Every girl dreams of becoming a princess, and every woman wants to look like a queen. In 2017, this desire is easy to translate into reality. The accessory of the Victorian period - the choker - returned to fashion.
What it is?
A choker is a necklace that fits tightly around the neck. Although the name of the jewelry is far from poetry and romance (translated from English it means “noose” or “strangler”), it looks very elegant.
A necklace on the neck, a bracelet on the hand and small earrings can make an ensemble, it is only important that they are made in the same style.
Chokers are not only a women's accessory. In ethnic or rock styles, they will be appropriate in men's "outfits."
History
The origin of this jewelry, however, like many others, dates back to the era of "BC". In ancient times, all accessories performed practical functions.
In the Indian tribes, a peculiar necklace of bones and fangs of dead animals, wood and shells served as a protection of open and vulnerable parts of the neck and an amulet against evil supernatural forces. In Asia and Africa, girls and girls wore rings for artificial lengthening of the neck, which was considered a sign of extraordinary beauty.
In the ancient world, slaves wore collars with a medallion, which indicated information about the owner. In the "dark" times of the Medieval Inquisition in Europe, any jewelry, except for religious symbols, was considered inappropriate.
With the onset of the Renaissance, the period of asceticism ended, and the rapid development of jewelry began. The first chokers appeared in the form of massive bulky gold jewelry, which testified to the wealth and nobility of their owners.
At the turn of the XVII-XVIII centuries. in France, King Louis XIV issued decrees “Against Luxury,” with the goal of collecting more gold and silver in the treasury. Jewelers were forced to either flee France or start using precious materials that imitate precious materials. Fantasy and mastery of the masters made jewelry easier and more elegant, but no less beautiful. So the greed of one ruler gave impetus to the development of a whole direction in jewelry production - jewelry.
In the XVIII century. in the era of Enlightenment and romanticism, fashion for open shoulders and high hairstyles entered. The neck has become the object of close attention of jewelers. Necklaces, beads, a necklace, a cameo, a medallion and a pendant, as well as a ribbon and velvet - this is where the modern choker came from.
In the future, periods of “fashion” and “not fashion” for neck dressings replaced each other. The previous rise in interest in them occurred at the end of the 20th century, when punk, rock and gothic subcultures appeared in the youth environment.
Leather "collars" decorated with metal inserts, rings, spikes and chains, Gothic symbols, as well as tattoo chokers came into fashion along with leather pants and jackets - "jackets", colored "haiers" and black lipstick.
In 2016 - 2017 fashion houses show new collections of clothes where neck accessories of various shapes and colors are presented as accessories. An unexpected solution is to combine a choker with a business style that was previously considered unacceptable.
Kinds
Chokers - the name of the jewelry is completely different in style, appearance and color. They differ in the material from which they are made (fabric, leather, metal), can be woven from beads and beads. The only thing that unites them is a tight girth of the neck.
From satin
A strip of satin ribbon in tone to a blouse, or skirt, or the main color of the print on the dress, is suitable for summer clothes for everyday wear and for light shoes (sandals or slippers - pumps). Decorated with a small pendant - will be a great addition to airy outfits for more important events.
Velvet
The velvet strip can be narrow or wide. A velvet with an insert - a crystal or, as a more expensive option, with a diamond is elegantly combined with an evening outfit made of dense material with open shoulders or a deep neckline.
As an exclusive decor, you can consider a velvet decoration with an insert-tablet, which, thanks to the skill of a jeweler, turns it into a work of art. The option of wearing a thin velvet choker with a pendant of gold or silver metal in the form of a heart, a cross or the moon is more democratic and suitable for youth styles (Gothic or tumblr style), it goes well with denim jackets, sundresses and jumpsuits.
Fishnet
Light-colored lace chokers fit perfectly into the boho style. They can look like thin transparent ribbons for every day, or they can be massive woven necklaces for special occasions. In both cases, feminine and graceful, they make the image of the Boho lady complete and complete.
Black lace jewelry seems to be created for the Gothic style, and white jewelry is magnificent, symbolizing purity and innocence, the accessory of the wedding dress can be supplemented with silver accents or pearl pendants.
Pearl
A pearl necklace is the most versatile jewelry. It will suit almost any style of clothing, it will look equally elegant with both a casual dress and an evening outfit. It can be safely worn with a light blouse and a knitted jacket. In a word, both at a picnic, and at a ball, and even at work, a short pearl necklace in one string will be very appropriate.Perhaps this is one of the few chokers that does not contrast with a strict business style, but makes it softer, adding a touch of femininity and a drop of sexuality.
The necklace can consist of several vertical rows of pearls, resembling a stand-up collar. It perfectly hides imperfections, sagging skin and age folds on the neck. Many representatives of the royal families, for example, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Maria Theresa, prefer such jewelry with an insert in the form of a huge gem. They are not striking in their pretentiousness, they look luxurious, but not defiant.
