Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Bling it on for our men!

Who ever said that jewelry was restricted to women!

Take a look around – our celebs are sporting the finest jewellery and setting trends which are making ways in the metrosexual man’s wardrobe. From day spas to diamonds, it’s all about getting in touch with the feminine side, and feeling at ease and confident enough to complement a watch with a bracelet, necklace, or an earring.


Ever since the bling bang, a “why not?” kind of attitude has prevailed. All kinds of men — from the designers Gabbana and Dolce to the tennis player Marat Safin — feel comfortable flaunting jewelry. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' is always at the forefront of setting the hottest new trends, whether it's in the form of diamond stud earrings or diamond encrusted watches, men want to replicate that designer inspired look. Movie stars, musicians and sports figures have helped guys grow more at ease with jewelry. Soccer phenomenon David Beckham sports everything from crosses to earrings. Actor Wilmer Valderrama has been spotted wearing chunky gold rings, while hip-hop artists like Kanye West shine in diamonds.



With the rise of metro sexual chic, and the fact that jewellery designs today are more macho, jewellery is another section that our men are reaching out to. With trying to spiff up their looks by frequenting spas, they are, also heading out on a shopping spree in the jewellery section…and this time, they are shopping for themselves!



Earrings, bracelets, diamond encrusted watches, cross pendants – its all there and there’s many more to come. Everyone is talking about men’s jewellery and today, it’s become a fashion that is more popular than ever before.


The bling trend

While the metro sexual influence may have more men interested in spending more time and money on their appearance and lifestyle, there is also a strong tug from film and sport celebrities.


Distinctive detailing, earthy materials, meaningful or symbolic attributes and above all, something manly is what the men’s bling is all about.


New designs are being produced every day. I would have to say the most popular piece of jewelry is the men’s bracelets. Designs such as titanium and gold bracelet make a statement because it is such a unique design and also has plenty of 18k gold in it. Cross pendants are making a strong comeback – men want to show their spirituality and want to look good doing so. The cross pendant is something that has been around for many years and now designs are much more stylish and unique.


The old and the new are merging! GIA design experts say masculine pieces are being paired with a fresh, feminine twist, and designers are taking advantage of the growing trend of genderless fashions. Soft and lustrous Tahitian pearls – a tradition in women’s pieces – are being incorporated with leather for a sensuous male touch.


And, men don’t have to be professional athletes or rock stars to wear earrings these days.

Handcrafted designer pieces in silver or platinum can create an elegant blend of contemporary masculinity. A diamond stud is perfect for a night out on the town.


Cufflinks are in


With dressier styles back, cufflinks are all the rage! Men look for simple, less-is-more design.

Men are using accessories and jewellery as a finishing touch to complete their look – a beautiful tie with a gold tie pin, a French cuff shirt with gold cuff links, set off with diamonds or colored stones.



Diamonds on your belts!


With the rebirth of loose-fit jeans on the scene it is inevitable for the belts to make a comeback. The belts are bigger and chunkier and the belt buckle, they sure are studded to catch an eye or two.



Watches


It’s raining diamonds on the watches! And, a Gucci or a Tag Heur with the dash of bling is making its way into the boardroom meetings. From the norm of just keeping pace with time, the watches are making a fashion statement and it complements the flirtier men’s look that we are seeing for this season.