The Spring/Summer 2012/13 ready-to-wear shows saw fashion names, like Valentino and Gucci,serve up pastels,art deco styles and floral-patterned art nouveau-influenced clothes, with its romantic forms and undulating lines. Melissa Harris witnessed numerous designs and collections that echoed these feminine, intensely romantic designs at the JCK Jewellery Show in Las Vegas this year.Melissa attends the event every year, which involves 2500 participating companies from 22 countries, to uncover new labels and fledgling designers for her store in Paddington.
“It’s wonderful to see all the new designers, gain inspiration and stay abreast of trends. I began my career in California, so it has a special place in my heart. My own jewellery debut was a small collection of necklaces at LA EYEWORKS on MELROSE in 1988,” says Melissa.
“Romantic designs abound this year,” said Melissa. Art nouveau is exotic and naturalistic in its essence, and designers took inspiration from leaves, flowers, insects, feathers (especially peacock plumes) and wings. Opals and moonstones made a statement amongst many of the designs.
A nod to nouveau style.
“One of the pieces that caught my eye was by jewellery designer Paul Morelli. His art nouveau diamond bangle was stunningly beautiful,” said Melissa.
Art Deco was still strong, with its structure and architectural lines evident in the collections. The jazz age was a strong period for jewellery design so it’s no wonder that it’s influence still resonates today. The highly anticipated release of Baz Luhrmann’s Great Gatsby will surely boost the popularity of this style of jewellery also.
Colour was huge, with fire opals and carnelian filling the tangerine trend. Turquoise also featured prominently throughout the show–tsavorite and green amethyst were also in abundance.
2012/13 jewellery trends included:
- Winged Victory – Winged designs that ranged from protective to transformative. Ranging from romantic to those with a rock & roll edge, peacock feathers to Native American style, feathers proved to be a strong motif again this year.
- The Moon and Stars – Celestial shapes and styles shone brightly.
- Organics – Gemstone cutsranged from precious gem slices, irregular shapes and polished rough cuts. Rustic diamonds galore.
- Gold Spun – Yellow gold was key, with lace and woven styles making a strong showing.
- Coming up Roses –Rose Gold was also showing up in many of the couture designer’s work. Melissa predicts rose gold will continue its resurgence next season.
- Oh my God – Opals are seeing a true resurgence in a variety of different types and cuts.
Orange was the hero colour of the JAA trade show.
Melissa Harris Jewellery Blog 