Black and white is once again a major trend this fall. This perennially popular combination is a particular favorite of budget-conscious fashionistas, as there is usually plenty of black in every woman’s wardrobe that can be easily and relatively inexpensively freshened up with new white blouses and tees.What elevates the look to make it fresh now is adding a pop of color-specifically, a bright, eye-catching green. The color combination is often seen in Art Deco-inspired designs, and can be achieved with the addition of any number of bright gemstones, including jade, malachite and, of course, emeralds. You may recall the breathtaking emerald drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz worn by Angelina Jolie at the 2009 Academy Awards with her strapless black evening gown, a precursor of the fall trend.

Chanel is at the forefront of this trend, featuring intensely hued disks and circles of green in its accessory and jewelry designs. Notice that model Kate Moss is pictured above wearing several pieces of Chanel jewelry, including a necklace and rings, that match, adding cohesiveness to her ensemble. And the bright green detail of the Chanel shoes, shown below, is unexpected and intriguing. The necklace shown below is costume jewelry from Giles & Brother by Philip Crangi. Both photos are from the September 2009 issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

The current online edition of Marie Claire includes a feature entitled “Art Deco Glamour: Jade Jewelry” which states: “Mod, money-colored baubles recall the Great Gatsby glamour of years past. Get the luxe look of jape [sic] without paying a fortune: Faux versions of the ornamental stone often look and feel like the real thing.” Two selections from the feature appear below, earrings from Smithwick at Bergdorf Goodman, and a Chanel ring. Note that the earrings appear to be composed of malachite, not jade.

It’s time to pull out all the green jewelry. This high-contrast mix of bright green with the extremes of black and white looks so very right this season.

JCK