As the economy dips the hemlines rise, right? As retailers cross their fingers that people will open their wallets, a new trend is dominating the fashion world of 2010. Accessories- specifically rings- are growing in popularity. A glance back at the origin of rings indicates why they are gaining popularity today.
In the Medieval Times rings were a huge trend. Castles were the ultimate status symbol for medieval lords. People of all classes wore rings, from the filthy poor to the disgustingly rich--- fingers were adorned. Rings were typically made of iron, copper, silver, and gold and it was the material of the ring that indicated the class of the wearer.
Since the Middle Ages we have survived a lot of hardship and done away with birth-order caste systems. But perhaps in times of economic crisis and general uncertainty the feeling of a ring wrapping around a finger feels like a commitment to something personal.
Rings typically represent commitment. Engagements and marriages are marked with symbolic ritual exchanges of rings. (Wedding Ring sales are increasing despite the recession.) But the fashion rings that are oh so trendy right now are a lot less of an "investment" piece and their price reflects their fun spirited design.
(Orange you glad I am mentioning this?)
Trendy rings hitting retail stores for Spring 2010 are made from plastic, silver, gold, or copper, even wood and ceramic materials. The variety of materials and designs make it a personal purchase. Retail is less about the "it" bag for a few grand in times of economic slush. Buyers for major department stores are hoping to attract shoppers by stocking unusual looks and relatively unknown designers. A dead ringer for piquing shoppers' interest is a ring display.
Guilt free whimsy and point of purchase sale power. Erin Wasson, pictured above, embodies the fiercely independent and edgy look that most shoppers are gravitating toward. Digby and Iona have some really stunning sterling sliver ones. A favorite of mine is the stump ring which has a special Valentines version where they carve any two sets of initials into the "bark" which we all know means forever.
