WHO MAKES THE TRENDS?👀
RESEARCH
As I lay here on my bed thinking about how to research jewelry trends, I'm struck by the notion that trends in the jewelry fashion industry are dominated by designers.
OMG ITS THE CLOTHING DESIGNER.
It strikes me that these designers base their jewelry on the trends set by the clothing fashion industry. Now I get it, jewelry is seen and promoted as an accessory, in other words, an addendum, an additive. It seems logical, but is it? I mean, I do this too. I pick an outfit and then team it up with suitable costume jewelry.
But does it have to be this way? 🤓
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE ?
When I buy jewelry, I choose it because I find the pieces aesthetically appealing. It makes me feel grand; sometimes, it's the color that appeals to me, sometimes the design. A lot of the time, I love a piece because it fits me. If I'm truthful, that's probably number one.
DOES IT FIT ME?🙄
It's the same with clothes. I choose what fits and is practical, like lightweight clothes for summer and thicker ones for winter.
Sometimes I select clothes for specific purposes; going to a funeral in high heels is out for me.
So, let me rewind. I choose jewelry first and foremost because it fits, then I make further choices based on everything else.
DO YOU REALLY CARE WHAT THEY SAY?🫤
But what's not a priority on my list is what others think I should wear. Go figure. I have a plus-size figure, and there are some things that make me uncomfortable, and I'm okay with that. When did plus-size women have to be comfortable in a string bikini? I like to be covered.
IM DOING IT MY WAY. 🤫
Which brings up the question in my mind: Is why must I follow the trends that other people set? What would happen if we chose our clothing based on the jewelry we own?
Let's face it; some of the pieces I have will go with many outfits. I'm not sure I can say the same in reverse. Sometimes trends are set based on differences from last year's fashion choices; in other words, if it happened last year, it can't happen this year. The idea that something hasn't happened before is ludicrous. Who can afford to change their jewellery every year, I don’t throw my jewellery away, they are keepers.
BEEN DONE BEFORE.
Mankind has been around for several million years; I believe, without any research, I can categorically say - it's all been done before. Admittedly, technology has changed, but seriously, a diamond is a diamond.
LETS DO IT BETTER.
I do wonder what the fashion industry would be like if jewelry set the trend, and the fashion clothing industry then designed outfits complementing our jewels. Let's say 2024 is the year of man-made tourmaline, with a color palette of purples and greens, metals used being silver, and settings based on royalty. Now, that would be a challenge for the fashion industry!
I have another idea; what if the next trend is centered around gold chains with inset diamantes? Consider how this would influence, say, the nail industry.
ITS OK TO BE DIFFERENT. 🥸
I suppose what I'm really getting at is that jewelry trends don't have to be set by the fashion clothing industry or limited to seasonal changes. I choose jewelry because of how I imagine I will look and what fits. I choose my clothing the same way.
DO IT YOUR WAY.
My conclusion is this , Wear what makes you feel joy and dynamic purpose. Make your own trend and let's take the power back.