Among the season’s statement necklaces, there is a strong showing of pieces that are worn at the base of the throat. Some of these designs take their cues from traditional designs, such as the Edwardian black ribbons of which I wrote back in July. Some are polished metal designs, as we saw back in the fall of 2011. Others have a significantly edgier vibe. The style offerings range from demure to practically shocking.
The September 2012 issue of Vogue contains a gorgeously staged 18-page fashion spread featuring fashions inspired by early-20th-century author Edith Wharton at one of her residences, the Mount, “an artistic arcadia in the Berkshires, where intrigues both literary and romantic unfolded in dramatic fashion,” writes Colin Toibin. With an ensemble consisting of a blouse, gilet, and skirt by Oscar de la Renta, model Natalia Vodianova wears a choker-style necklace from Macklowe Gallery and a hair ornament from Alice Kwartler.
An elaborately ornamented lamb leather jacket and pants from Balmain are accessorized with a glass cabochon, Austrian crystal, and pearl choker from Jose & Maria Barrera in this photograph from the September 2012 issue of Elle. The clutch is from Nina Ricci.
The September 2012 issue of Elle takes the accessorization of the season’s heavily embellished styles of “rich metallic embroideries and Renaissance touches” in two directions: Modernistic choices include a brass collar from Stella McCartney (upper left) and rhombus-shape Lucite earrings with crystals from Bebe (lower right); jewelry itself of elaborate design includes a “gold scrollwork” necklace and earrings from Oscar de la Renta (lower left).
“Would you wear these” metal collars, asks the Makeover 2012 issue of InStyle magazine, issued in September, commenting: “Statement necklaces are coming full circle this fall. Naomi Watts and Olivia Wilde have worn metallic chokers on the red carpet, but you can easily toss one into your weekend rotation. Slip it over a simple T-shirt for instant polish.” Pictured are necklaces of gold plate and silvertone metal from R.J. Graziano; a necklace of rose gold plate from Jennifer Fisher; and a brass and cubic zirconia necklace by Jennifer Fisher. Note that only 45 percent of InStyle readers polled responded that they would wear this style of necklace.
In the December 2012 issue of Vogue, model Xiao Wen Ju wears an ASOS Africa peplum dress and top accessorized with a Lynn Ban sterling silver collar.
The October 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar includes a wide metal choker accented with crushed stones by Pamela Love among its “Best of the West” selections. Also featured are earrings from the Stones Jewelry and an Hermès wristwatch.
Celebrity Kim Kardashian appears in a current ad touting Khroma Beauty eye lashes, debuting holiday 2012, wearing a metal collar.
Black leather is making a strong showing this season, and choker style necklaces seem to be a natural go-to accent for leather looks. A gold plated necklace from Robert Lee Morris accents a leather top from Michael Kors in this photograph from the September 2012 issue of Allure.
Allure chooses an edgy necklace by Sergio Rossi to accompany an ensemble by DKNY also in the September issue. The boots are by Alexander Wang and the purse is by Salvatore Ferragamo.
The September 2012 issue of Elle pre highlights black leather, noting that “Every tough girl’s favorite material just got a lot more interesting, thanks to quilted details and slick patent accents.” A black rhodium silver and black diamond choker from Lynn Ban is featured, center left. Also pictured is a black geode and black diamond ring from Kimberly McDonald, lower right.
Not only leather but also lace is accented with choker style necklaces. Actress Jessica Chastain is wrapped in a lace ensemble from Elie Saab Haute Couture in this photograph from the December 2012 issue of Marie Claire. Under the lace, you’ll note a geometric motif choker from VBH.
A recent ad for Versace combines a wide logo choker with a chunky coin motif statement necklace.
Ralph Lauren ran this recent ad picturing a collection of choker-length necklaces of various materials.
A recent ad for Giuseppe Zanotti Design pictures an edgy choker, belt, and hand bracelet.
The October 2012 issue of Allure features a wide “Lucite-and-gold” collar attached to a chain from Alexis Bittar.
Chokers have come a long way from the early-20th-century designs. What is evident is an amazing range and variety of choker-style necklaces embraced by the fashion world.
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