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A Sparkling Affair
Listed under: Interviews
Published: Friday, October 16, 2009
As ever, jewellery was one of the biggest talking points at last month's London Fashion Week. We caught up with Lorraine Luximon, editor of Make Jewellery Magazine, to talk fashion, trends and all things sparkly
What are the biggest trends in the jewellery world?
At the moment, we're seeing a lot of statement pieces on the catwalks, with glam-grunge looks and folk-inspired designs both very much in favour. Pretty pearl projects with a slightly Parisian twist are also incredibly popular, as are chain maille concoctions and anything metallic.
Nowadays, we find that trends within the sector tend to be inspired by films that are most popular at the time – something which has been demonstrated by the recent success of the movie Coco Before Chanel, which has seen vintage-glamour placed firmly back on the agenda.
Upcycling is another key trend in the jewellery world at the moment, seeing a growing number of designers incorporate vintage pieces into some of their more modern and contemporary-looking projects.
What are the most popular colours, materials and techniques being used?
Black beads, chains and charms are particularly on-trend right now, as are pieces with braids and different patterned fabrics. Wirework is also becoming increasingly common, seeing many crafters move away from their basic bead stringing, and experiment with new tools and techniques.
Colour-wise, gold is incredibly popular at the moment – often preferred over silver – as are jewel tones and anything looking exotic.
Are there any new or innovative projects taking the market by storm?
Crimp chains are particular big news at the moment. Allowing crafters to crimp beads straight onto their chains, rather than adding them with jump-rings or head pins, they are perfect for creating either dainty or chunky long-length necklaces, and drop earrings. Vintaj brass components are also very popular right now.
What are the best ways for retailers to keep up with the latests trends?
Magazines, catwalk reports and designer collections are all great ways of knowing what's in fashion, as are blogs, craft sites and the high street.
What are some of the biggest emerging trends?
We're seeing a lot more Art Deco-style jewellery entering the market, with rich, emerald-coloured stones, and gold and silver metals all doing particularly well.
What is going to be the next big thing?
Statement pieces in all shapes and sizes! Jewellery seems to be getting bigger, brighter and bolder, and this is something I can't see changing anytime soon.
What advice would you give to retailers hoping to attract a younger audience?
Make sure you stock lots of novelty beads, such as liquorice allsorts-style sweets, and cupcakes made from polymer clay. The kids are going mad for confectionery-themed lovelies these days and stocking a range of tasty looking goods is guaranteed to attract attention. Kits are also very popular at the moment, and appeal to everyone from teenagers, professionals and young mums, to the elderly, designers and children.
At the moment, we're seeing a lot of statement pieces on the catwalks, with glam-grunge looks and folk-inspired designs both very much in favour. Pretty pearl projects with a slightly Parisian twist are also incredibly popular, as are chain maille concoctions and anything metallic.
Nowadays, we find that trends within the sector tend to be inspired by films that are most popular at the time – something which has been demonstrated by the recent success of the movie Coco Before Chanel, which has seen vintage-glamour placed firmly back on the agenda.
Upcycling is another key trend in the jewellery world at the moment, seeing a growing number of designers incorporate vintage pieces into some of their more modern and contemporary-looking projects.
What are the most popular colours, materials and techniques being used?
Black beads, chains and charms are particularly on-trend right now, as are pieces with braids and different patterned fabrics. Wirework is also becoming increasingly common, seeing many crafters move away from their basic bead stringing, and experiment with new tools and techniques.
Colour-wise, gold is incredibly popular at the moment – often preferred over silver – as are jewel tones and anything looking exotic.
Are there any new or innovative projects taking the market by storm?
Crimp chains are particular big news at the moment. Allowing crafters to crimp beads straight onto their chains, rather than adding them with jump-rings or head pins, they are perfect for creating either dainty or chunky long-length necklaces, and drop earrings. Vintaj brass components are also very popular right now.
What are the best ways for retailers to keep up with the latests trends?
Magazines, catwalk reports and designer collections are all great ways of knowing what's in fashion, as are blogs, craft sites and the high street.
What are some of the biggest emerging trends?
We're seeing a lot more Art Deco-style jewellery entering the market, with rich, emerald-coloured stones, and gold and silver metals all doing particularly well.
What is going to be the next big thing?
Statement pieces in all shapes and sizes! Jewellery seems to be getting bigger, brighter and bolder, and this is something I can't see changing anytime soon.
What advice would you give to retailers hoping to attract a younger audience?
Make sure you stock lots of novelty beads, such as liquorice allsorts-style sweets, and cupcakes made from polymer clay. The kids are going mad for confectionery-themed lovelies these days and stocking a range of tasty looking goods is guaranteed to attract attention. Kits are also very popular at the moment, and appeal to everyone from teenagers, professionals and young mums, to the elderly, designers and children.
