Compelling accessories for the power woman in 2018

MANILA, Philippines — If this year made one thing clear, it is the fact that women can no longer be pushed around by sexual predators who have gotten away with it for decades.  Their independence and empowerment is reflected in the accessories that they will be wearing.  Sky-high stilettos that were designed “for the pleasure of men” have given way to more sensible pumps and boots for the pleasure of women.  Even the all-white sneaker that made everyone anonymous is now replaced by colorful, more distinctive versions that say “I cannot stay in the background any more and I’m coming forward as an individual with something to say.”  Bags, instead of staying prim and ladylike, are making bold statements in geometrics and prints. The oversized sunglasses to hide bruised or puffy eyes that cried copious tears from verbal and physical abuse have now turned micro, almost like reading glasses --- the better to scrutinize foul moves and to read the fine print.  And just to let you know they mean business, gloves are indispensible to accomplish the task at hand.  But it’s not all work and struggle.  The gains have to be celebrated after all and what better way to do so than with sumptuous jewels --- Chandelier earrings are back and there are disco balls and restyled Baroque pieces to make it lush, festive and fun.

Let’s keep things transparent

To make things clear, opt for the space-age transparent bags and white toe boots of Chanel.  And to show that you have nothing to hide, take the Helmut Lang Perspex brief case to your next appointment.  For a better vantage point, the block heels of Balmain or Prabal Gurung will do just fine. You don’t have to be too serious, however, thanks to the witty plastic shopping bag of Céline and the airline barcoded tag bag of Maison Margiela.  

ck and there are disco balls and restyled Baroque pieces to make it lush, festive and fun.

Boots will take you places

Low-heeled boots were all over the runways, making sure that the modern woman has hard working shoes that can protect her from the harsh world out there. Make no mistake, though ---they are anything but utilitarian-looking, with multicolor python patches at Chloé, crystal medallions at Céline and graphic art prints at Dries Van Noten.

Keep it classic with pumps

If you must wear heels, pointed-toe pumps are the option for the season.  Off-White has sculptural bows in its Lady Diana-inspired collection while Tom Ford’s satin cap-toed pumps are coquettish with a tiny ruffled piping.  Christopher Kane’s are a little more subversive with foam embellishments on its tweed base.

Bag it with bold geometrics and prints

You need not be shy and ladylike for 2018 with bold, geometric shapes like Paco Rabanne’s camel leather cube or Celine’s tasseled globe.  Designers went for the rounds at Luis Vuitton in croc, Dolce & Gabanna in flaming red, Balmain in embossed crests, and Anya Hindmarch in a pleated and tufted  version.  If not too sure, go semi-circle with Salvatore Ferragamo or go more daring with a star from Mugler. Prints make the new statement bags with Prada’s cartoon illustrations, Marc Jacobs’ abstract prints and Rafé’s cat-face minaudieres with shell inlay.

Hit the high cs with gloves

While you’re at it, go full Hollywood glamour with opera-length black gloves à la Marc Jacobs with a red beaded dress or in sportier white which Koché paired with flirty dresses. They were made to look like sleeves in Calvin Klein’s color-blocked ensemble while many designers opted to go asymmetric using only one glove.  Ryan Lo tiered the gloves with ruffles while Phoebe Philo at Céline used them to accessorize her bags.

Go micro with eyewear

Made popular by the Instagram millennial celebrities Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, micro sunglasses have infiltrated the designer collections of Miu Miu, Prada and Louis Vuitton, among others, which means the big frames of yore will be retired for the moment. There are sleek, sophisticated versions as well as sporty ones like those of Stella McCartney and Fenty x Puma.  

Big hats, sporty hats and turbans

Global warming has made hats a necessity which makes accessorizing even more fun. For harmful U-V rays, big is best and Jacquemus and Missoni give you the most cover in straw.  Rihanna ups the cool factor of sporty bucket hats with her neon belt-trimmed designs for Fenty x Puma.  For more glamorous head-cover, do a Norma Desmond in one of Marc Jacobs’ turbans and declare “But I am big!”

Go bold and baroque with jewels

Chandelier Earrings are back in a big way, placing the spotlight above the neck, not that some didn’t reach or even rested on the shoulders.  Hoop Earrings also loomed large, literally, in a sporty version at Fenty x Puma by Rihanna and curling in a spiral of gold beads at Y/Project.  With chandeliers come the whole Baroque extravaganza, restyled at Alexander McQueen with layered necklaces and earrings of pearls and jet beads and at Dolce & Gabanna as a parure complete with a crown.

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