Cords of all sorts

Calling all the pieces of ribbon and twine you have in that drawer

The quality of casual is connected with something or someone being youthful, I speculate.

Closer to the beginning of life, we are yet to learn how things should be, the rules, the customs. In the process of learning, we start from one detail, and then another element, and little by little we weave the connections and understand how the whole picture should look.

The composition of a jewel is parallel to this thought: a jewelry piece whose visual interest is concentrated in one part has a more casual and young spirit, while the pieces whose design is more distributed along the structure, are more mature and formal. In any case, there is no better or worse, but one factor to keep in mind when balancing how we dress and how we would like to be perceived.

Today's content started after I tried on 'Le Sein', a gold and diamond pendant by César Baldaccini, which was presented with a suede cord tied with a knot. The contrast was marvelous. Its kind of casualness gives way to unclenching—there's something honest about it.

Then I started to notice it everywhere. Perhaps there is a growing trend for pendants on cords that you should consider. Not because it's a trend necessarily, but because this is very much a smart (and attractive) trick. Cords are cool and they are for you.

Please allow me to present my defense:

Affordable

It fits well for the moment we live: a desire for a glamorous something, to dress to go out, to see and be seen on the street; At the same time, there is so much uncertainty and inequality that it would be tough to bring wealth pomp into the package. The cord does the job of the gold chain without the price or fanfare and leaves room for the large pendant to shine. It allows for bold and chic, yet affordable.

Versatile

From the office to the intimacy of home; the cord moves the pendant from a choker, then later goes to the navel, and sometimes goes to the wrist. Being able to use the same piece in several ways is one of the best characteristics that jewelry can have. But achieving this in an efficient and beautiful way is not so easy, but an easy cord can do all jobs.

Comfortable

The pendants I'm seeing are larger and heavier—so cords of fabric, silk, or leather would definitely be a strong fit. And one can be creative; If you like, you can wear a brooch, earring, or ring as a pendant without worrying about breaking or tangling (as a chain would) or scratching your neck.

Sexy

The contrast of materials creates a beautiful highlight for the pendant. Drawing another parallel: if you connect that the image building of elegance comes from the ability to intentionally elect each item being worn, highlighting a pendant sets that tone. 

You will be guiding someone's eyes.

It's particularly cool when the cord is the same color as the clothes or skin, making the pendant fluctuate. The contrary is also interesting when the color is exactly opposite or more colorful than the fabric underneath, and we can clearly see the composition shape.

In short, it's sexy when it looks intentional, and it happens when we go closer to extremes: either greater contrast or greater proximity of color and form.

Ok now let's move to the reference board!!!

Starting with the recent launch of Prada, which inaugurated its fine jewelry line with a collection full of velvety ribbons and colossal pendants.

Now, one of the most elegant creations of Sophie Buhai. This is an example of how big size doesn't necessarily mean excess. This necklace composition is delicate.

Matilda Djerf's success is very much legitimate: she is outstandingly skilled at creating beauty with spontaneity. In this case, the vintage-looking pendant tied on a string closed in a bow is instilled with je ne sais quoi.

The pendant doesn't have to be metal, but an antique bead, a travel souvenir, or a simple and comfortable stone—as in the case of Bagatiba's recent collection.

You can use a cord or several. Or even make the pendant hook with a cord too. Credits to the beautiful and powerful necklace of Monies.

By bringing the string closer to the color where the necklace touches (clothes or skin), the pendant becomes more part of the body itself. A colorful necklace like only Bea Bongiasca could do.

The thicker strings attached close to the throat can more comfortably support small sculptures. It's a rare and therefore beautiful type of necklace. It follows the gentle movements of the body. Necklace by the artist and jeweler Nathalie Edenburg.

The high position on the neck is delicate, almost like a Cinderella necklace, and contrasts with the naked human form. The nude gains visual impact even more. Necklace by Paola Vilas.

What if the cord is a silk scarf, and the pendant is a brooch? How beautiful is the idea introduced by Arqvo.

Texture, volume, and a ring pendant—by Jil Sander.

Cords with initials presented by Celine (Paris, AW17) were so loved by the fashion crowd. Here's Leandra Medine on a similar note, rocking a cord chosen from among her daughters' toys.

That's all I got for you at the moment. I hope you're thinking about the random scraps you've been hoarding over the years—those that were too pretty to throw away. Maybe we finally found a good use for it.

Thank you for reading, enjoy the holidays ♥️

Signing off, with love,

Ísis