Writing about joy and sorrow, poet Kahlil Gibran said “the deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.”
Life is all about balance. There is no yin without yang.
In recent years, minimalism in fashion has been much more widespread and mainstream. The practical economy (read: recession) has had us stock up on basics.
Well here’s where the yang comes in. There can be no minimalism without excess. Each is needed to make us appreciate the other.
Over the past few seasons, I’ve noticed a number of over the top accessories on runways the world over.
Gone are the dainty, sweet necklaces – replaced by bolder, statement pieces.
The crystals were colossal at Dior Couture and tribal rings reigned at the Tahiliani show – fit for urban royalty, no doubt.
Remember when Madge wore all those gold necklaces? Well, that look was from Givenchy back in Fall, 2008 – and as usual, they got there first.
Usual minimalist Anamika Khanna always adds an embellished twist or two. I loved her waterfall cascade of chains for Spring, especially with the tattered jacket. It would be wonderful with a pair of white skinnies and flats.
There was tattered – and then there was the shattered. Glass. Around your neck. Over slinky jersey. Not so practical, but oh, so pretty. Just don’t trip on that gown, dear. Could be très dangereuse.
Last year’s Armani Privé collection was lackluster, apart from the sparkly hair and baubles to offset a black and white look. Obviously you are not going to crystallize your head for a work day, but a chunkier, bolder piece of g’Vellerie (pronounced in a desi accent!) will add a little drama to your work basics. Perfect for managing the work drama all around you, no?
I’m not quite sure what this next piece is – whether the gold chain was part of the jacket or an added accent piece. My go-to with black and white (and with most things, actually) is silver. I am going to try this colour combination for Spring…just got a crazy, noisy, gold-coloured necklace.
I love the simple mixed with the traditional – it’s always been a part of my look. Love the pulled-back hair and simple makeup with this elegant choker at Sabyasachi, who always gets it right.
So as you’ve figured out by reading this far, accessories have changed face. No, really, they have. Case and point at Dolce and Gabbana.
The international fashion set have been photographed in these signature pieces from the design duo.
Jingle bag, jingle bag, jingle all the way… Why be discreet, when you can be heard coming – blocks away?
Or, just sparkle all the way. The coveted Swarovski-covered clutch at McQueen. Hauntingly beautiful.
Any of the above would be perfect for me – or Daphne G, my fairy goth mother. That’s a woman who understands how to excessorize.
My goth dreams included the swirled McQueen clutch and this piece of waist-art from Ms. Demeulemeester.
Hanging bits were everywhere. Evan Biddell showed thick scarves, worn dupata style.
And then, there was the infamous scarf from Mr. McQueen. Who else could pair houndstooth with the Union Jack, mixed lettering and binder clips and make it work?
With 20 pics, I thought this post was getting excessive (!) so I’ll continue it in part two later this week… [Update May 2: Excessories, Too is now up!]
Images courtesy of Style.com, Vogue India, Givenchy, The Cut Blog, Fashion Magazine, Telegraph UK, China Daily, alexandermcqueen.com, JakandJil.com, LIFE Magazine, Angela Y. Martin Photography.
