The Knot’s headquarters in Manhattan is ground zero for the bridal industry’s most significant reconnaissance effort. Nothing related to a couple’s impending nuptials goes unchecked by the site’s crack team of editors—least of all fashion. Fresh from viewing the spring 2013 bridal collections, fashion and beauty editor Jennie Ma spoke to JCK about the year’s most inspired trends and what kind of jewels will best complement them. Two things to keep in mind: Mixing metals is suddenly de rigueur—particularly now that stacking bands are so popular. “Nothing has to match perfectly anymore if you stack,” Ma says. And don’t count out the soaring (perennial?) popularity of Art Deco. “And not just jewelry,” Ma says. “Plates, settings, wedding style. It’s going to be everywhere.”
Sheer Overlays
One of my favorite trends was over-lace or sheer overlays, where you have two skirts; one is slim-fitted and solid and the other is tulle. It came from the couture shows to the bridal market. It’s ethereal, light, and airy, and can go with statement pieces—think bigger, bolder necklaces.
Peplums
We saw them at Monique Lhuillier and Marchesa. We’re also seeing mini-peplums, side peplums, and peplums added to ball gowns. This season, they’re much more wearable and accessible. Soft ones add a nice, romantic touch. I’m thinking vintage-inspired jewelry to go with them.
Ruffles
This is another trend for the bride who isn’t afraid to make a statement. We’re seeing it in ball gowns and mermaid gowns. Because it’s so bold, I’d scale jewelry back a little. I’d pick statement earrings or a statement bracelet—they’re more subtle.
Corsets
The ones I liked were very modern, simple, stitched corsets. We saw them at Vera Wang. Streamlined, more modern corsets would go with clean, sleek jewelry and Art Deco jewelry. There’s a return to elegance this season. Girls want to look very chic. They’re mixing shapes, there’s lots of geometry, and the vibe is 1920s-inspired.
Sleeves
Kate Middleton brought them back. They’re more on the romantic, conservative side. These dresses generally have higher necklines so you have to stick to earrings and bracelets or wear one really bold cocktail ring on your right hand. Emeralds are going to be huge [in 2013]—people really like how luxurious the gem feels but also its understated elegance. It works well with Art Deco.
Gold
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Reem Acra
This is super-exciting. Usually silver accents are huge, but this year we saw a lot of yellow and rose gold. It brings back an element of romance and warmth. We saw gold flourishes at Reem Acra. We also saw entirely gold gowns. It’s so pretty and romantic—a bride could go statuesque and va-va-voom or do small accents. Even though we love mixing metals, this look works best with a similar metal palette.