By Anya Cooklin-Lofting
I spend the majority of my free time gazing into jewellery shop windows or scrolling through Instagram accounts dedicated to all that glitters. Between browsing the expressive work of contemporary designer-makers to squinting at velvet-clad plinths in antique jewellery ateliers, there’s hardly time to stop for a spot of lunch. In the world of jewellery, there is always a story to be told, whether it’s the innovative use of materials or a particularly exciting provenance, and that’s why it makes such a thoughtful gift, for loved ones or yourself.
Trends in jewellery move quickly, and any good jeweller will tell you to buy what you love, and wear it with gusto, despite the trends. However, if you’ve amassed something of a collection, a jewellery trend can act as a prompt of sorts, either to dig out a much-loved piece or to treat yourself to something new. So, read on for the biggest trends for 2023 from some of BBB’s favourite jewellery brands.
Colourful Gemstones
In a trend that echoes the romance and sentimentality of Victorian acrostic jewellery, which featured gemstones with specific initials to spell words or messages, colourful designs are enjoying a renaissance. From infinity bands set with a rainbow of sapphires in perfect chromatic order to cluster rings of bright stones in perfect chaos, this joyous trend encourages playfulness and self-expression.
Alice van Cal, the founder of her eponymous jewellery company, has just launched CHROMA, a collection of cocktail rings in pink tourmaline, emerald, garnet and yellow sapphire. Each ring in the radiant collection is inspired by the ancient tradition of colour therapy, inspiring a burst of happiness in its viewer. Van Cal works on the principle that each gemstone holds deep meaning and protective, supportive properties. She advises clients to go with the colour they’re most drawn to, allowing intuition to help in choosing the stone they might need the most.
Stacking & Layering
In another nod towards self-expression, stackable rings and earrings and layer-able necklaces will endure in popularity in 2023. This mix-and-match approach allows you to clash styles, colours and eras for a curation that speaks to your mood, or even just your outfit. There are no hard or fast rules to creating your own stacks and layers, but some of the most beautiful combinations can be achieved when you contrast old and new.
A one-stop shop for the perfect stackable, layer-able pieces is Rachel Jackson London, where birthstone necklaces can be paired with Art Deco-style alphabet pendants and gemstone chains with gold and pearl charms.
Organic Shapes
For many, the greatest marker of luxury is the evidence of the maker. For those who love organic shapes and perfect imperfection, this trend is for you. The visual signs of a craftsperson’s hand beating or engraving are characterful and charming. Equally, something magical happens when a jeweller takes the natural form of a piece of gold and sets it in a way that enhances its inherent, unadulterated beauty.
Irena Chmura is an independent designer who does just this. Each piece of jewellery is handmade in a small London studio, while gemstones are set in a small stone-setting workshop in Hatton Garden. The trend for organic, natural forms can be seen in Chmura’s Dewdrop pendant necklaces, each set with a cut gemstone that serves to accentuate the natural textures in the gold drop.
Ethical Jewellery
While it’s true that the importance of ethics shouldn’t come in and out with the trends, it would be remiss to omit the increase in the number of jewellers offering ethical alternatives. Ethical concerns in the jewellery industry could involve the support of artisans and reinvestment into communities all over the world, responsible manufacturing, ethical sourcing, the use of recycled or recyclable materials and environmentally aware shipment.
One great example of a jeweller taking steps to contribute to a more ethical jewellery industry is Ana Dyla, a company that prides itself on its ethics and sustainability. The company has had B Corp status since 2021 and designs with the environment and its artisans in mind to drive positive change in the jewellery industry. Not only does Ana, the company’s founder, constantly look for new ways to limit the jewellery’s impact on the environment, but also looks at the industry as a whole, right down to the packaging design, which is FSC® labelled.
