Accessories are accessories because they complement the clothes,Winnie Gundeck of Winifred Grace tells us, which is why she always has fashion in mind as she creates the jewelry for her namesake brand. Her summer and fall 2010 collections were testimonies to her eye for both jewelry and fashion. To infuse the signature elegance of her designs with a vintage feel, the designer looked to incorporating distinct brass elements, mingling brass charms with rhinestones and Swarovski crystals. To match the vigor of the season, the summer collection was awash with yellow and blue rhinestones mixed with silver chains and more brass. The long, dangling charms on her sunburst necklace are designed to move with the body — as you sprint along the coast (or to the next shopping destination) this summer, the necklace will dance with the same joyful energy.
The energy becomes more subdued with the emergence of the metallics. But it is certainly a balance of toughness and softness, as the Swarovski crystals that accompanied the jewelry are sure to suggest; the result is a mix of conventional charm and individuality, of luxury and edge. While Winifred Grace’s chunky necklaces may hold the commanding presence of a stylish world leader, her subtler ones make the same statement when piled together, as the designer showed us herself. All it takes for the designer is a quick turn of the head, and swiftly Winnie grabs what looks like three randomly chosen necklaces and hangs them on her fingers. The result is more than what her name suggests – Grace, undoubtedly – but also versatility and what all fashionistas love: space for creative personalization.
– Justina Lee
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