Good to Have You Back
Let’s Start a Trend. And this is a really good one.
It’s as obvious as the goal of every Beyoncé video. The clothes presented during both recent Fashion Week runway collections, as well as the multiple red carpets we are bombarded with during the current award season, were designed for high impact- ‘OMG-hey-look-at-me!’ status.
It’s probably a seismic reaction to being cooped up in for so long in way too comfy sweat clothes and onesies, but the parade of voluminous, figure-altering caftans, plunging neck and backless gowns in fabrics too sheer to be viewed by minors, eerily crafted faux wild animal heads jutting out from the bodices of a silk crepe gown, and strategic cutouts showing up all around the body like strategic missing puzzle pieces, inarguably succeeds in getting heads to turn. But too often, that head turn is followed by the need to scratch it in bewilderment.
Is outrageousness the only way to get someone’s attention, especially since the attention it generates is less about you and more about your choice? Do you get off on being upstaged by your clothes?
Looking at designer Naeem Khan’s most recent collections, I was struck by how his clothes confirmed his claim, “I don’t follow trends. But I know a woman’s body.” His runway is devoid of tricks and gimmicks but replete with graceful seduction. The mantra Khan should have blinking in neon over his runway might read “classic Hollywood glamour.” His models look magnificent, as they do in Gabriel & Co.’s Designer Spotlight on Khan (that you can view by visiting (TK) on this website.).
In fact, the style on display in our photo shoot is so dynamic and riveting that I propose we start a trend based on this designer who doesn’t follow them. How about we all get excited to get dressed to reactivate the word ‘Elegance.’
One of the coolest features of ‘elegance’ as a trend is that it never ever goes out of style. It may not get the press it deserves, if only because boundary-pushing, and overreaching is sure to get more social media. But unless you a building a brand online, which would you prefer: getting ‘likes’ from strangers you won’t ever meet; or dazzling those you love and hold close as well as that face looking back at you from your full-length mirror by always showing up as if you have The Oscar for Best Actress in the bag.
We are delighted that Gabriel & Co. has such a deep and bountiful inventory that we have bangles and drop earrings that look smashing even when you are in sweat clothes. But it’s so much more satisfying and revitalizing to revel in seeing how all the new pieces we have introduced, from diamond-edged huggies and gold and diamond link bracelets to sapphire and diamond framed pendants, harmoniously enhance Naeem Khan’s urbane sophistication.
Elegance is mood-elevating, posture-correcting, and confidence-building. It has no downside. It works perfectly in every season, and it’s appropriate for any and every occasion. Oddly enough, regardless of how wild, wayward, or conservative your taste is, elegance boasts nearly universal criteria and acknowledgment. And the best part about it? When you opt for elegance, and your dress, hair, makeup, and, of course, jewelry are in proper balance, what people notice most is not your gown, lip gloss, or even, though we hate to admit it, your diamond drop earrings. What people notice most is you.
What could be better than that? Sure, beats being upstaged by a fake lion head.
