabrics to highlight with rose and white gold pendants with diamond accents. The ends of the leather or fabric cord are often sealed with precious metal tips to prevent fraying and to add a touch of elegance.

Duvall O'Steen is director of Jewelry PR & Promotion at the World Gold Council.

Wolfgang Möckel

Designers are creating link bracelet, cuffs and bangles, which have a more everyday feel and, depending how it’s worn, even a diamond “L” bracelet can look as informal as a silver bangle. The best way to sell them to your customers is to show them how they can mix different styles and metal colors together.

Bangles in different variations have become increasingly popular, from diamond eternity styles to organic shapes and textures, and those in blackened sterling silver with pops of sparkle. It’s definitely most comfortable to stack thin bangles. But you should not rule out cuffs when teaching your clients how to layer their wrists. A wide cuff can be mixed in with thinner bangles or a more narrow and statement-making cuffs can be worn together. It depends on the styles, the way the bracelets fit on the wrist and this is also a great way to have your customers try on and have fun in your store and it’s important to have a good selection!

The more casual the look, the more of a fashion statement you can make as well as appealing to a wide demographic of women

Wood styles look great with metal adornments of silver or gold, studded with precious or semi-precious stones and bangles in silver or gold, mixed with pearls or stones can be worn mixed in with other styles. Price ranges can be mixed as well so that you can offer more accessible options when it comes to stacking. This also gives the wearer leeway to buy a few at a time, then later add on and truly make what they chose an expression of their personal style. 

Wolfgang Möckel is president of KWM Exclusives, which specializes in marketing and branding.

This story is from the July-August2010 edition of INDESIGN