Look past all the glamour, celebrity-sightings and Amazonian models at New York, London, Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks and you will discover a whole host of essential insights into upcoming jewellery trends.
At IJL, we make it our mission to distil these trends into usable information and insights for your jewellery business, helping you to decide whether that extra pair of statement earrings, choice of gemstone or quirky shape are really worth your time and investment.
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To find that delicate balance between commerciality and fashion-forward credentials, we’ve scoured the catwalks of London Fashion Week AW18 and beyond to discover what jewellery trends will sparkle in the winter months. Discover why it is definitely the season for earrings below:
AW18 Jewellery Trends from the Catwalk
Pearl Power
The humble pearl has been given a makeover for AW18 with oversized earrings, ear-cuffs and statement asymmetrical designs at Paul Costello, Erdem, Burberry and Prabal Gurung, as well as daintier pearl drop earrings at Emilia Wickstead.
Oscar de la Renta took an artistic approach with beautiful pearl necklaces in the style of alternating moons and stars, while Michael Kors layered duo pearl strands over simple Breton t-shirts and chunky knitwear.
The sense that pearls will be relevant for both casual and evening looks should inspire pearl jewellery designers and those considering new collections or designs moving forward. We predict peacock pearls (especially those with an almost metallic, oil slick colour-play) will be especially popular. Don’t miss pearl specialists Di Perle, Lido Pearls, Raw Pearls, ORA Pearls, and Claudia Bradby at IJL 2018.
Heavy Metal
Lustrous metallics, plenty of glitter spread across hairlines, eyelids and foreheads, plus full length sparkling gloves, holographic fabrics and heavy metals… this winter harks back to the glory days of Glam Rock! Turn to Mary Katrantzou, Coach, Hellessy, Tom ford, Marta Jakubowski, Ashley Williams, Zadig & Voltaire and Kate Spade for inspiration, but look out for chunky cuffs at Christopher Kane, shimmering ‘Ultra Violet’ shades at AV Robertson, and layers of subtle shimmering fabrics at Marc Jacobs.
In terms of jewellery, we predict interesting doublets like Stephen Webster’s iconic Crystal Haze collection, plus labradorite, moonstone, lustrous baroque pearls, rich purple gemstones and combinations of enamel, glitter and black rhodium finishes. Textures will also play a role, with the current trend for tassels likely to continue. Bring your jewellery ideas to life with the loose gemstone and pearl companies exhibiting at IJL 2018.
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Eighties Earrings and Chandeliers
If you thought the days of big shoulder pads and even bigger hair were behind us, think again! Eighties fashion proved a big hit on the AW18 catwalks, especially with the likes of Burberry, Halpern, Simone Rocha, Mulberry, Brock Collection, Jason Wu, Alexander Wang and especially Marc Jacobs.
To keep up with the ostentatious clothes, designers chose statement, shoulder-skimming earrings in bold hoop and chandelier designs. Many designs were packed with geometric shapes, all layered together to create something akin to an art-piece, not just the humble earring. Plus, stories were told through earrings with palm leaves, tropical birds of paradise and lion’s heads all recreated in sparkling form.
Multi-Pierced Madness and Colour Co-ordination
With the ear proving to be the ultimate canvas, many designers experimented with ear cuffs, ear climbers and multi-pierced designs that turned the whole ear into a statement. Prabal Gurung excelled at this, as did Mary Katrantzou who led a trail of hoop earrings from the lobe all way to the hairline.
The catwalks also buzzed with a sense of colour coordination – where jewellery was purposefully chosen to match the colours of a dress or blouse perfectly. Suites also showed signs of being a ‘thing’ as fashion-forward women seek to look completely in-tune. Look to Peter Pilotto, Simone Rocha, Anna Sui and many more.
KEY TREND AW18: Asymmetrical Statements
Undoubtedly, the biggest jewellery trend for AW18 is asymmetrical earrings – the bigger the better. Almost every designer experimented in some way with asymmetrical hoops, chandeliers, geometric shapes, pearls and crystals to great effect.
This trend has evolved from the obsession with tassels, fringing and unique ‘mobile’ earrings made popular by Becca Jewellery and many others. And there are plenty of fine and fashion jewellery brands already experimenting with this trend, including IJL Editors’ Choice Winner, The Rock Hound, Swarovski, Chanel, Alex Monroe, Trollbeads, Lara Bohinc, Amanda Coleman, and Astley Clarke.
As winter party shopping begins in September, we recommend having an array of asymmetric earrings ready for your customers. Don’t miss your chance to see some of the best options from across the globe with IJL 2018.
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If you are a jewellery brand or business owner, showcasing your wares in London is a key stepping-stone – not just for securing sales and signing orders, but for getting valuable feedback and networking with industry leaders, buyers and press. Find out more here.
IJL is #withyou curating the biggest and most influential fashion and jewellery trends to support your brand development. Discover the IJL Trends Catwalk at IJL 2018 from September 2-4.
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