Adapting to the changing silver market, and predictions for its future

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INDUSTRy
Now
trending…
Syreeta Tranfield, event manager for
IJL, catches up with Stylesight’s Sandrine
Maggiani and Claire Foster as they prepare
for their forthcoming trends seminar
Sandrine Maggiani
Claire Foster
Inspiration is key to good business – when jewellery retailers and
designers feel inspired, they are at their best. Gaining an insight into
the latest trends, whether they are retailing trends or design trends, is
an excellent way to feel inspired. This is the reason we provide specialist
trend forecasting at International Jewellery London (IJL).
Leading international agency Stylesight is presenting a trends seminar
this year. I interviewed speakers Sandrine Maggiani, European trend
director, and Claire Foster, accessories editor, ahead of the show.
What will you present at IJL?
Sandrine: Stylesight will present A/W 12 Megatrends + Jewellery, offering
an in-depth look at the overarching trends influencing design for the
A/W 2012 season, with a focus on the subsequent design directives for the
jewellery and accessories market. The four trends presented will be Raw
Energy, Sensing Matter, Wild Craft and Digital Dimension.
Lots of retailers come to IJL to source products for the Christmas period.
What will be the hot trends for Christmas in terms of jewellery design?
Claire: For Christmas, we will see a return to simple constructions and
a celebration of standout gemstones. Geometric, modernist themes
intercept settings and design details. Clusters of mixed colours and
materials evolve the classic holiday season showpieces to create a
contemporary aesthetic. Layered stones and fresh placement update
cocktail rings and statement neckpieces.
Please could you give us an insight into some of the jewellery trends we can
expect to see in 2012?
Claire: A focus on natural elements brings a new attitude to raw minerals,
with marble and wood being used to reflect wild craft and raw energy
themes. Natural leather and warm toned metals are also emerging as
important materials for jewellery designs, confirming the shift to noble,
honest concepts that relate to the human sensibility. Colour palettes for
decorative flourishes and foundation materials take reference from the
great outdoors, celebrating the unique tones found in nature.
An introspective viewpoint also evokes a new theme centered around the
human body, with anatomical keynotes inspiring new jewellery structures.
Cells, bones and blood inspire and evolve previous animalistic themes to
set a more graphic look. Laser cut or intricately
constructed cuffs, collars and rings are a
directional adaptation of some of these key items.
Cosmetic tones ground this look, which also
features highlights of deep reds, and fiery hues.
Speaking to a truly futuristic theme, digital
design contributes to the new fluidity and rapid
prototyping silhouette direction. Innovative
materials, such as matte finish metals, plastics
and ceramics, are key. This new feminine
aesthetic can be applied to statement jewellery
pieces from neckpieces to structured bangles.
Why is an understanding of the trends so important
to both manufacturers and retail jewellers?
Claire: Understanding and developing the
trends for your customer is an essential part of
the process these days, as a huge majority of
consumers are increasingly fashion and trend
savvy and so know what seems new, and what
they have already bought into. Globalisation
and the access to unlimited references online
mean that the fresh take on seasonal trends is
key for designers to stay ahead and make wise
choices about materials, colour and design.
Are there basic rules to interpreting a trend?
Claire: It is always essential to understand your
customer. This means the difference between
a think tank directional concept and the
outcome of that concept becoming a wearable
and desirable piece of jewellery. Apply your
customer needs and spending habits to develop
the trend in a way tailored to the market, with
consideration to your costings and resources.
At Stylesight we look for trends emerging in
a number of diverse places – from the street,
to the runway, to the vintage markets in France
– so an overview of factors often results in us
recognising that something is happening and
being reported on across a number of countries,
market levels and mediums, confirming initial
trend directions.
The Stylesight presentation is taking place at IJL on
4 September at 1:45pm in the new Inspiration Theatre,
and is free for visitors to attend.