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Black is back for fall 2005 By Bethany Waldrop Keiper I'm only wearing black until they make something darker." -- T-shirt sloganI had no idea, weeks and weeks ago, when I decided upon the subject of black designs that my timing would be so eerily appropriate. Besides being considered as a fashion staple for fall 2005, black also represents the color of mourning, and that is what so many people are doing at this time. Mourning the loss of life, of home, of all normalcy on the coasts from Florida to Louisiana. Also, on some web pages I have seen a looped black ribbon symbolizing and memorializing the tragedy brought by the hurricane. This made me wonder at the origins of wearing and using black to symbolize mourning, especially in jewelry designs. It seems the Victorians, with their tendency toward sentimentality, brought the color into the mourning process. In that time, widows were expected to mourn for two and a half years, with different stages during that time. No jewelry at all was allowed during the first months of mourning. Later on, mourning jewelry became more fashionable. All kinds of black materials, especially jet, were used in the jewelry. Interestingly, a lock of hair from the departed was almost always used, whether in the piece itself, or braided or twisted for use as thread for the design. But black has moved beyond its mandatory mourning status, and stands on its own for its beauty and versatility in the fashion realm. From the sophistication of the standard "little black dress" to the rock-and-roll rebelliousness of the black leather jacket, most fashionistas agree that "black is back" is a good thing. Black is best for this year's autumn trends in clothing from cocktail frocks to cozy cable knit sweaters. If you feel that black is basic and boring, use your imagination as you work on designs -- it is up to your creativity to prevent the "basic" in black. Remember to consider the shapes and textures of your black beads. One of this fall's forecasted popular trends is mixing different textures and adding shine to them.
Black beads, whether they are crystal, glass, or natural stone, can be found in a wide variety of textures and shapes, featuring unique facets, dots, or swirls. Try taking a black silk scarf with an autumn-themed pattern on it, and adding black faceted teardrop beads to dangle delicately from the corners. Similar dangles could be added to the points of the collar of a solid black shirt.
Shiny black hearts with a golden sheen of green are perfect for fall, and they are definitely black without being basic. Facetted black accent beads add sparkle and texture to the piece. Black hearts make a definite statement as the heart-shaped suggestion of love is combined with the solemn color.
Black pearls are another design idea for this fall. Most black pearls are not inky black, but rather a soft gray, with a subdued shine, and they look elegant as a bracelet or dangling as earrings. Gray is also expected to be popular this season in all kinds of shades. The muted luster of black pearls in a long string adds sophistication to a high-necked sweater, while a shorter, almost choker-length strand draws attention to the skin exposed by a less-modest neckline. Tiny black or gray seed beads can stand in between the pearls if you don't know how to knot string for pearls.
Best wishes with your black beaded designs for autumn, which officially begins on Sept 22. Next month, expect more black beaded designs with an emphasis on adding even more texture and including other popular autumn colors into designs.
Information regarding the history of mourning jewelry from http://www.fashion-era.com/ Fashion reports from various sources, including http://www.msn.com/ Black and white spotted beads courtesy of The Bead Peddler.
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