Brooches

For the first time in a long while, brooches are a hit, and those featuring cut glass on metal are selling particularly well at department stores, as are flower-shaped brooches of fabric or leather. As the preference for wild, thoroughly tanned skin and brick-like platform shoes gradually gives way to an affinity for whiter complexion and elegant clothing, young women are rediscovering the merits of brooches--once seen as being exclusively for middle-aged women--in spicing up their fashion.

Classical motifs, such as flowers and insects, tend to be preferred for metal brooches. Rather than items garnished with expensive materials, such as pearl and precious stones, young women are going primarily for moderately priced varieties using color glass.

As long as your brooch complements your individual look, it doesn't matter what style you go for ? wearing the brooch is enough of a statement in itself. There's a real mix to choose from. There are plenty of 'traditional' brooches with pretty, be jewelled contemporary designs (especially from the big jewelry houses, as you'd expect), but there's also a big call for proper vintage brooches, worn in a trendy or surprising way. Super-modern looks are also welcome this season, bright plastics and kitsch cameo brooches all play their part. Brooches have come back in favor, it seems, as ideal tools for brushing up young women's fashion with an elegant touch.