Published February 2008

Gold and silver are always in fashion. Now Alexis Bittar, Mizuki and Avindy are incorporating blackened and oxidized metals in their jewelry collections. Think Gothic gone girly.

Alexis Bittar’s current collection continues his themes of Lucite, Element and Miss Haversham. However, the look evolves with two uses of the oxidized metals sterling silver and gunmetal. The first creates “a grunge, punk and bohemian feel,” he explains. The latter evokes the Eighties and has a slicker sensibility than oxidized silver alone.

Among Mizuki’s many collections, including Soho, Lux, Cool, Candy, Boho and Couture, her Rock collection most intimately reflects this trend with black diamonds, yellow gold, cape amethyst and oxidized silver. Mizuki describes her Rock pieces as “edgy but warm. [They] explore the world of mystery.”

For Avindy’s mother-daughter design team of Avril and Cindy Joffe, the oxidation process helps to achieve a romantic vintage look by toning down brightness.

“Mixing a black or oxidized chain with gold jewelry…is the ultimate contrast to shine and sparkle. It makes a statement,” says Janet Goldman, chairman and founder of Fragments, a New York-based boutique and showroom.

Written by Sarah Perpich for WWD Accessories, February 2008