Leather
As already mentioned, a leather or suede choker with spikes and needles, complemented by metal chains is an attribute of punks and rockers. However, 2017 allows for a mixture of styles and allows you to wear a “studded collar” and military-style boots with light sundresses and tops. It looks shocking, but very interesting.
The combination of leather, wood and multi-colored beads in jewelry is typical for ethnic and hippie styles. Such a choker is universal, it is suitable for both men and women. A bracelet from the same material can complement the image.
A long and thin suede lace with metal tips wrapped around the neck looks beautiful with plain dresses and V-neck blouses. The ends of the lace can be tied in the original bow or loose on the chest, this will visually lengthen the neck. A short lace made of leather in one girth with the ends connected by an insert - a ring or a metal strap is suitable for a round neckline. In the male image it will emphasize strength and strength, and in the female one - fragility and grace.
From metal
Unisex metal chokers can be in the form of plates, thin rings and chains with large links. They will look great with leather jackets and jeans.
Narrow and wide short chains of gold and silver are suitable for clothes of any style and color, and a pendant in the shape of a heart will add to the image of romance.
At the shows of fashion collections, gold openwork necklaces striking the neck from the chin itself amaze with beauty and grace. A scattering of diamonds turns these exclusive items into luxurious jewelry that can be equated with works of art.
Handmade
You can make your own chokers from elastic bands, beads and beads. It is easy to weave an openwork ornament out of floss threads. And from the fishing line and spandex yarns we get the original tattoos - chokers, so named because they resemble tattoos. Tatting - a yarn choker, not only decorates, but also warms. It can be decorated with knitted flowers and worn with warm cardigans and pullovers in cool weather.
When creating an image, it is necessary to take into account that the choker is a self-sufficient decoration, and does not need additional accessories. Although you can purchase a ready-made jewelry set or assemble an original set, subject to several conditions.
The stones in the earrings and pendant should be the same. Earrings and cloves and a bracelet in gold harmonize with a gold pendant or chain. It is important that the earrings are not bulky, and the bracelet stylistically complement the image, and not contradict it.
Narrow chokers blend beautifully with long thin chains of gold or silver.
Double chokers look original, for example, a black thread tattoo and a short leather lace with a medallion or a narrow lace strip and a gold chain with a pendant. It is important that they do not overlap each other, otherwise it will look careless.
What to wear?
In order for the elegance and beauty of the choker with pendants and pendants to fully reveal, the neck must be open. Therefore, it should be worn with tops, T-shirts, sundresses and outfits that open part of the chest and clavicle or completely expose the shoulders.
A round neckline will fit satin and lace ribbons and tattoos - chokers that intercept the neck in the middle.
With a round neckline, slightly wider than the neckline, and with a boat neckline, bead, pearl and pearl jewelry can be worn.
Chokers with an elongated pendant on a chain, woven and leather laces will fit a deep neckline and a V-neck.
With sweater
Jewelry made of yarn, gold and silver chains, fabric strips look perfect with warm plain things. Be sure to consider the shape of the neck. Chokers categorically do not fit to stand-up collars and clamps.
With a shirt
If the shirt is classic, then the decoration should be in the form of a narrow strip or chain without frills. The top buttons must be unfastened. A checkered shirt worn over a top or T-shirt gives great freedom in choosing chokers. They can be with pendants, inserts, tattoos, gothic, rock. Fantasy is limited only by taste.
With a jacket
In this case, it is worth abandoning extreme, vintage and frankly teenage jewelry. It is recommended to opt for stylish and elegant necklaces, chains of gold with a pendant or medallion, designer chokers made of fabric and leather.
Colors
Optionally, the color of the jewelry on the neck must match the color of the clothes. Sometimes a contrasting combination is appropriate, for example, a black leather choker can be worn with a white silk blouse.
Young girls can safely wear several rows of color tattoos - chokers: purple, blue, pink and yellow. Such a rainbow-colored combination will look both stylish and cheerful.
Red chokers became fashionable after the French Revolution, as a symbol of the memory of those executed on the guillotine. Today, this color is a symbol of sexuality and aggression. It attracts attention. Do not forget about this when choosing a decoration for a business suit, otherwise all the boss's tasks will have to be shouldered. It is better to put on a red choker on a corporate party and drive all the colleagues of the opposite sex crazy.
The burgundy color is a symbol of solidity and confidence, it makes a favorable impression on people. Therefore, the decoration of burgundy color is permissible in a business style in the form of a narrow strap or fabric strip, without pendants and rhinestones, in a word, without frills.
Beige color refers to neutral tones, it does not distract attention from the appearance of a person. Therefore, jewelry of this color will emphasize the dignity, but will not hide the flaws. Perhaps the only exception is the wide beige fabric choker in the form of a stand-up collar, which can advantageously shade the face and make imperfections in the neck invisible.
