adminChipo Mapondera Lifestyle Correspondent
ACCESSORIES are like the gateway to drug to all of our high-fashion addictions. You love Prada but can’t afford their latest gown? The daisy sunglasses are just as chic. Is the latest version of Chanel tweed suit completely out of reach? Grab their hottest summer accessory, the quilted hoop bag. Of course even these pieces offer very little respite for your wallet, but cannot deny the incredible pull that accessories have to consumers of fashion. Local jewellery brand Ndau Collection was awarded Designer of the Year at this year’s Zimbabwe Fashion Awards. The brand’s Creative Director-Christie Brookstein describes the unique appeal of accessories saying: “Everyone loves a bit of bling. It makes a girl’s eyes sparkle.”
For brands and retailers, accessories are cash-cows that are worth all their leather. For example at British brand Stella McCartney, accessories count for approximately a quarter of all sales. If you think about it, why wouldn’t they? Accessories are the most universal of fashion items. We do not have to try them on and fit (or squeeze) into them, they do not care about the curve of our hips and you can never be too petite to make a tall order of bags, jewellery and eye-wear.
In short, where fashion can leave us feeling inadequate, the right accessory gives us status, bags of confidence, and with a fistful of rings and a stand-out-hat, they are our emotional armour.
Did I also mention that we actually need them? Ok maybe one can chill on the rocks and jewellery, but we would be completely overwhelmed without the safety net that is a handbag, and sunglasses are a must for protecting our eyes, even if we choose to do so in style!
Furthermore, the next time that your husband questions your latest shopping trip, remind him that refreshing your wardrobe with a bauble or 2 is much more reasonable than purchasing an entire new wardrobe every season.
This season the accessories adage is more, is more, is more! My sister, Peggy Mapondera, happens to be a distributor of Honey fashion accessories, and I always notice the eye-catching pieces that my Mum regularly dons from the collection.
This summer she suggests we go for “Classic jewellery with a bold feel. Go for gold and silver pieces, with a smattering of sparkling stones of all colours, for an opulent feeling.” Ndau Collection keep up with international catwalk trends and give them a twist.
On their inspiration this season Christie says: “We’re very influenced by the strong tribal notes seen on the catwalks, with a structured controlled feeling to our jewellery and muted fresh colours in our crocodile cuffs. Mixed metals is another strong trend we’ve been working with — brass and silver together.”
Although bags are shedding the OTT fringing and embellishment of past seasons do not mistake the new sleek look as lacklustre. Clutches are in, and are making a statement in futuristic perspex fabrications, and eye-popping colours. Sizeable totes and seemingly lady-like styles pack a punch with block colours and exotic prints to add an element of fun to your overall look.
If the eyes are the windows to our soul, then this season’s focus on eye-wear will allow you to fully express yourself. There is nothing demure about this summer’s perspective with oversized, playful and fiercely over-the-top styles that make a statement. I am particularly pleased that I can get the latest designer summer sunnies at Sunglass Express in Sam Levy’s Village. I have my eye on a Dolce &Gabbana floral pair or the Burberry metallic green frames.
One thing is certain, upcoming summer accessories are sure to add a heaped dose of glamour and playful fantasy to how we look this season.
Online Reporter