Bold & The Beautiful

If you want to be in sync with the latest bauble trend, you have to go big and outrageous, says Aindrila Mitra

That chunky Victorian cross, embellished with pearls and rubies, worn with a simple singlet and a pair of low-rise jeans is all it takes to make a fashion statement. Outrageous jewellery is in and the contemporary mantra lies in the simple word - ‘glam’!

It dates back to the ’70s where the disco divas made heads turn with their shocking metallic and rhinestone uniforms, huge diamonds and glitter-iced their costumes, more often than not. Outrageousness was a lifestyle rather than a mere style statement then. Being bold has not died down since. “Anything that is eye-catching, big and beautiful is definitely in,” says Reshmi Singh, a style-conscious professional. Undoubtedly then, Sally Spectra’s chunks of pearls, diamonds, emeralds and rubies are eye-catchers to the public even now, not to mention VJ Sophia’s famous ‘S DOC’ pendant in her ‘Mera babu...’ music video! “Nets are the latest rave downtown,” claims Subhash Zaveri from Tribhovandas Bhimji & Zaveri Jewellers. According to Zaveri, it is the net design woven in gold and beads with studded precious stones that is most trendy. However, even kundan sets that look heavy and fill the bare neck make the most-wanted list. Neckwear that starts its pricing from Rs 3 lakh onwards (read: outrageous pricing!) has caught on as the latest fad on the social circuit. The net-designs adorning the neck and ears, known for their intricate artistry, are fashion’s know-how! Influenced by Bedouin jewellery, famous for its dramatic sizes big is back in the limelight but this time the stones in demand are turquoise, rubies and emeralds.

“This season is about mixing and matching colours,” explains Shehzad Zaveri from Minawala Jewellers. “What is outrageous is the sudden outburst of colour.” Jennifer Garner’s orange, vintage Valentino gown at the Academy Awards this year probably had a fierce impact on this continent, considering post the Oscars, the combination of devil colours - orange and black have captured the jewellery scenario. The colours in vogue - blue, orange, red - are also a reflection of people’s state of mind, says Shehzad. “Women are going in for bolder jewellery that is aggressive and assertive, yet with a touch of subtle feminine quality.” Bigger stones set in customised shapes can create new personality images, according to this jeweller who believes that outrageous or heavy jewellery helps project the mental wavelength of an individual. Just as much as rocks and stones are in vogue, so is white gold.

“Pink is the colour this season,” says Biren Vaidya of Rose International. Defining his last two collections, the ‘rose’ and the ‘pret’ lines, Vaidya makes a note of the change in dressing style of women. “Now the trend is to go minimalist and simplistic in terms of clothes whereas jewellery makes the style statement.” The trend has changed from studs to long chandelier earrings, from sleek bracelets to broad bands and from chokers to leather and steel adorned with diamonds and precious stones. “The rose-cut is the most sought -after design for a complete look for a single piece.” With prices ranging from anything between Rs. 20,000 and Rs 10 lakh, this extreme look is definitely meant for women flashing Armani, Louis Vuitton or Prada!

Complimenting Vaidya’s fashion forte, designer Shaina NC adds, “The whole idea is to wear something non-descript in terms of clothes, mainly in solid colours, in order to do full justice to a stunning piece of jewellery. Also, since the contemporary accessories border on the quaint and the antique, asymmetrical and geometric hemlines and necklines are integral parts of the latest couture.”

As far as colours are concerned, outrageous jewellery is most well defined in pink and reds informs Vaidya. He states, “Since the way of dressing has changed, so has people’s idea of buying and wearing accessories. Jewellery has definitely become more prominent in ladies’ wardrobes now.” Additionally, the age of yellow gold has become extinct according to so-called ‘new age’ jewellers.

With the concept of working hard and partying harder hitting the cosmopolitans faster than one can gauge, clubbing, discs and nightlife is at its best when you are dressed to kill. If that one bauble could dazzle everyone, what better way to dress up!

Junky Queens

Shobhaa Dé: Her beads and chunky pendants definitely reflect her ‘don’t mess with me’ attitude!

Sophia Choudhry: Jazzy Jay definitely has a strong influence on this veejay turned singer - thanks to her famous pendant in her music video!

Avanti Birla: Sure, this woman is a wild one with her chunky pieces of ear and neckwear!

Sushmita Sen: This stunner definitely has a fascination for big rocks. Cocktail rings definitely define this lady who gets what she wants!’

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