Swarovski New Spring/Summer 2017 Trends and Innovations:

THE BALANCE OF NATURE

Our near total immersion in technology can create a disconnect between us and our natural environment.

"A growing body of research indicates that being detached from nature can actually jeopardize our happiness, weaken our immune system, and undermine our creativity and ability to focus." (20/20 Consumer Vision, 2017).

In an effort to remain healthy, vibrant and in-tune with our natural surroundings, a new focus on the earth, and getting back to nature has arisen.

During this process, we examine how we can reconnect with our inner selves by focusing on the eternal elements: Air, Earth, Water, and Fire – the basis of everything we need to exist.

Today I am focusing on color, style and  jewelry trends within the

ROMANTIC Trend: Earth

(all photos are courtesy of Swarovski)

 Swarovski Crystal New Innovations and Trends Spring/Summer 2017

Swarovski's new Spring/Summer 2017 Innovative color Graphite is a gorgeous dark hue exuding a few different colors in one. It is a dark and strong bluish gray-black tone with shadowy characteristics. The black is not as sold dark as Jet is. It is similar to Crystal Silver Night (without the hints of clear Crystal) combined with hints of deep grayish blue hues, similar to Morion.

The charcoal shadows, blending with the deep blue tones, speaks to this desired trend to be both mysteriously glamorous yet calmly classic. It's both elegant and understated, with a strong unisex and universal color message.

The Swarovski shade Graphite is a perfectly on-trend color where people are increasingly drawn towards dark, neutral hues that evoke a sense of tranquility.

New Swarovski Crystal 5728 Scarab Beads 

It's always exciting to see what new innovations Swarovski has come up with and the Crystal Scarab Bead is certainly a gorgeous representation of a classic emblem used throughout time. Harking back from ancient Egypt, the Scarab Beetle represents the heavenly cycle of rebirth and regeneration, ultimately symbolizing  eternity itself.

A creature of the earth and a "messenger" for the connection between man and nature, the scarab is a strong symbol of the natural life cycle. Swarovski is meticulous with their faceting structures and the Scarab Beads' head and wings represents their attention to flawless details perfectly.

 Swarovski Crystal 2798 Contour Flatback

The Spring/Summer 2017 Swarovski Crystal Innovations are gorgeous and the new Crystal Contour Rhinestone Flatback is a unique, organic and sophisticated type of style, with its asymmetrical facets and table top, is formed in a shape that is slightly reminiscent of natural rock or a foot print. It gives the impression of a natural discovery that has been molded by wind or water over the centuries.

Given the current turmoil in the world, there is a rising demand for designs that reflect the raw, natural, and unspoiled beauty of the planet. A beauty without rules, one that continues to grow and change over time due to the influence of natural elements. The Contour Crystal Flatback shape is that kind of beauty and will enhance our projects by infusing a natural type of element into your designs.

Swarovski Crystal Product Inspiration

Swarovski Crystal shapes that are highlighted within the Romantic (Earth) Trend are highly influenced by the natural environment, with an organic feel. Any round styles will be popular in this trend, as circles are found repeatedly throughout nature both physically and can also be thought of symbolically as the circle of life. Specific fashionable styles include the Swarovski Crystal 5000 Round Beads, the Swarovski Crystal 1088 Xirius Round Stones (very popular with placing them into settings and making Sabika-like jewelry) the 85001 Crystal BeCharmed Pave Thread Ring Beads (which are very versatile, they can be worn as a ring or used to make jewelry with the option of 1 or 2 holes).

Many other picturesque shapes, organic in nature include the wholesale Swarovski Crystal 3288 Xirius Sew On Stone, the Swarovski 4706 Trilliant Fancy Stone, the Swarovski Crystal 4568 Cussion Fancy Stone, or the all time favorite wholesale Swarovski Crystal 4470 Cushion Fancy Stone.

The new Swarovski Crystal 2304 Raindrop Flatback is an exquisitely elegant interpretation of  rain, drawing us closer to the graceful aspects of this life-giving element - water. The 2300 Crystal Pearshape Flatback is a smaller version of a raindrop, complimenting each other beautifully.

