You Won't Believe Why Everyone Is Back Jewellery Is Taking Over Fashion; Here's Why
It’s important to know the backstory to understand the present and determine the future. Likewise, the back is no less important than the frontal view of a person in photographs. You could be the shutterbugs’ delight in a trice by displaying your back with full confidence and eye-arresting glamour. Further adorning the exposed back with exquisite ornaments is like adding a cherry on the cake. Whether you look back in anger or in passion against the backdrop of your sterling dangling jewellery on the back, the picture looks amazingly gorgeous. The frame appears simply magical!
Back is the new front
A back necklace or reverse necklace insinuates at ornate pieces draped down one’s shapely spine to accentuate those backless cholis, deep-necklined gowns or low-cut outfits.
But why are back necklaces creating a huge rage in fashion? Jewellery designer Kanchan Shah notes that “back necklaces create a unique and classy look redefining the conventional style of wearing jewellery.”
Ace jewellery designer and entrepreneur Leshna Shah also concurs: “From my perspective, the back jewellery trend represents the evolution of modern styling.” The founder and creative entity behind the fine jewellery brand Irasva further expands: “Fashion today is no longer viewed only from the front. It is about creating an impression from every angle — the décolletage to be specific or the top region of a woman's torso including the neck, shoulders, back and a part of the bust or the upper chest. A reverse necklace in this context introduces an element of surprise and sophistication while allowing women to express individuality in a subtle yet impactful manner. It transforms the back into a canvas for elegance and personal flair.”
Fashion designer and creative director Anjali Phougat comments that “fashion today is about making every angle of a garment memorable. Back accessories convert the back zone into a statement canvas, adding elegance, sensuality and drama. It creates movement, catches light beautifully and elevates even the simplest silhouette into something unforgettable. I love back charms and trinkets because the same celebrates poise, coolness and femininity while lending a couture touch that snaps the back beautifully from every side.”
Back beauties
A back should flaunt a particular kind of neckpieces or ornaments like intricate chains, long pendants, custom-made backdrop neck pieces, beads, metal jewellery, etc.
According to style experts, dainty layered necklaces, delicate body chains and drop stone necklaces feature in the must-have list because they underline the beauty of this concept.
“The choice depends on the outfit and the occasion,” reminds Phougat.
She suggests that delicate chains with a single pendant create timeless grace, while layered chains exude glamour. Pearl strands offer modishness, crystal drops bring red-carpet sparkle and handcrafted beads can unveil a bohemian or cultural trace.
“For couture and bridal wardrobes, I’m truly fond of statement spine chains, gemstone cascades and custom-designed specimens that complement the embroidery and craftsmanship of the garment,” she shares.
“I always recommend pieces that feel fluid and graceful,” intones Leshna. Delicate diamond chains, chic and classy drop pendants, pearls, gemstone tassels and layered strands work wonderfully well.
“The jewellery should follow the natural line of the spine, simulating motion and enhancing the ensemble rather than overpowering it,” she insists.
Cuts and shapes to have your back
Should only backless gowns and low-cut outfits accentuate back jewellery?
While backless gowns naturally align themselves with the trend, back jewellery is equally adaptable to deep V-back blouses, contemporary saree drapes, low-back lehengas, halter necklines and cowl-back silhouettes.
“It is less about revealing skin and more about creating a harmonious relationship between the garment and the jewellery,” opines Leshna.
“The goal isn’t necessarily about skin show,” echoes Shah. “Back jewellery performs remarkably whenever the back design of the outfit creates a focal point whether that’s a deep cut, sheer panel, keyhole opening or a low-back silhouette,” she argues with reason.
She instances a cape-styled lehenga or a draped skirt with keyhole-back top and a sleek back jewel to set an ideal example.
It’s true that backless gowns naturally showcase reverse jewellery. However, the same can also be beautifully styled and exhibited with saree
“The idea is to create visual interest and highlight the design of the clothing,” declares Phougat. A delicate spine chain can elevate a minimalist satin gown, while a pearl back necklace can lift a traditional saree blouse.
“Fashion is about creativity and back jewellery seamlessly matches up to many silhouettes beyond just backless numbers,” she holds.
Necklines
Outfits should bear certain necklines to emphasise back jewellery. High neck, boat neck, halter neck and closed round or polo neck are top attention grabbers.
Shade card
Jewellery enthusiasts are also curious about the colours that ornaments worn on the back should feature, especially when precious stones are involved.
Diamonds are girls’ best pals. So, jewellery aficionados think that this timeless and incredibly versatile mineral form should be a spontaneous choice for the ladies in matters of back jewellery.
Pearls with typical Indian polki
Red-carpet divas
Ornament designers pick their preferences when it comes to celebrities (both desi and foreign) who they think can sport this trendy back jewellery fashion on the red carpet with much panache. Back home, Deepika Padukone, Priaynka Chopra Jonas, Sonam Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan steal the limelight as red-carpet darlings with their flawless fashion sensibilities. Internationally, Zendaya, Cate Blanchett and Anya Taylor-Joy possess enviable charisma and that winning streak of individuality to make this trend shine with flying colours.
The Return of Charms: From Bags To Bracelets, Why Everyone Is Personalising Their StyleFACTOID