Romancing the stone

There is one sure and easy way to spruce up an attire. In past seasons, we saw the fashion industry go gaga over bling. Precious and semi-precious gems cut and crafted in a wide variety of designs to showcase no less than excess luxe. For some time, the mantra was, "More is more, is more, is more." Play in proportion was the name of the game – oversized, micro-mini, layers, chunks and drops were major fashion statements. Choice of material, similarly, grew as designs evolved. Crystals, beads, ores and just about anything that can be woven into a brilliant piece were celebrated by fashion figures. Proving that the field is boundless, much like a treasure trove that one cannot quite quantify, designers have set a benchmark in jewelry design, creating pieces that transcend time and place. Trek towards the tropics with brooches, bangles and pendants that showcase sweet florals and exotic species. Return to Old World grandeur as bracelets and necklaces highlight Old World medallions, cameos and other quaint charms. Unearth treasures of past civilizations through tusks, raw-edged stones and yes, even bones (we strongly suggest you go faux!) add character to the more contemporary and industrialized metals. Get frost and sparkle in chandelier-inspired earrings that are shamelessly brilliant as they are blinding with colors that will make any peacock come running back to its habitat. (No offense meant to these splendid creatures.)

When talking about accessories, the rule is, no rules. While trends make for a good guide, choice in color, design and size are all dependent on one’s personal preferences. If becoming Rainbow Brite is your cup of tea, then by all means, feel free to walk the streets in vibrant pieces that look like your laboratory prism under the light. There are the less experimental ones who prefer creations that are, of course, unique yet subtle. This is what makes accessorizing such an interesting aspect of the style scene. It is spontaneous and never constricted. Versatile yet uncommon. Dynamic, not dated.

We meet with three of the most promising new accessory labels and get a first dib into the treasures they have in store for romantic, sultry days ahead. Here’s a good look at the three labels that have learned all about the art of romancing the stone.

Envy y Lianna Navarro and Elline Veloso

Texture and an interesting mix of materials are dominant elements seen in pieces by Envy. The label’s design direction leans towards elements that are unconventional, surprising and oftentimes ironic. Utilizing materials such as tusks, metal charms, cameos chains and other knick-knacks one will hardly expect in a piece of jewelry, Envy’s creations have a sentimental, almost nostalgic feel to them. What makes each piece so interesting is the eerie and sometimes hypnotic effect it exudes. Vintage sexy best describes the label’s collection for the season. Designers Lianna and Elline explain, "We like to evoke a sense of self-expression so we create necklaces that you can wear in variety of lengths so that one is able to create your own look. This season, we will be using a lot of chains and minimal touches of stone gems."

Goldfish By Sheila Juan

Women who are often confined to wearing neutral colors often find that the pieces by Goldfish are best options for that added spunk amidst a rather dull corporate palette. Feminine, sucrose sweet and refined, Goldfish pieces are easily recognizable as they feature freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, Murano glass and superior wire craftsmanship. Designer Sheila Juan declares, "Watch out for the swirls, they’re on every piece I make." With designs that are reflective of this season’s flair for bold, floral prints, the label’s collection is all about going girly – bracelets that are inspired by hand corsages, intricately beaded hair combs, pendants in lace chokers and bangles that combine the textures and hues of crystals and pearls. Now, here’s one fish you wouldn’t want to miss out on in the sea.

Vamp By Kriska Floro and Ann Leviste

It’s all about attention. Vamp’s creations highlight the brilliance of a stone, the eye-catching colors in unusual patterns that are reflective of today’s confident woman. "Bold, sophisticated and self-assured. Someone who loves being the center of attention, the life of every party, the star in every scene," describe Kriska Floro and Ann Leviste of the lady who is most likely to wear their pieces. Never confined to a particular material, shape or color palette, Vamp’s pieces are embodiments of the many roles and faces of women in contemporary times. As the label embraces all things spontaneous and free flowing, its latest collection showcases pieces that are exquisitely luxe, notoriously magnificent and unforgivingly sonorous.

Store Information:

•Waicoco bodysuits by Ketty Estrelia are available at Rustan’s Department Stores. For orders, you may contact 0915-4109090 or e-mail waicocobix@yahoo.com

•Envy is exclusively available at Firma at Greenbelt 3, Felicity at Shangri-La Mall and Chichirico at Market, Market.

•Goldfish is available at www.inthefishbowl.biz or you may contact 0917-8963129

•Vamp is available through appointments. You may contact 0916-7032909.

(Speak your mind. E-mail the author at bianca.salonga@gmail.com)