EcoZeal

Statement jewellery is this season’s must-have. After all, in times of economic woe, what better way to spruce up an old ensemble than a bit of bling?

Designers from Lanvin and Gucci, to Louis Vuitton and Chanel have had a boom time creating covetable bold costume jewellery, which they’ve splashed across ad campaigns and fashion shoots. But, with popularity comes a drawback.

These pieces are over-exposed and instantly recognisable. What’s more, they’re astronomically expensive (in the region of £900 for a necklace alone). Now it’s all about stealth wealth. Buying into the look but creating your own style.

Vintage pieces are timeless and created in an era when designs were meant to last beyond one season and co-ordinate with multiple outfits

Vintage jewellery is piping hot, be it rare costume pieces from yesteryear, or family heirlooms. It’s become the ultimate way to avoid fashion-snap at parties while also hanging on to, or buying into history.

‘Women tell me that they’re on a quest to find something unique – something customised or personalised – and vintage holds the solution,’ says Marigay McKee, fashion director at Harrods. Indeed, now more than ever, there is something a bit tasteless about flashing something that everyone knows cost a fortune.

Vintage is more subtle. And you won’t bump into anyone else wearing the same piece. ‘I really love the costume jewellery from the Eighties and Nineties, the really bold stuff by Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel,’ says Cameron Silver, owner of the hip LA vintage store Decades.

The shop counts Julia Roberts and Renee Zellweger among its fans, and has opened a concession at London’s Dover Street Market. He adds: ‘Vintage pieces are also often cheaper than the new designer costume pieces and it’s less disposable – more of an investment.’

Vintage pieces are timeless and created in an era when designs were meant to last beyond one season and coordinate with multiple outfits.

Source: Daily Mail