Amid all the ornamentation and exuberant mixes of color pervading the fashion world this season, there are designs that embrace a less colorful aesthetic. Yet these designs are not oases of calm—they are edgy and exciting, sometimes dramatic, sometimes classically elegant.
Harper’s Bazaar sounded an early call to this high-contrast look in the August 2012 issue: “Consider it anti-color blocking. Achromatic hues are even chicer when worn together.” Pictured are a marbled stone bracelet from Delfina Delettrez, a star-studded ring from Ann Dexter-Jones Design, and an ornamental whistle pendant necklace from Louis Vuitton.
The September 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar dedicates two full pages to black and white fashion extras. Above are pictured a silver-studded black leather bracelet from Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci; a pair of black pearl stud earrings from Assael; a black necklace by Lynn Ban; a pair of black and white chain bracelets from Stephen Webster; long black onyx drop earrings from Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry; and a wrap-style bangle bracelet from Monique Péan.
More glittery examples of the black and white trend appear on this second page in September’s Harper’s Bazaar, featuring an elaborate statement necklace from Erickson Beamon; black and white diamond earrings from Le Vian; a multi-strand bracelet from Atelier Swarovski by Christopher Kane; a bracelet of black gem-studded cones from Eddie Borgo; a ring of black and white stones from Roberto Coin; drop earrings by Anzie; leaf-style earrings from Coomi; and a two-tier pendant necklace from Lanvin.
The October 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar focuses on bold graphic designs in black and white in the above fashion spread, which features a pair of tusk-shaped drop earrings from Pomellato; a chunky bejeweled link bracelet with padlock from Eddie Borgo; and a set of flat surface rings from Efva Attling.
In a fashion spread entitled “Black White & Red All Over,” the November 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar reports: “Fashion gets graphic in high-contrast hues and powerful patterns.” A blazer and pants from Alexander McQueen are accented with a Chanel watch and shoes from Manolo Blahnik.
Pictured above, from the November issue of Harper’s Bazaar, is a lace top with contrasting white collar and cuffs and pants, all from Valentino, worn with the same Chanel watch.
The November 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar also reports on designs where “Fashion’s yin and yang get the mod treatment.” Jewelry pictured consists of: a link bracelet from Montblanc; a beaded necklace from Alexis Bittar; a pair of positive-negative cuffs from Di Modolo; a Vionnet cuff; a Movado watch; black and white cuffs by Céline; a knotted cuff from Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière; a set of striped bangles from Hermès; and a pair of wide cuffs from Diane von Furstenberg.
In its September 2012 issue, Elle features a boldly striped dress from Lanvin worn with silver earrings and twisted silver bangles from Tiffany & Co. along with silver and diamond bangles from David Yurman. She also wears Tom Ford sunglasses and carries a pair of clutches—a leather clutch from Céline, and a PVC and goat-leather clutch from 3.1 Phillip Lim.
The November 2012 issue of Elle picks up the trend and runs with it, reporting: “With eye-catching checks and stripes, black and white make a rockin’ statement.” The spread features a yellow gold and platinum ring set with enamel and diamonds from David Webb. The model at left wears brass and enamel earrings from A Peace Treaty, a leather knot bracelet from Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière, and a padlock ring from Eddie Borgo.
Allure magazine in its November 2012 issue highlights a black and white leather jacket by Ohne Titel worn with stretch jeans by DKNY Jeans and a Rayon Ecosil top from T by Alexander Wang accented with a ring from Chanel. The leather bag is also by Chanel.
The November 2012 issue of Real Simple reports: “You can’t beat the drama of classic black and white, whether it’s a retro floral or an Art Deco geometric. Opting for ivory rather than stark white makes the showstopping combo look more fall-and-winter-friendly.” The model to the left, above, wears a DKNY jacket with a feather pin from R.J. Graziano pinned to the lapel, along with a silk dress from Maria Bianca Nero and KamaliKulture sunglasses and Falke hosiery. The model to the right wears a wristwatch from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and a bold black and white pendant necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane with a graphic top from Vince Camuto and silk pants from Lafayette 148. She carries a Halston Heritage clutch.
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