JCKstyle - January 27, 2006
Sure, "everything old is new again" is one of fashion's favorite phrases. But, really, are last year's trends truly old enough to be considered new again? We think not, but designers and manufacturers at early 2006 trade shows seemed to disagree, as they touted new lines that were overwhelmingly based on 2005's favorites.
Among 2005's strongest trends that are back for an encore:
- Big, open gold link chains in longer lengths remain hot—this year with either textured finishes or the infusion of color
- Green gemstones are still strong, but the hues are slightly different, with lighter shades, softer translucent stones, or olive tones stealing the spotlight
- Layers show no sign of stopping, as designers mix and match textures, colors, and styles to encourage individuality
- Mixed gemstones continue to ride a wave of popularity, this season taking on brighter hues and stronger contrasts than ever before, whether in a gem-intense design, sprinkled in gold, or mixed with pearls
There were a few breaks in our collective déjà vu experience, as several designers wowed us by taking chances with new concepts (or, at least, new old concepts). The highlights:
- Dana*David's large LiveWire earrings, featuring a continuous wire form that threads through the ear, in bold cross, heart, or peace-sign shapes
- Gurhan's bold platinum line that is pure prestige, offering items like platinum bangles that spare no cost (priced up to $25,000)
- KC Designs' tiny diamond-pavé dog tags brilliantly interpret a hot urban trend for the mainstream consumer
- Dare2Diamonds dabbled in biker chic, making skull and crossbones sweet and feminine in tiny charms and pendants
Weekly Gem
"I have six or seven friends who've gotten divorced, and the first thing they did [afterward] was buy themselves a fabulous piece of jewelry. … We're the first generation of women who have been financially independent from day one, and the first generation that feels it's OK to buy jewelry for yourself."
—Johanna Arellano, senior vice president and group director of McCann Erickson New York
