Belle of the ball

Written by Dana Karlson
12.11.2009

Lucy Hutchings’ spherical jewellery is on the menu today. Hutchings’ designs caused quite a stir at an accessories press day at Liberty this summer, and I’ve been turning them over in my head ever since.  Fast-forward to the exhibition halls at London Fashion Week this September, where the designer displayed her wares for all to accessorize.  And accessorize we did.  Surprisingly, these shiny globes are very light,  so layer away–from your ears, to your neck to your fingers.

There’s an interesting dichotomy going on in Hutchings’ jewellery lab, between bold statement pieces and delicate sophisticated jewellery. Dangling black pearl, crystal or rose quartz are caged in tiny chains whilst the prettiest jewels are dressed in iridescent peacock feathers, wrapped like lace around the ball.

Hutchings’ fourth collection is said to blend the beauty of a geisha with the spirit of a samurai–elegant and fierce–which the designer has captured quite literally, introducing architectural plating and black tassels.  Though the designs certainly feel very futuristic, they too evoke the regal collars of Ancient Egypt.  You can easily picture Nefertiti in the angular pyramid necklace and over-sized cuffs below.  This is certainly a collection to watch.