Deep, clear blue is an enthralling color – intense and at the same time refreshing. With oranges and peachy-pinks being so popular this season, there’s no wonder that the color complement to orange, blue, is also very much on fashion’s radar screen. Blue translate into accents on jewelry in a variety of gemstones, including sapphires and lapis lazuli, along with enameling, beads, woven fabrics and other materials. Blue also mixes well with all the metallic hues including not only yellow gold and white metals but also copper, gunmetal and rose gold.
The April 2011 issue of InStyle has a two-page spread devoted to the color cobalt blue, described as a “rich, sexy cousin of royal blue,” the spread inspired in part by Henri Matisse’s 1952 “Blue Nude IV.” The editors add: “Brighter than navy, deeper than royal blue, [cobalt blue] adds a splash to everything from Ts to silky dresses.” With regard to metallics InStyle reports: “Cool silver pairs well with blues like cobalt that have deep undertones,” picturing an embossed leather tote from Elie Tahari. The spread features a rhodium plate and quartz cuff from Soixante Neuf: “This gunmetal-crystal combination looks richer than plain pewter or shiny metal.” The spread also pictures a silver-plate, platinum-plate and resin necklace from Theodora & Callum.
The May 2011 issue of Marie Claire suggests, “Turn the tides on seafaring stripes with modern graphic prints and precious metals.” The only piece of jewelry featured on the page is a multi-color woven necklace from Orly Genger by Jaclyn Mayer. In the small picture upper left, the model wears a chunky collar from Robert Lee Morris and an eye-catching ring from Alexis Bittar; her dress is by Prada. The necklace shown bottom right is from Uncommon Matters; the ensemble is by Max Mara.
In a feature entitled “Moody Blues,” the April 2011 issue of Marie Claire states: “High-voltage azure accents add punch to classic extras.” The jewelry shown is a necklace from Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci, a set of Hermes cuff bracelets, a wide Swarovski ring, and a Marni cuff bracelet.
Blue features prominently in the “Fabulous at Every Age” feature in the May 2011 issue of Harper’s Bazaar. For 20-somethings, the magazine suggests stepping out in bright-blue hits, including a set of Dannijo necklaces and an Hermes wristwatch.
For 40-somethings, Harper’s Bazaar suggests: “Mix it up with daring azure and noir prints.” The jewelry shown is a pair of dangling earrings from Pippa Small and a cuff from Yves Saint Laurent.
In its May 2011 issue, Harper’s Bazaar also promotes “neo-navy”: “For a fresh take on prints, make your mark with vivid azure-and-white motifs.” The magazine adds this stylist’s tip: “Mix a pretty, crisp pattern with gold statement jewelry and classic accessories.” The jewelry shown includes an Eddie Borgo pendant necklace, a bracelet from Fallon, and drop earrings from Coralia Leets Design.
An ad for Lauren Ralph Lauren appearing in the May 2011 issue of Marie Claire, among other magazines, features a model in a vivid blue and white print dress accompanied by several necklace strands incorporating blue beads.
In describing the clear, deep blue, the editors of the April 2011 issue of Lucky look to the 1960 painting “Hommage a Tennessee Williams” by Yves Klein and the color of Yves Saint Laurent’s Moroccan villa (both pictured) and rave: “the shade manages to cram exotic, hip, artsy and pretty all into one eternally chic package.” Lucky likes the color used as eyeliner or nail polish. In large doses or small, this exciting hue leaves plenty of fans in its wake.
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