Fall Fashion Forecast 2010 -  By Mary Dessormeau

Fall fashion is a golden celebration!  This season, yellow gold is pivotal, from metallic clothing to jewelry design.  Luxury abounds.  Fabrics are sumptuous and decadent, a complete distinction from the frivolity of spring.  The fashion world is brimming with optimism.

Jewelry design echoes the emotions of the clothing designers.  Having just returned from my industry’s largest jewelry show, I was thrilled to see that luxury is back.  Designers are hopeful in their expressiveness.  I felt the collections were the most beautiful I have seen in the past three years.

Yellow gold jewelry has become the driving force.  The warmth of the metal combined with opaque stones such as moonstone and labradorite creates an “out of this world” effect.  These unique, dreamy stones were featured in almost every designer’s collection. It is the look of the season. 

Texture remains an important design element; brushed gold adds softness and femininity while high polished yellow gold remains a fixture.  Italian collections feature yellow gold mixed with colored metals in shades of black and chocolate.  It is the kind of look that makes your skin glow!

Blackened metal was everywhere.  Combined with both silver and gold, the metal is edgy and dramatic.  This technique adds a punch to gemstones.  Diamonds stand out against black metal, the perfect contrast.  Titanium made a big splash, set with precious stones and combined with precious metals.  Jewelers were also favoring leather, wood, and resin to create individual style.

Silver jewelry made waves on the collection floor.  Innovative designer Robert Lee Morris presented organic, sculpted silver pieces showcasing opaque stones in every color.  Many designers used silver in their collections for the first time.  This exemplifies the power of the metal in fashion and design. 

The gold rush is complimented by fantasy inspired gemstones.  In addition to the opulence of the opaque stones, cognac and yellow diamonds shone brightly.  They offer a brilliant and exotic alternative to classic white diamonds.  Big, expressive color was everywhere.  The cocktail ring is now a staple, in bright or opaque shades.  Color remains a personal choice, not something dictated by fashion.  Every shade had representation.

All collections highlighted earrings.  The focus remains long and dangling, to compliment the face.  Cuffs and bangles continue to be important, worn on bare skin or layered over fabric.  Necklaces are worn long and layered, with large pendants often as added focal points.  The styles are glamorous and elegant. 

According to JCK Magazine, “If fashionistas are suffering frugal fatigue, then the decadent embellishments from the fall runways will definitely knock them off the anti-indulgence wagon.”  I cannot wait to step into fall and celebrate fashion and design!