Fashion Forward (Facelets)

Flaunt Facelets With Flair!

Amp up your style quotient and grab eyeballs with facial jewellery. Discover why this trend is making waves from social media to the glitterati circles.

By PRAMITA BOSE

Viral vibe

Slides of avant garde accoutrements on virtual media woo heavy traffic of curious gazers tracking unorthodox diktats. Influencers and stylistas alike are also harping on rare and revolutionary aesthetics. