Stylin' your neck...

Next time when you are in a hurry to step out for a social do, just pull out the biggest necklace you have in your jewellery box, wear it around your neck or stick it on your forehead and you are good to go.

Luxurious, statement neckpieces are trending this season, say fashion gurus. Whether it’s a choker, or the traditional haslee, a strand of pearls, or temple jewellery, anything big and eye-catching is on the menu. Pair them with anything from a casual tee, jumpsuit or a nice dress; they go with everything.

“This season, necklaces are taking the centrestage in all shapes, styles and sizes. Whether you’re simplifying with one statement necklace, trying your hand at layering delicate chains, or stacking chunky styles, there’s a look for every occasion,” says designer Ritika Bhasin. Sumona Parekh of the label Sumona Couture says, “Chokers, statement necklaces and traditional haslees are going to be a big rage this season due to their versatility. The most exciting thing about this trend is to see people wearing necklaces in much more relaxed and informal way.”

Head over heels in love with powerful vintage necklaces called haars, Ritika finds maharani haars a must have this season to rock the glamorous look. Vintage-styled long neckpieces with a touch of modernity are the ones to go for, she suggests. “Since old is gold, it makes sense to include pieces that are reminiscent of the times of our grandparents.”

“Maharani haars are a class part,” adds Vinay Gupta of Shri Hari Diagems who designed jewellery for the Bollywood magnum opus, Bajirao Mastani. “The movie was all about grandeur and statement necklaces were a perfect match to the costumes. We apply the art of antique jewellery craft to design such ‘one of a kind’ auctionable pieces.” 

Popular choices

But it’s not only about antique pieces. For all those with a penchant for modern tastes, there are some contemporary designs too.

Akanksha Chowdhry, a jewellery couturier and CEO of Nayirah, vouches for stones and tassels in chunky frames. Colours like wine, sea green, coral and turquoise are sure to stick around. She says, “Spring/summer is the time for bright colours and beautiful drapes. I prefer teaming a chunky neckpiece with a solid colour georgette maxi or top. It’s chic and impressive at the same time.” 

As far as her collection goes, she says, “We are doing a dare diva look this season with bolder motifs and non-faceted natural stones like amethyst, turquoise rocks, green amethyst, crystal rocks, druzy and more. The idea is to go big in size of the jewellery but subtle in colours to achieve the balance. Pearl tassels will be a major part of this season.”

Sumona’s personal favourite are haslees and chokers as she finds them to be neat and versatile. Her collection is mainly of handcrafted haslees and chokers embellished with certified semi-precious stones. The collection also showcases the traditional Bengal design of nature and floral motifs.

While traditional chokers in real jewellery is a must for ethnic ensemble, you can’t go wrong with them with western attire as they add some chutzpah. Many necklaces and other statement pieces are now being flaunted by both national and international celebs in movies and ramps.

Don’t go by its name literally. In reality, you can sport a necklace on your forehead too. Sumona adds, “Hair accessories have made a major comeback this season with maang teekas and hair clips in great demand. Trendy designs in necklaces are being preferred to be worn as teekas as well.” “Most of the pieces I curate are reinvented from my clients’ old jewellery. Consequently, many pieces can be also uses as matha pattis and mang teekas,” says Ritika.

Akanksha emphasises, “It’s all about a play of colours on the clothes and big chunks on jewellery this season. Team up a statement neckpiece with summery shades like powder pink, sea green, lime yellow and the like. The idea is to highlight one, either the jewellery or the clothes. And since it’s the reign of statement jewellery this season, we suggest going subtle with the clothes!” 

Trends, however tempting, can’t be followed blindly. Fashion experts often warn against the overdose of bling. First, understand your personality. If your face is on the larger size, you can wear bigger pieces, which won’t overpower your face. If you have a long neck, chokers or haslees  best accentuate your neckline. The key lies in knowing your body well. The basic rule is bigger the size of the face, larger the neck adornment. Too big a size on a petite frame can be overwhelming.

So, go on and bring out all the big, chunky neckpieces out of your closet. It’s time to flaunt them in style.