Continuing my current obsession with sewn jewelry, I thought I would share some of the latest entrants to the field.
This Lanvin bracelet, while it does have some hardware, is a nice combo of pearls, ribbon, and some rhinestone brooches.
I have my needlenose pliers, and it’s not hard to find jumprings and clasps at the local bead store.
I think deconstructing thrift store costume jewelry could yield some useful elements.
The scale of this Lanvin piece is quite wonderful.
I love the double row of pearls on a mesh covered double-face silk satin ribbon here – Notice the crystal bead sewn in every now and then. It’s very subtle with the two different sizes of pearls.
Here’s another of the felt plastron styles from Marni. While the elements used here are more ‘real jewelry’, I can see doing something in this vein with beads, sew thru stones, crystals, or buttons.
Again, the scale of this is interesting.
Not for the shy or faint of heart!
This one from Marni is a more eclectic mix of elements. Here you can see that the black ribbon ties are inserted into big grommet holes, and then just knotted.
Again, the big statement. These felt plastron style necklaces may keep your chest warm under your coat this winter, nestled in at the neck to protect you from the wind blowing in off the lake. Or the Hudson if you are in NYC. I was never so cold as waiting for the bus on 42nd St. with the wind whipping across town.
One final piece, from Phillip Lim, rather interesting in that the fabric is pleated.
I can’t really say what is going on, but it looks like the pleats are stitched to the chain. The chiffon bow is a nice touch.
I just uncovered a trove of my old costume jewelry (gulp! it’s vintage now) that I can use to cannibalize for chains, pendants, and clasps. Good for Christmas (coming all too soon). I may never have to buy a thing for the ladies on my list.