Fashion Trends 2020
Fashion industry is not only creativity, but also business, subject to economic laws.
In any business, for success, it is necessary to identify the target audience. For this, many theories are used to explain consumer behavior. One of them is the theory of generations. Marketing research has determined that generation X is the most promising for the fashion business, as the most solvent, and generation Y, which easily perceives everything new and unusual.
The values of the "X" (born 1963-1983) were formed during the Soviet era, during the period of stagnation, when nothing changed for decades. They are more conservative, in the choice they are guided by the quality of the product and its status. It is for them that “haute couture” clothing models and handmade jewelry are created.
The convictions of the "gamers" (born in 1984–2000) were formed in the era of economic restructuring and the rejection of socialist ideology. Therefore, change, from their point of view, is natural and necessary. According to marketers, the brand is an important aspect for gambling. They are designed for mass production of designer models. For them, fashion trends of the season are determined.
In the spring and summer of 2017, fashion trends include striped and checked clothes, shirt dresses, lace and translucent dresses, open shoulders, short bustier tops, deep necklines, and, as an accessory, a wide variety of chokers.The extraordinary fantasy of designers can turn even an ordinary neck ornament into a stylish memorable element of the image created by him, sexual, romantic or business.
Generation Y loves to dress up her kids too. Children's fashion follows the same direction as the adult: a strip, a cage, bright prints, lace and ruffles. Fashion designers offer safe jewelry for little princesses and chokers in the form of bright ribbons and velvet.
The Biplant company offers children's art sets "Chokers", consisting of many multicolored elastic parts. A little fashionista herself can collect jewelry for her neck, a headband for her head or a bracelet for a handle.
Manufacturers
Stradivarius
The Spanish company is considered one of the most democratic brands, produces and sells women's clothing and accessories. All at once you can buy it in one store, which is very impressive to customers. Quickly responds to any changes in fashion trends and embodies them in exquisite design solutions. Fashion designers Stradivarius did not ignore jewelry, creating not expensive, but stylish velvet and leather, black and multi-colored, with pendants and inlays, chokers.
Pandora
The famous Danish company Pandora is engaged in the production of jewelry: from the emergence of ideas and design development, to market promotion. The corporate identity of this brand is a typeset jewelry system, a combination of many different elements in one jewelry. For example, many necklaces are many pendants strung on a base in the form of a silver chain. Inexpensive leather chokers are often decorated with pendants made of beads and glass, all assembled according to the same “designer" principle.
Zara
Another Spanish brand, Zara, designs and embodies fashion trends for men, women and children’s clothing, accessories and interior items. The principles of this company are “instant fashion” and democratic prices, and the style is a mixture of classics and youth fashion trends. For example, models that adorn the neck often look massive, have a rigid, stiff frame or unusual pendants in the ethnic style.
Diva
The jewelry of the Australian company Diva is known to fashionistas on all five continents. Among the fans of this brand are such stars as the popular singer Rihanna and actress and model Nicole Ricci. Chokers of gold and silver, of fabric and jewelry plastic with inserts and pendants of floral or marine themes are worn by both respectable ladies and very young beauties.
Sunlight
The company was founded in China and is engaged in the production of inexpensive jewelry made of precious stones and metals for the middle class. The chip of this brand is the use of very small diamonds (the so-called "diamond placer"), or stones with small defects, their few facets, and the use of gold alloys with impurities of copper, zinc or palladium. This technology does not affect the appearance of jewelry, but significantly reduces their cost.
Lady collection
The largest chain of stores Lady Collection does not just sell jewelry and accessories. Experienced stylists will help to create a spectacular look, choose jewelry in accordance with fashion trends and make up a kit.
Rainbow loom
Rainbow Loom has nothing to do with jewelry. This toy is a loom that allows you to weave various jewelry around your neck and arms from bright rainbow gum. Independent weaving causes delight in children, develops motor skills, creative thinking and brings a lot of positive emotions.
Stylish images from the stars
Famous people are always in the spotlight. They are loved, imitated. It was the celebrity chokers that sparked such intense interest in these jewelry.
- American singer, dancer and actress Jennifer Lopez in solemn occasions prefers gold necklaces with precious stones.
- Jewelry is also preferred by actress Salma Hayek.
- Popular among young people, singer and beauty Britney Spears often wears simple, democratic chokers.
- Singer Rihanna is perhaps the most "choker" celebrity. Her collection has a lot of jewelry around her neck, from stylish jewelry to exclusive pieces of jewelry.
- The American model, the star of the reality show, the most famous Armenian Kim Kardashian also did not ignore this accessory.
- But not only representatives of art and show business choose a choker, creating their image. It is also used by women politicians, for example, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former US First Lady Michelle Obama.