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 has returned to fashion - a choker.
What it is?
A choker is a necklace that tightly wraps around the neck. Although the name of the jewelry is far from poetics and romance (translated from English 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 women's accessories. In the styles of ethno or rock, they will be appropriate in the men's "suits".
Story
The origin of this decoration, however, like many others, belongs to the era of "BC." In ancient times, all accessories performed practical functions.
In Indian tribes, a peculiar necklace of bones and fangs of dead animals, wood and shells served to protect the open and vulnerable parts of the neck and the amulet from evil supernatural forces. In Asia and Africa, rings were put on girls and girls for artificially lengthening the neck, which was considered a sign of great 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 decorations, with the exception of religious symbols, were considered inappropriate.
With the advent of the Renaissance, the period of asceticism ended, and the rapid development of the jewelry art 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 aim of collecting more gold and silver in the treasury. The jewelers were forced to either flee France or start using imitating precious materials. Fantasy and mastery of the masters made the jewelry more light and elegant, but no less beautiful. So the greed of one ruler gave impetus to the development of a whole trend in jewelry production - bijoux.
In the XVIII century. In the era of the Enlightenment and Romanticism, the fashion for open shoulders and high hairstyles entered. The neck became the object of close attention of jewelers. Necklace, beads, necklace, cameo, medallion and pendant, as well as ribbon and velvet ribbon - this is where the modern choker came from.
In the future, periods of “fashion” and “non-fashion” replaced each other with neck bands. The previous rise of interest in them comes at the end of the 20th century, when subcultures of punk, rock and gothic appear among the youth.
Leather "collars", decorated with metal inserts, rings, spikes and chains, Gothic symbols, and tattoo chokers came into vogue with leather pants and jackets - "leather jackets", colored "hayer" and black lipstick.
In 2016 - 2017 Fashion houses show new collections of clothes, where necklaces 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, in appearance and color. They differ in the material from which they are made (fabric, leather, metal), they can be woven from beads and beads.The only thing that unites them is the tight girth of the neck.
From satin
A strip of satin ribbon in tone to the blouse, or skirt, or the main color of the print on the dress, suitable for summer clothes for everyday wear and for lightweight shoes (sandals or shoes - boats). Decorated with a small pendant - it will be a great addition to air outfits for more important events.
Velvet
Velvet strip may be narrow or wide. Velvet cloth with inset - crystal or, as a more expensive option, with a diamond is elegantly combined with evening dress made of dense material with open shoulders or a deep neckline.
As an exclusive decor can be considered a velvet decoration with an insert-tablet, which, thanks to the skill of the jeweler, turns it into a work of art. The option of wearing a thin velvet choker with a suspension of gold or silver metal in the shape of a heart, cross or moon is more democratic and is suitable for youth styles (Gothic or Tambler-style), perfectly combined with denim jackets, sundresses and overalls.
Fishnet
Light-colored lace chokers fit perfectly in the boho style. They can look like thin transparent ribbons for every day, or they can be massive braided necklaces for special occasions. And in this and in another case, feminine and elegant, they make the image of the boho-lady complete and complete.
Jewelery from black lace seems to be created for the Gothic style, and from white it is magnificent, symbolizing purity and innocence, the accessory of a wedding dress can be added with silver inserts or pearl pendants.
Pearl
Pearl necklace - the most versatile jewelry. It will fit almost any style of clothing, will look equally elegant with a casual dress, and with an evening dress. It can be safely worn with a light blouse, and with a knitted jacket. In a word, both at a picnic, and at a ball, and even at work, a short pearl necklace with one thread would be very appropriate. Perhaps this is one of the few chokers that does not contrast with the strict business style, but makes it softer by adding a touch of femininity and a drop of sexuality.
A necklace may consist of several vertical rows of pearls, outwardly resembling a stand-up collar. It perfectly hides the flaws, laxity of the skin and age folds in the neck. Many representatives of royal families, for example, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg Maria Theresa, prefer such jewelry with an insert in the form of a huge precious stone. They do not catch the eye of their pretentiousness, they look luxurious, but not defiant.
Leather
As already mentioned, leather or suede choker with spikes and needles, complemented by metal chains - 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 outrageous, but very interesting.
The combination of leather, wood and multi-colored beads in jewelry is typical for ethno and hippie styles. Such a choker is universal, it is suitable for both men and women. A bracelet made of the same material can complement the image.
Long and slender 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 into the original bow or dissolve on the chest, this will visually lengthen the neck. A short lace made of leather in one girth with ends connected by an insert - a ring or a metal strip will suit a round cut. In the male image will emphasize strength and strength, and in the female - fragility and elegance.
Of 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 will suit clothes of any style and color, and a heart-shaped pendant will add to the image of romance.
Gold fashion necklaces embracing the neck from the very chin are striking at the fashion collections. A scattering of diamonds turns these exclusive things into luxurious jewelry that can be equated to works of art.
Handmade
You can make chokers of rubber bands, beads and beads on your own. From the floss threads it is easy to weave a lace decoration. And from the fishing line and spandex yarns we get the original tattoo - chokers, so named because they resemble tattoos. Frivolite - choker made of yarn, not only decorate, but also warm. It can be decorated with crocheted 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 set of jewelry or assemble an original set, observing several conditions.
The stones in the earrings and pendant should be the same. Stud earrings and a gold bracelet are in harmony with the gold pendant or chain. It is important that the earrings are not bulky, and the bracelet stylistically complements the image, and does not contradict it.