Swarovski Crystal Color Combinations and Inspiration within the Romantic Earth Trend

As you can imagine, within the Earth Trend, the Swarovski Crystal color inspirations are comprised of organic tones that could be found in nature. Beginning with light to deep browns and topaz hues, moving into a range of beautiful deep to light blue tones, round out this connection to the natural environment.

Elegant Swarovski Crystal brown hues include; Crystal Golden Shadow (this coating is one of the most popular colors Swarovski has ever made, some people refer to it as a champagne color and is gorgeous for everyday wear and especially popular in wedding jewelry and for special occasions) Light Colorado Topaz, Crystal Bronze Shade, Topaz (a gorgeous amber tone), Crystal Copper,  Light Smoked Topaz and one of the darkest brown tones, Smoked Topaz. Smokey Quartz is an alluring brownish, grayish mixture which is a fantastic in-between color when mixing brown to gray or black colors.

Black and blue color tones are have consistently been very popular in the fashion and jewelry world. They are long-lasting, staple tones that seam to go with just about anything. Moving from the deepest to lightest, solid Jet black is always captivating and if you like to add a touch of fancy sparkle, the Jet Hematite enhances the bead with one side coated in a silver metallic shimmer. Crystal Silver Night is a sophisticated two-toned coating with a flawless blend of darker and lighter grayish tones. Graphite is a deep charcoal with hints of deep blue. Moving into the blue tones, Montana is a deep grayish-blue mixture, Denim Blue is an understated, medium blue that has been very popular, especially with the denim fashion craze. Crystal Blue Shade is a pale bluish crystal combination that is much more soft than what you see in the photo.

Jewelry and Fashion Inspiration for Swarovski's Romantic Earth Trend

Swarovski Crystal Jewelry Inspiration for Spring/Summer 2016-2017 Designs

Suspended circles with delicate crystal pave settings, such as the Swarovski Pave Thread Ring Beads, reinterpret traditional jewelry styles and reflect the need for continuity and new beginnings.

Working with natural materials remains a core focus for designers, combining metals and pearls to produce modern tactile pieces. Combining natural stones, and even fossils with Swarovski Crystals will be trending.

Customizable Swarovski Crystal Graphic Fabric  (please contact me for details) can be incorporated into lockets, representing our continued interest in unique pieces and personalized designs.

Swarovski Crystal Flat Backs and Rhinestones bring an update to traditional motifs and lends a sense of modern  romanticism to boho-inspired designs.

Spring/Summer Fashion Inspiration

As a counterpoint to mass produced jewelry and fashion and accessories, the "slow fashion movement" is gaining in popularity around the world. This is the idea of creating unique, individualized pieces of jewelry and fashion that speaks directly to your personally, even handmade for you specifically, that have a long-lasting quality, is particularly attractive to people. People are increasingly willing to pay more for higher quality accessories and wait longer for them to be produced because they understand the value of supporting local or handmade designers. 

This Earth trend embraces a getting back to your roots kind of vibe. Patterning, ethnic patterns and layering are popular. Using natural materials, such as denim is very fashionable, along with incorporating beads within or sewing onto fabric. Accessories will become multi-functional. Flat soled shoes continue to grow in popularity, representing a desire to return to nature.

Traditional elegance and subtlety mark our approach to the use of patterns. In order to appeal to modern globetrotters, ethnic styles are given a modern contemporary twist, favoring streamlined and classic shapes.

"Handcrafts such as weaving will become the spearhead of creative recycling" (Promostyl, SS17). The reappearance of handcrafting techniques - wrapping, coiling, weaving, and macrame' are combined with crystal components to symbolize our need for integration and awareness.

I hope you enjoy the color and style details within the Romantic Earth trend. Fashion and jewelry trends are always evolving and this trend highlights the innate connection we have with our environment and the collective desire we all have to be closer to Mother Nature.

Thank you! Keep smiling & keep shining!

Harmony and Wonder Girl, Kashi