Paris Fashion Week Reflections - How to Make YOUR Designs Trendy and Timeless!

As Paris Fashion Week kicks off this week, it's the perfect time to reflect on the ever-evolving world of fashion and jewelry.

Let's explore how to incorporate the current enduring trends into your designs while maintaining your unique style. With 30 years of beading experience, we've seen jewelry trends cycle at least 2-3x, and we KNOW that the good ones always endure or come back!

What to Look for in Your Bead Collection:

1. Sustainable and Ethical Materials: As we consumers become more environmentally conscious, look for beads made from recycled materials or ethically sourced gemstones. These pieces not only look beautiful but also align with values of sustainability.  They make me feel good when I spend my money and then create with it!!
2. Shell Treasures: Incorporate a variety of shells—from tiny cowries to iridescent mother-of-pearl—to infuse your creations with natural beauty and a touch of beachy charm.
3. Pearls with a Twist: Classic pearls are getting modern makeovers. Incorporate baroque or uniquely shaped pearls into your designs for a fresh take that sustains timeless elegance, but not your grandma's pearls :)
4. Versatile Metals: Stock up on beads and findings in various metals—gold, silver, and especially rose gold. Rose gold's warm, pinkish hue complements many skin tones and adds a romantic touch to jewelry pieces.
5. Vintage Beads: Our collection includes beautiful vintage beads from Germany and the Czech Republic. These unique pieces will add character and history to your designs, and make me feel absolutely ONE OF A KIND!
6. Personalization Options: Consider personalized beads such as letter beads, birthstone crystals, or zodiac charms. These allow for creating deeply meaningful pieces because it's about you!
7. Paperclip Chain Components: Include elongated, oval links resembling paperclips in your collection. These can be used to create necklaces and bracelets with a minimalist yet edgy look.

What to Focus on Making This Year

1. Layered Necklaces: My absolute fave for decades: Create sets of necklaces in varying lengths that can be worn together. Mix delicate chains with chunkier beaded strands for an on-trend layered look. Incorporate paperclip chains for a modern twist.
2. Statement Earrings: Craft bold, oversized earrings using chunky beads or hoops. These can elevate any outfit with minimal effort. Consider using rose gold components for a trendy touch.
3. Body Jewelry: Expand your repertoire to include anklets, body chains, or waist beads. These pieces offer new ways for wearers to express their style and literally watch your waist!
4. Shell-Centric Designs: Showcase the natural beauty of shells by creating pieces that feature them as the star. Think shell pendants, shell-accented earrings, or delicate shell anklets perfect for beach days.
5. Minimalist Pieces: Create simple, elegant designs using paperclip-style chains or minimalist pendants. ONE CHAIN, ONE CHARM - boom. These versatile pieces work well for everyday wear and are perfect for layering.  I like it as the shortest necklace of the set.
6. Rose Gold Creations: Dedicate a portion of your designs to rose gold pieces. This warm metal tone can be used in various styles, from delicate everyday pieces to bold statement jewelry.  If you've never tried rose gold, let's start this year since it's cycled back again.
7. Vintage-Inspired Pieces: Incorporate vintage beads into modern designs for a unique blend of old and new. A single vintage focal bead can transform a simple design into something extraordinary.

Remember, trends provide inspiration, but YOUR personal style is what makes every adornment meaningful and supportive on our journeys! Start with a suggested trending element to kick it off, but remember to keep it aligned with YOU!

By focusing on quality materials, versatile designs, and personal meaning, you can create pieces that will be cherished long after a single trend cycle!

As we look to the future of fashion, let's celebrate the cyclical nature of trends and the opportunity it provides for continuous creativity and self-expression. Happy beading!