The US fashion magazine institution, InStyle, recently did a piece on how, just as Jackie O was known for her pearls, Michelle Obama is becoming synonymous with bold jewellery. Mrs Obama has made sparkly brooches and statement necklaces her accessories signature. As with her fashion picks, she selects a mix of high end and low end pieces that are always in style.
What is most exciting about this emphasis is that it, once again, casts a spotlight on one of our own. Mrs O is known for wearing ST•ERASMUS pieces, and you need to know that this is a label from South African accessories design talent Pieter Erasmus. Pieter also recently accessorised the Kluk CGDT summer collection at Africa Fashion Week.
Having designed and created jewellery for distinguished design houses including Givenchy, Matthew Williamson, Roberto Cavalli and Alexander McQueen, ST•ERASMUS pieces are intricate but strong, bold but ethereal and just very, very lovely. You really can't fault Mrs O's canny style.
Of course it is also wonderful that she responds so well to jewellery whose design influences come from Africa and our people. Because we rock.