Narrow chokers are beautifully combined 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 stripe 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 open fully, the neck must be open. Therefore, it is worth wearing it with tops, T-shirts, sundresses and outfits, opening part of the chest and clavicle or completely baring shoulders.
A round neckline is suitable for satin and lace ribbons and tattoo chokers intercepting the neck in the middle.
With a round neckline, a little wider than a neckline, and with a boat neckline, you can wear jewelery made from beads, beads, and pearls.
Chokers with an extended pendant on a chain, woven and leather laces fit the deep neckline and V-neckline.
With a jacket
Jewelry made of yarn, gold and silver chains, cloth strips look perfect with warm monophonic things. Be sure to consider the shape of the neck. Strongly chokers are not suitable for stand-up collars and collars.
With shirt
If the shirt is a classic, then the decoration should be in the form of a narrow strip or chain with no frills. Upper buttons must be undone. A shirt in a cage, worn over the top of a top or T-shirt, gives you tremendous freedom in choosing chokers. They can be with pendants, inserts, tattoos, gothic, rock. Fantasy is limited only by taste.
With jacket
In this case, it is worth refusing extreme, vintage and frankly teenage jewelry. It is recommended to stop the choice on stylish and elegant necklaces, chains of gold with a pendant or a medallion, designer chokers of fabric and leather.
Colors
Optional color jewelry on the neck should match the color of clothing. 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 colored tattoo chokers: purple, blue, pink and yellow. Such a rainbow combination will look both stylish and cheerful.
Red chokers came into vogue 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. He draws attention. Do not forget about it, choosing a decoration for a business suit, otherwise all the tasks of the boss will have to be taken on your shoulders. It is better to wear a red choker on corporate and drive crazy all colleagues of the opposite sex.
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 excesses.
Beige color refers to neutral tones, it does not distract attention from a person’s appearance. Therefore, the decoration of this color will highlight the dignity, but will not hide the flaws. Perhaps the only exception is a wide beige fabric choker in the form of a stand-up collar, which will be able to shade a face and make imperceptible neck imperfections.
Fashion trends 2019
Fashion industry is not only creativity, but also a business that obeys 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. Market research has determined that generation X is the most promising for fashion business, and generation Y, which readily accepts everything new and unusual, is the most promising.
The values of “X” (1963-1983) were formed during the USSR, during the period of stagnation, when nothing changed for decades. They are more conservative, in the choice are guided by the quality of the product and its status. It is for them that the “haute couture” clothes and handmade jewelry are created.
The convictions of the "players" (1984-2000 of birth) took shape in the era of economic restructuring, the rejection of socialist ideology. Therefore, changes, from their point of view, are natural and necessary. According to marketers, an important aspect for the "players" is the brand. They are designed for mass production of designer models. For them, determined the fashion trends of the season.
In the spring and summer of 2017, fashion trends are striped and checked clothing, shirt dresses, lace and translucent outfits, open shoulders, short bustier tops, deep cleavage, and, as an accessory, a wide variety of chokers. The extraordinary imagination of designers can turn even an ordinary necklace into a stylish memorable element of the image created by him, sexual, romantic or business.
Generation Y loves to dress up and their kids. Children's fashion follows the same direction as the adult: stripes, cells, bright prints, lace and ruffles. Fashion designers offer a safe jewelry for little princesses and chokers in the form of bright ribbons and fluffy shoes.
The company "Biplant" offers children's art sets "Chokers", consisting of a variety of multi-colored elastic parts. A little woman of fashion can assemble herself a piece of jewelry around her neck, a headband or a bracelet on a handle.
Manufacturers
Stradivarius
The Spanish company is considered one of the most democratic brands, produces and sells women's clothing and accessories. All together and immediately available in one store, which is very appealing to customers. It 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 colorful, with pendants and inserts, 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 style of this brand is a type-setting jewelry system, a combination of many different elements in one decoration. For example, many necklaces are a variety of pendants strung on a base in the form of a silver chain. Inexpensive leather chokers are often decorated with bead and glass pendants all assembled according to the same “designer” principle.
Zara
Another Spanish brand Zara develops and embodies the fashion trends of men's, women's 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 classic and youth fashion trends. For example, models that adorn the neck often look massive, have a rigid stiff frame, or unusual pendants in ethno style.
Diva
Australian company Diva jewelry is known for women of fashion on all five continents. Among the fans of this brand are such stars as popular singer Rihanna and actress and model Nicole Ricci. Chokers from gold and silver, from fabric and jewelry plastic with inserts and pendants of floral or marine themes are worn by respectable ladies, as well as very young beauties.
Sunlight
The company is formed 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 faceting, 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 Lady Collection stores do not just sell jewelry and accessories. Experienced stylists will help create a spectacular image, pick up jewelry in accordance with fashion trends and make a set.
Rainbow loom
Rainbow Loom is not related to jewelry. This toy is a loom that allows you to weave various ornaments on the neck and arms out of 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 chokers on celebrities that caused such a strong interest in these decorations.
- American singer, dancer and actress Jennifer Lopez in solemn occasions prefers gold necklaces with precious stones.
- Jewelry prefers and actress Salma Hayek.
- Popular among young people, the singer and beauty Britney Spears often wears simple, democratic chokers.
- Singer Rihanna, perhaps the most "choker" celebrity. In her collection there are many jewelry around the neck, from stylish jewelry to exclusive works of jewelry.
- The American model, the star of the reality show, the most famous Armenian Kim Kardashian also paid attention to 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, and former US First Lady Michelle Obama.