Best UK Boutique Hotel Openings in 2023
By Amira Hashish
We may all be planning our great escapes this year but the UK staycation game is still strong with a handful of hotly anticipated boutique hotels around the country set to open their doors. From motels to mega revamps, spanning Manchester to Edinburgh, here are the spots to have on your radar…
Boys Hall, Kent
What’s the vibe? Fabulous foodie escape.
The lowdown: On the southern edge of the North Downs, Boys Hall has undergone months of restoration to transform into a beautiful restaurant with seven rooms set within three acres of grounds. Originally built in 1616, the Grade II listed retreat is the passion project of husband and wife team Bradley and Kristie. They have painstakingly restored the house to its former glory with the help of family, friends and a variety of local specialists. Bradley was the former operations director of East London Pub Co, and Kristie is the founder of Drink, Shop & Do as well as Keystone Crescent members club in London’s King’s Cross. They’ve coupled their wealth of experience with bundles of love. Just a 35-minute train ride from London, this is the ideal escape from the city.
Book: boys-hall.com
Cowley Manor, Cheltenham
What’s the vibe? Not your average country retreat.
The lowdown: Experimental Group, known for its wacky Wes Anderson-esque collection of restaurants, hotels and cocktail bars, has taken over Cowley Manor in the Cotswolds. The group’s first UK property outside of London is gearing up for a summer opening with a full revamp and four new rooms in the pipeline. Rooms will be spread across the main house and the surrounding stable buildings with 55 acres of natural lakes, Victorian cascades and woodland to explore. Not forgetting the spa with indoor and outdoor swimming pools. We can’t wait to see what Experimental does with the place. The clue is in their name.
Book: experimentalgroup.com
Mollie’s Manchester
What’s the vibe? Motel chic.
The lowdown: Soho House is venturing up North with a much-anticipated Manchester opening. Whilst the house may not have rooms, the brand’s Mollie’s motel is conveniently opening next door as part of a revamp of Manchester’s Old Granada Studios. The famous city landmark is currently being reinvented as part of a vibrant new cultural destination. The iconic 1950s television studios were home to the Beatles and Sex Pistols first TV appearances…if only these walls could talk.
Book: mollies.com
Wildes, Chester
What’s the vibe? Boutique city retreat
The lowdown: In the heart of Chester’s city centre, nestled away within the historic Rows, this luxury boutique hotel will comprise 18 bedrooms, a swish spa, restaurant and cocktail bar. The sympathetic redevelopment of the historic Victorian building in which it sits will merge its heritage with a contemporary style. Period fireplaces and exposed beams will add the character we are seeking from a cosy bolthole.
Book: wildesgroup.com
100 Princes Street, Edinburgh
What’s the vibe? A truly Scottish celebration.
The lowdown: At the address of the former Overseas League, the new era of 100 Princes Street will nod to the history of the many great Scottish explorers and adventurers who made this historic building their ‘home away from home’. Inspired by Alexander McQueen, the design team is working with local artisans to create bespoke pieces including custom-made tartan designed by Araminta Campbell and a central staircase which features a hand-painted mural by Croxford & Saunders. Keep an eye out for the wine wall with more than 200 fine wines, showcasing the range from the family-owned vineyard Bouchard Finlayson.
Book: 100princes-street.com
House of Gods, Glasgow & Manchester
What’s the vibe? A love of maximalism.
The lowdown: With the tagline ‘More is More’, House of Gods doesn’t do things by half. Maximalism runs throughout the design of their Edinburgh hotel and the same can be expected for the brand’s new openings in Glasgow and Manchester. A clash of styles, broken rules and a balance of opposites speaks to the unapologetic extravagance. If you have always wanted to sleep over at one of your favourite cocktail bars, these boutiques have you covered.
Book: houseofgodshotel.com
The Gallivant Littlestone Beach
What’s the vibe? Bicoastal brilliance.
