Elegance: Black Cuff Bracelets and Bangles

YIKES! Studio: Black bangles and black starfish cuff

Black is the color of elegance, considered to never go out of style, to go with everything. Fashion designers have always had a great deal to say about black. Italian designer Gianni Versace said, "Black is the quintessence of simplicity and elegance." Dior defined black as the essence of elegance, a quality which he said was a "combination of distinction, naturalness, care and simplicity."

Black has enjoyed multiple periods of being in style throughout history. Black was the favored color of nobility throughout the 14th through 16th centuries in Europe, with the trend beginning in Italy and spreading across countries to all the monarchs of Europe. Black fabric was long considered special because a truly deep black required the very best dyes.

Black may also have become popular because wealthy merchants favored it. After laws prohibited these merchants from wearing certain flashy and expensive clothes in bright colors because they were not royalty, the upper classes took to wearing black. Ironically, this may have served to popularize the color black as a color associated with the upper class-- and royalty. By the 16th century, black was what all the monarchs were wearing!

In 1926, Coco Chanel popularized the ubiquitous little black dress as the fashion article that all women needed, saying "A woman needs just three things; a black dress, a black sweater, and, on her arm, a man she loves." French designer Yves Saint Laurent said, "Black is the liaison which connects art and fashion."

Do you love black? Is it a fashion staple for you or does it only make an occasional appearance? Black accessories can be elegant, striking additions your wardobe. A black dress and matching bangles with a touch of sparkle can be the perfect, timeless combination for a wonderful night out on the town.

I will be at the Maine Crafts Guild Damariscotta Show this weekend,  Saturday, July 6, 2013 from 10 am to 5 pm  and Sunday, July 7, 2013 from 10 am to 4 pm, with my newest studded starfish cuffs and bangles in black. I hope you'll consider adding one to your collection.

Karl Lagerfeld, explaining why black was so popular, said: "Black is the color that goes with everything. If you're wearing black, you're on sure ground." Timeless and elegant, striking and simple, it's easy to see why black has been so popular and continues to be today. ❉