Bold lapel statement

The need to express oneself differently — to stand out, to make a statement — has always been a burning desire among fashionistas. Statement brooches are making a big statement this season with a vengeance, showing up oversized at Prada, in multiples at Dolce & Gabbana and on runways from Suno to Edun to Balenciaga.

Brooches are generally categorised into figurative, abstract, modern or vintage. They not only polish up an outfit in an instant, but also add some unexpected sparkle in an often neglected area. And they have several wearable options — substitute it for a statement necklace at your collar, pin a couple on your cross body bag, or if you’re feeling really creative, string a few of your favourite styles along some string and wear it as a necklace.

The beauty of the brooch is that it can be worn in many ways — from the traditional lapel, the chest of a dress, the collar of a shirt, the shoulder or waist of a dress, to dress up a hat and so on. Pin a red-hot rhinestone sunburst to your lapel for maximum wattage or go for an edgier look with draped chains. Give your ears, neck and wrists some rest from holding down the statement-jewellery fort and embrace the statement lapel pin.

The writer is a fashion designer