The lowdown: The Gallivant’s Rye property already has a loyal following so the Littlestone Beach addition to its portfolio is warmly welcomed. With 12 bedrooms, a sitting room, orangery, dining room, library, members bar, yoga studio, sauna and treatment room it is set to cultivate quite the community. There will also be a coast garden with a beach gazebo, kitchen garden and dining area. The design is down to co-owner Sigrid Cragoe and will pay homage to the glamour of east coast America in the late 1920s, complemented by the Edwardian history of the property.
Book: thegallivant.co.uk
Raffles at The OWO, London
What’s the vibe? Iconic in every sense.
The lowdown: If you are set on a London staycation, this project is causing waves amongst the jet set who cannot wait for the big unveil. Turning a Grade II listed Whitehall building, within walking distance of The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, into an ultra luxury retreat is no easy feat so it has been a long time coming. However, it is set to open its doors this summer. The Edwardian Old War Office will be transformed into guest rooms, a grand ballroom, a Guerlain spa and several restaurants headed by Mauro Colagreco. If that’s not enough to whet your appetite, there is a dedicated Champagne bar.
Book: raffles.com
The Paris Fashion Week Cheat Sheet
By Rachael Perry
Fashion month is well and truly underway, and it will draw to a close with its grand finale in the fashion capital of the world; Paris. It’s no secret that Paris and its people exude ‘chic’, and Paris fashion week is the ultimate opportunity for fashionistas and their fans to flock together to celebrate the diverse craftsmanship that designers have to offer. It’s a feast for the eyes, not only on the runway, but the street style also excels season after season and is an opportunity for everyone to get involved in some way. I’m a red carpet stylist, and private shopper for clients all over the world and I’m here to offer you five insider tips and takeaways that will offer a little bit of insight into how to cope with the hectic pace of fashion month.
Pick your shoes wisely…
Unless you’re driving between shows (which is often a rookie error because the roads become chaos!) you’re likely to be on your feet for eight or nine hours a day, so I cannot stress the importance of picking good shoes. Save your heels for the afterparties, and go for a boot or a good loafer for running around during the day. By day three, you’ll be extremely grateful for that decision!
Fuel up…
Anyone who tells you that people in fashion don’t eat is fibbing. It’s perhaps even more important during fashion month because you’re constantly on the move and your schedule is always back to back, so grabbing a bite to eat when you can is essential. You don’t know when your next meal will be. Lunch at eleven am? Absolutely. However, fashion week is also an opportunity to catch up with old friends because it brings everyone together in one place, so use the time wisely. Enjoy the excuse to go out for (a very quick) lunch and make the most of being out and about with the people you don’t get to see as often as you’d like, in places you don’t often get to visit. Paris is especially good for this – charcuterie and a glass of vin rouge is mandatory.
Layers are your best friend…
You’re going from running around outside to whizzing into show venues, jumping into a cab or hopping on the tube, so you want to be able to de-layer if you overheat and keep warm if you’re on the move. Think light sweaters that will fit in a handbag or can be tied around your shoulders if necessary, and long, light coats that are easy to move in.
Say yes to everything…
Take this one with a slight pinch of salt, but generally, fashion week comes with plenty of last-minute invites to parties, presentations and events, and my advice would be to say yes to them all. After two years of lockdown and not being allowed out of the house, it’s more important than ever to embrace all the social occasions that life throws at us, but also you never know who you’re going to meet and what opportunities may arise. Fashion week is supposed to be fun, and not everybody gets the chance to get involved. It’s also an important opportunity for industry networking, and connecting with other like-minded individuals.
Don’t panic if you don’t get photos of everything…
It sounds like a cliché but it’s true; live in the moment and enjoy what you’re watching. The front row consists of hundreds of iPhones trying to capture every runway moment, but filming everything means you risk not taking it in properly in real life. Fashion week is a hive of creativity, an accumulation of thousands of hours’ worth of work that deserves recognition and appreciation. You can find photos of every show online afterwards (and normally the quality is better than an iPhone anyway), and not everyone is lucky enough to be able to attend shows in person so make the most of that.