Go Johnny Go!

Is it wrong to enjoy men’s figure skating far more than the women’s program? It’s the unexpected flourishes on the men’s costumes this year which makes it my choice for Olympic sports entertainment. And no one flourishes quite like my favorite, American Johnny Weir.

For the men’s short program last week, Johnny certainly didn’t disappoint. It was a lesson to us all on how the right accessories can make an outfit. He wore a corset-style costume that accentuated his long, shapely torso, and a pink tassel on his left shoulder that moved beautifully with his spins. The NBC commentators couldn’t stop commenting on how he was “working that pink tassel”. It made me realize that we should all think about how our clothes and jewelry move with us - it can be very seductive.

The earliest examples of tassels in jewelry are perhaps the 18th century brooches made en tremblant – these “trembled” as the wearer moved. They were pinned near the bosom so when the lady breathed…well, you get the idea. Tassels were also used in Victorian bracelets; however this style didn’t really come into vogue until around the 1950’s. Van Cleef and other jewelers used that design element in watches, necklaces and bracelets, like the one pictured here. 

There is something very tactile and sexy in the soft strands of the tassels which sway along with any movements. It is akin to throwing one’s hair back, but it is so much more elegant when done with a piece of
jewelry. So keep this in mind when you spring for your next piece. Take a page from Johnny Weir and don’t be afraid to rock that tassel! Remember ladies – it’s all about you!

Images: Johnny Weir, Getty Images

In the Loupe is authored by CIRCA’s resident trendspotter and style maven. Her expertise in life’s finer things comes from a background that is as rich and diverse as the jewels she evaluates. She’s traveled the world, dabbling in high finance, haute cuisine, and fine art at one of the world’s leading auction houses, before finding her true calling in the world of priceless gems. The result is a genuine global luxury connoisseur, with a knowledge and appreciation of beauty, quality and true style. She is one of the industry’s foremost experts on the valuation of fine gems and jewelry, and is now happy to share her discerning eye and impeccable taste to help you look and feel fabulous!

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