One thing we could all use right now is a little dose of fun to put some “spring” into our daily steps. Luckily, we can always turn to the fashion world for inspiration and delight. Spring/Summer 2020 fashion trends from the runways of NY, Paris and Milan are particularly inspiring this year. With so much color and volume, not to mention feathers galore, accessorizing this season needs to be a bit more thoughtful. No wonder fashion designers keep turning to pearls, the only gem that is truly relevant for any fabric and almost every style, easily transitioning from playful and feminine to edgy and powerful. According to Forbes, “Pearls have evolved into one of the most popular trends for 2020.”

COLOR LOVERS – Spring Leather, Neon, Polka Dots

Clockwise from Upper Left – Akoya Pearl Linear Bubble Earrings by Sean Gilson for Assael, Michael Kors polka dots for Spring 2020, Prada colorful leather S/S 2020, Assael Tahitian and Fiji Pearl Earrings with Mandarin Garnet, Valentino S/S 2020, Assael Natural Conch Pearl and Diamond Ring.

Wildflowers aren’t the only pops of color this spring. A myriad of Spring/Summer 2020 fashion trends focus on uplifting and bright hues. For the colorful leathers from Prada, Gucci, Versace and more, the outfit does the talking. Accessories like coral and pearls keep it sophisticated without competing. For the cheerful Neon tones, especially highlighter green, from Valentino, Marni, Comme des Garçons and Balenciaga, try neutral hues like champagne or golden South Sea pearls. Or pair colors that are opposite on the color wheel, for example light pink Angel Skin Coral with neon green fabrics. Polka Dots are also huge for spring/summer. One elegant option is to match the mm size and color of pearls with the polka dots – large Tahitian strands for big black/blue dots but smaller Akoya studs with the little mini polka dots. The Bubble collection by Sean Gilson for Assael also works well with polka dots. For the psychedelic prints and vibrant fabrics at Versace, Fendi and Louis Vuitton, stay with single-hued accessories in complementary colors.

SKIN IS IN – Slit Skirts, Bras Under Blazers, Hot Pants, Tube Tops, Corsets

Clockwise from Upper Left – Jason Wu bralette with pearl earrings S/S 2020, Assael Sardinian Coral, Onyx and Black Diamond 63.5” Necklace, Gigi Hadid on Chanel runway Dec 2019, Salvatore Ferragamo S/S 2020, Award-winning Flex bracelet by Sean Gilson for Assael, Saint Laurent hot pants S/S 2020, Assael Triple Drop South Sea Pearl Earrings

Fashion designers are apparently expecting a heat wave in the coming months because skin is cool for Spring/Summer 2020. It’s perfect timing, too, as we all start to shun our quarantine loungewear little by little. The tube tops at Brandon Maxwell, Staud and Saks Potts leave the entire décolletage open for fabulous short necklaces. Fourteen to sixteen inch pearl strands and chokers are perfect. As for the “Bralettes under Blazers” (Marie Claire) from Michael Kors, Givenchy and Jason Wu or the super-short hot pants seen at Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Dior, try a dramatic long necklace or long pearl earring that will sway as you walk. For all the see-through netting, crochet, sheer fabrics, corsets and slips, the solidity of pearls and coral will contrast nicely and avoid getting tangled in the materials, especially when set in smooth yellow gold like the award-winning Flex Bracelet by Sean Gilson for Assael.

MENWSEAR INSPIRATIONS -Waistcoats, Bermuda Shorts, Suits, Trench Coats

Clockwise from Upper Left – Assael Magnificent South Sea Baroque Pearl Earrings, Tory Burch white suiting with pearl drop earrings, Assael South Sea Pearl and Diamond Lariat Necklace, Celine waistcoat with lariat, Kathryn Newton in Ralph Lauren at the 71st Emmy Awards, Assael Tahitian Pearl and Bicolor Tourmaline Long Drop Earrings, MSGM Milan S/S 2020 Trenchcoat

In the age of female empowerment, menswear inspirations continue to be popular. Vogue calls it “Women in Waistcoats” – one of the biggest Spring/Summer 2020 trends is vests.  Open or closed, paired with skirts, pants or shorts, waistcoats and vests showed up at Celine, Ralph Lauren, Max Mara, Burberry and more. Longer Y chains or pendant necklaces work well with these looks. Shorter earrings like clips, studs and hoops are best with the vests.  For the many 3-piece suits, especially white suiting as seen at Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria Beckham, Jill Sander and more, try the simplicity of a chic baroque pearl drop earring.  For those who prefer a more “business casual” style, Bermuda shorts are back! The longer shorts popped up beneath trench coats at Sally LaPointe and under suits at Tibi, Givenchy and Valentino. These masculine shorts wear well with anklets, classic pearl strands or lengthy drop earrings.  Trench coats dominated, in every possible color, covering so much of the look that earrings become a must! Pair the trench coat with statement earrings that flatter the face.

SCULPTURAL VOLUME – Feathers, Tiered Ruffles, Volume Skirts

Clockwise from Upper Left – Givenchy S/S 2020, Assael Angel Skin Coral, Diamond and Green Garnet Earrings, Christian Soriano S/S 2020 feathers, Marc Jacobs Spring 2020, Assael Tahitian Pearl and Rose de France Amethyst Drop Earrings, Akoya Pearl Linear Bubble Ring by Sean Gilson for Assael

Size matters for evening wear this year. Sculptural skirts at Moschino, Thom Browne and Givenchy almost feel like they should be paired with tiaras, given their regal silhouettes. Hopefully, we will all be gathering again soon and making a statement will be key as we slowly come out of lockdown. The voluminous torsos from Christiana Soriano, Molly Goddard, Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs involve tons of tulle and tiered ruffles. These looks call for simple and sophisticated accessories like stud earrings or baroque pearl drops. The fabulous array of exotic and colorful feathers from Valentino, Burberry, Prabal Gurung and Richard Quinn work best with smooth, unfaceted gems like pearls, coral and cabochon-cuts that will not damage the delicate feathers. With so much volume around the neckline, opt for a wide bracelet or statement ring.

We all have a wide variety of fashions to put a much-needed smile on our faces for Spring/Summer 2020.  Just remember to be selective with your jewelry and accessories. Sophistication is key to keep the looks from getting kitschy or over-the-top. Be bold and thoughtful when selecting accessories and source only the highest quality pearls. Magnificent pearls will continue to please and be relevant for many generations to come.

Top – Clockwise from Upper Left – Assael Akoya Pearl, Morganite and Pink Sapphire Earrings, Balmain S/S 2020, Assael Tahitian Pearl and Unheated Tanzanite Stiletto Earrings, Assael ‘Melo Passion’ Natural Pearl, Ruby and Diamond Earrings, Marni S/S 2020

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