Much has been made of the “Dopamine Dressing” trend for Spring/Summer 2022 as we emerge from another winter of social isolation. Bright colors paint a pretty picture for the season ahead, like permissions slips from designers to feel good again. As we all start to thaw out in multiple ways, we look forward to gardening and gathering, planting seeds both literally and figuratively, to bring a harvest of blossoms, procuring our inner sunshine and elevating our collective mood and mindset. No wonder so many Spring/Summer runways were filled with florals. Seasonal prints made statements at Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, Richard Quinn, and Rodarte. Flower details took three-dimensional form on sleeves and shoulders at Badgley Mischka or bodices at Elie Saab and skirts at Markarian. Even earthy hues evoked nature in Milan. All of these looks call for crisp clean jewels as accessories. The uniform hues of pearl and coral strands accessorize these styles without competing, and colored gemstones offer complementary colors without being “too matchy-matchy.”

ROSES IN BLOOM

Roses abound for Spring/Summer 2022.  Large bright red roses were splashed on both white and black pantsuits at Saint Laurent, while paler pink roses were painted on dresses with bridal-like trains at Giambattista Valli. Peter Do opted for painted roses on otherwise neutral fabrics, mostly in oversized jackets. Rosy patterns also seemed hand-painted on sheer pinks at Blumarine with very feminine and flirty silhouettes.

The darker reds are perfectly accessorized with Sardinian Coral, while the paler pinks work best with Angel Skin Coral. The uniformity of color in a precious coral strand keeps the overall look sophisticated and refined, while maintaining the focus on nature.  Small rose print patterns pair well with Akoya pearls, their well-known luster offering subtle feminine undertones of pink and their smaller sizes complimenting the diminutive roses. For bolder and larger floral patterns, opt for larger pearls and bigger coral beads.

TROPICAL FLEUR

Tropical flowers brought a variety of hues in bold floral prints from various designers. Bright red and blue hibiscus for both men and women appeared at Kenzo. White florals appeared on red, green, blue, or purple fabrics at Valentino. Chanel featured smaller flower prints on basic blacks, while Lanvin featured repetitive patterns that felt almost leopard-like with flowers dotting dresses, suits, and even shorts. All are sure to elicit a smile. For maximum feel-good factor, Missoni included the whole gamut of color with exotic petals jumbled together like an artist’s palette. Both Versace and Rodarte featured oversized flowers on outerwear and blazers.

Such colorful canvases definitely drum up some dopamine, but they can be challenging to accessorize. The Colors Collection from Assael has a vast array of unique pairings of gemstones and pearls that balance the color theme for Spring/Summer without taking focus away from the vibrant prints. The smooth surfaces of the pearls juxtaposed with the facets in the gemstones creates a dynamic appeal that can match the strong colors in the fabrics and add a little touch of both luster and sparkle. 

EARTHY LUXE

Spring is not only about planting flowers. Gardeners of all types begin to dig early in March or April.  Some fashion designers opted for a more earthy luxe this season, less about flowers and more about being in tune with the earth. Hues or textures that bring to mind natural materials, planting of seeds, organic shapes … all were seen in Milan on runways at Fendi and Alberta Ferretti.  Tom Ford, Ulla Johnson, and Proenza Schouler featured such earthy tones in NYC. Emilia Wickstead, Christopher Kane, and Regina Pyo brought the browns in London.

Jewelers are also embracing natural materials. Assael’s newest pieces for spring feature legally sourced petrified wood from Golden Oak. The range of color in the wood pairs beautifully with South Sea Golden Pearls or unique shades of Fiji Pearls. Some of the rich orange hues of responsibly sourced Sardinian Coral would also accent these looks. Sciacca Coral, reclaimed from broken-off bits of coral trees in the bottom of the Mediterranean, have smaller beads for a boho chic look. When braided or twisted as multi-strands, they offer a nice pop of natural color that augments these auburn hues and works well with yellow gold, a must for the earthy luxe fabrics.

Mother Nature has clearly inspired the fashion world with a wellspring of positivity, long overdue, for the season ahead. Whether you choose bright happy hues, roses, tropical florals, or rich textured browns, keep the accessories in tune with the style.  Pearls and coral offer smooth surfaces to juxtapose colorful prints, and colored gemstones sparkle just enough to bring out the dominant color themes in the clothing. Discover more magnificent pearl options and exquisite coral jewels at Assael.com or follow on Instagram @assaelpearls.

Feature image at top: Clockwise from Upper Right  – Saint Laurent S/S 2022, Assael Akoya Pearl Strands, Responsibly Sourced Sardinian Coral Ring from Bubble Collection by Sean Gilson for Assael, Rodarte S/S 2022, Tahitian Pearl Bubble Earrings by Sean Gilson for Assael

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