BEADS ARE MAKING a major comeback this year and have been abundant on the catwalks at the Roberto Cavalli, Matthew Williamson and Tracy Reese shows.
Although beads and beading are a perennial fashion staple, this season they have appeared everywhere, from jewellery such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, anklets and armbands to embroidery on clothes and scarves.
Beads have long been used in fashion but are also symbols of religious and cultural identity. Various cultures use beads to symbolise their beauty and heritage.
Archaeologists in South America have found terracotta and carved stone figurines painted with pendants and multi-strand necklaces and other beaded ornaments, while women of various African tribes wear beads to reflect their beauty and caste. In Buddhist culture, prayer beads are worn as protection and used as a meditative device, while rosaries serve as solace in Catholic traditions.
Today, beads have come into fashion like never before. Vintage pieces and ready-to-wear dresses are desired for their beading and beaded fringes have emerged as a big hit on the red carpet.
Dresses, hair clips, cushions and even lamps with dangling beads are all the rage this summer.