Fashion and technology have always seemed to go hand-in-hand, and the latest trend surfacing is no different. Emoticon jewelry is the latest way to flaunt a quirky accessory with any outfit.
Jewelry designers like BCBGeneration and Jeremy Scott have traded traditional spelling of words in their accessories collections and opted for symbols frequently seen at the end of texts. Instead of rocking a “LOVE” ring (that’s so fifth grade), BCBGeneration has introduced its version of digital adoration to rings: “3”.
Most of the emoticon jewelry I’ve seen is relatively simple in nature, the emphasis being on the design of the emoticons themselves. However, designer Alison Chemla has come out with emoticon jewelry that flaunts pops of color. She has a ring with a pair of bold red lips, just like the emoticon you may send your crush’s way. Chemla even designed a series of rings – some adorned with googly emoticon eyes and some with silly mouths – so that wearers can mix and match the pieces to perfectly suit their mood.
Chemla’s pieces epitomize the fusion of design and technology. The designer studied cybergraphics at Bard and has admittedly always had a love of mixing the two principles.
Designer Jeremy Scott’s emoticon accessories have even extended into sunglasses. Who needs a pair of tired old Ray Bans when you can rock lemon yellow smiley faces with red hearts for eyes? Scott also created a pair of hinged glasses for Linda Farrow that call on Lady Gaga’s “Judas” video for inspiration: glossy black smileys with red cross eyes, anyone?
For those who aren’t willing to totally submit to the degradation of the English language, designers have come out with emoticon pieces with just the colon or semi-colon eyes. In this regard, these pieces could function as a cheeky wink face or someone’s favorite punctuation. This would be a perfect gift for any English or creative writing major with an offbeat style this holiday season.
Unfortunately, with designer names come designer prices, but don’t worry. Since texting and online chatting are undoubtedly here to stay, department stores and chains will probably pick up this trend soon for prices that won’t merit a jaw-dropping “:O” face. I can almost promise that places like H&M, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters will have some kind of emoticon selection by spring.
If you’re wary of incorporating an emoticon into your looks for fear of being too nerdy or quirky, find another iconic means of wearing your passion. If it isn’t texting or chatting, there are plenty of other symbols to choose from. I’ve seen handfuls of people wearing wishbone-shaped pieces. Geometric-shaped jewelry is also a huge trend that’s been going strong for a few years now. Take a page from the emoticon accessories and keep your geometric jewels dainty: simple gold settings and small in size.
There’s an emoticon – or other meaningful symbol – out there for everyone, so start searching.
