Fashion
Think beyond the obvious to up your accessory game this season
When Schiaparelli launched their 2021 couture collection at Paris Couture Week last month, it was the high jewellery that stole the show. This isn’t ordinary bling we’re talking about—the ‘231 seconds of haute couture’ video had everything from a custom-made trompe l'oeil jewel wig, moulded golden brass bijou mask, fingernail ring and a dress held up by earrings to a ‘Virgin and Child’-inspired breastplate. It was artistic director Daniel Roseberry’s tribute to Elsa Schiaparelli’s experimental spirit and Surrealist approach. The resulting ‘second skin couture’ was fun, flamboyant, and definitely not for the faint-hearted. Roseberry spoke about his inclination towards the exploration of the human form; and celebrating the “joy of peacocking, the joy of showing off.”
If you’re looking to add the same stop-and-stare intrigue to your repertoire, then this wave of jewellery that truly is wearable art needs to be added to your collection. Layer, but not with dainty chains. Tap into your sartorial bravado and reach out for traffic-stopping earrings, body harnesses, and breastplates. You’ll find ample inspiration in Kim Kardashian West’s six pack leather bodice by Schiaparelli and Zendaya’s hot pink Tom Ford breastplate that was custom-made for her. Looking to wear one with matching pants (or even a lehenga)? Pakistani artist and designer Misha Japanwala's signature sculptural breast plates (and other body parts) blur the lines between fashion and art. Kira’s collection on the other hand, features an oversized metal neckpiece dipped in gold that mimics the contours of the under boob.
If you’re not ready to squeeze your torso into a sculpture just yet, turn to body harnesses instead. Such as Outhouse’s edgy metallic versions that will elevate everything from a slip dress to a classic top. Their Amytis harness, in particular, took four months to hand-make and was embellished with 10,000 Swarovski stones and tourmalines. Olivia Z Cheng’s New York label Dauphinette has chainmail tops with pressed floral detailing that you can easily throw on over a white tee and jeans. UK label Frances.O has a range of pearl, crystal and chain bralets to choose from. Want to dress your face but beyond just your neck and lobes? For her first-ever digital fashion showcase for Helsinki Fashion Week last year, Roma Narsinghani worked on conceptual designs such as a face cage, geometric headpiece and nature-inspired nose piece, rendered on digital avatars.
While body jewellery may be inherently extra AF, it needn’t be restricted to just the Lady Gagas of the world. It is for anyone who uses their jewellery to speak their mind and communicate with the world. Especially when the message is that you’d like all eyes on you.
Kira
Outhouse
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