Crazy in lobe
In the world of earrings, bigger and bolder is definitely better, says Zoe Strimpel
Times are changing; we’re not quite the over-mortgaging, champagne slugging society we once were. And, odd as it may sound, earrings are as good a sign of the times as any. New figures from John Lewis show sales of jewellery are up 85 per cent on last year.
For a woman who wants to add a splash of glamour to her appearance, but who has found that a new pair of Manolos or a vintage Pucci dress is a little too extravagant, fancy new earrings are an option.
Valerie Scott, co-founder of Icon, the company that owns new online store The Earring Boutique, says: “Earrings make your clothes a lot more versatile and with the retail climate as it is you might be wearing the same dress a few times. Putting on a fantastic pair of earrings adds energy and life to an outfit.”
“Jewellery makes you feel special without having to cost the earth,” she adds.
So, what sort of earrings should you opt for?
“You’ve got to be up for glamour,” says Scott. “The current trend for earrings is not about being a wallflower, it’s got to be a bit bold.”
This translates to big pieces that border on the garish and yet stay firmly within the bounds of femininity. Claire Peachey, jewellery buyer at John Lewis, says: “It’s all about really big earrings, much bigger than they were. Costume jewellery is really on trend.”
Chandeliers and big shapes in strong colours are the thing. The Earring Boutique collection, made with Swarovski crystals, has several versions, from faux diamond-drapery affairs to turquoise cascades. Elsewhere are clusters of black stone fanning out from the ear and gem rimmed drops of bight orange. Ashley Wells, the collection’s designer, says these vintage designs were inspired by styles seen on the streets of Milan, New York and Paris. “We’ve also been seeing them on Beyoncé and Kate Moss,” she adds.