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Summer Costume JewelryHarper’s Bazaar Magazine Touts a Return in its Summer Fashion Issue
Large over the top necklaces and bracelets set with fake gemstones continue to be popular for summer 2008
Harper’s Bazaar shows quite the layout of costume jewelry in its Summer Fashion Issue. The tone of the article is that bigger is better. Layering is very hot as well. Harper’s asserts that if the jewelry can’t be spotted from a few blocks away, better to put on more. Background on This TrendMany designers from Balenciaga to Louis Vuitton to Vera Wang started showing massive costume jewelry pieces at the beginning of 2008. As Vera Wang states, “One thing that got me going this season was scale”. It’s obvious as many designers are showing enormous bib type necklaces that totally fill in the front of the garment. Costume jewelry isn’t a new trend. This type of jewelry is made with base metals that are gold and silver-plated and is normally set with glass gemstones or crystals. While the use of costume jewelry doesn’t date back to prehistoric times like precious metal and gemstone jewelry, it’s been popular since the 16th century. Layering and Oversized for Street WearMaybe not. Just as exaggerated runway fashions aren’t worn during a normal day, these oversized pieces more than likely won’t be appropriate for daytime business or casual wear. In addition, it’s important to avoid looking like a bag lady or a recent escapee from prison – carrying all one’s possession on one’s back at the same time. Sometimes less is actually more. Also, consider the fact that while it’s costume jewelry, it’s not necessarily inexpensive jewelry. These pieces can run into the thousands of dollars. Easy to Wear?Consider the Guest feedback at Target for some of Subversive Jewelry’s oversized pieces. Most of the negative feedback refers to the scale and weigh of the jewelry being uncomfortable. Additionally, those smaller in statures felt overwhelmed by some of the pieces. On the Practical Side – Who’s Showing WhatProenza Schouler is showing a Wilma Flintstone type black beaded necklace with a black and white combo skirt and top that while oversized, would be the epitome of this trend for day, work wear. Henri Bendel is showing some pretty cool oversized enamel bangle bracelets ranging in price from $88 to $148. Also available for sale is an oversized gold plated Sequin ring for $68. Costume plastic jewelry has grown up in the form of hand-carved Lucite. Alexis Bittar designs Lucite jewelry in an array of colors, white, clear and silver. Oversized Bittar jewelry starts at under $100. A mirror can be a best friend. Check out the image, if it looks like too much, it probably is.
The copyright of the article Summer Costume Jewelry in Jewelry Designers is owned by Maire Loughran. Permission to republish Summer Costume Jewelry in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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