Filigree is a classic design
element that has recently
been revived in the fashion
jewelry scene, taking a prominent
seat in many designers' winter
and spring collections including
Argento Vivo and Kendra Scott.
Gold, which was the foundation
of many fall jewelry lines,
has remained popular within
this trend. Virtually all
of the filigree designs I
have seen have been made from
vermeil or gold-plated brass
filigree.
There are two reasons why
I think we're seeing filigree
return right now:
1. Filigree lends itself
to the bohemian-chic look
that is commonly popular in
spring fashion. Designers
are getting ready and making
the shift from the reserved,
sultry looks of fall and winter
and back into the lighter
designs of spring and summer.
2. One of the major trends
for 2006 fashion will be a
"return to innocence"
of sorts, as our country experiences
a sense of nostalgia for less
complicated times. Filigree
has a very romantic, timeless
look that appeals to this
collective longing.
Whatever the reason, I'm
glad to see it return in popularity.
I love to design romantic,
timeless jewelry, and filigree
absolutely fits the bill.
I expect to see it combined
with wood, shell and other
natural materials in the spring
collections of many designers.
Georgia Hadley is a jewelry
designer, writer, and small
business owner who lives in
rural Vermont. In addition
to her own business, Adorneya
Jewelry (http://www.adorneya.com),
she is also a founding editor
of Craft Revolution (http://www.craftrevolution.com),
a website dedicated to promoting
mainstream awareness of independent
designers and their products
as desirable alternatives
to big-box stores. |
