iron maiden: jewelry as beautifully wicked body armor

I was perusing Couture Week snaps on Pipeline the other day when the intensity of the Givenchy jewelry nearly caused my PC to crash. Lethally spiked rings and cuffs recalling medieval torture devices somehow meshed seamlessly with the show’s Matrix-by-way-of-Morocco theme. The adornments on this catwalk were a bit over-the-top for the sidewalk, but slightly less brutal versions of the industrial, body armor look are all the rage, giving new meaning to building a jewelry arsenal.

Dynamic doesn’t even scratch the surface when it comes to describing Fallon Jewelry. The forceful Slater Mixed Choker (pictured) has all the makings of an ultimate tangled necklace: heavy-duty mixed chains, dripping fringe, and a few polite crystal strands thrown in for a feminine touch. The Mixed Deadly Pearls Necklace also plays up the pretty/sinister paradox, fusing ladylike pearls and crystals with enslaving chains and faux barbwire. Either would be electric with a body-con strapless dress.

Here’s a haute Molotov cocktail: B&W striped jersey top + destroyed black jeans + the Givenchy Platform Cuff Sandals + a Giles & Brother and/or DANNIJO cuff. For a more modest expression of heavy metal angst, incorporate the flutter by Jill Golden Odeon Ring (pictured) or the Made Her Think Knuckle Buster Ring into your repertoire.

--Suzanne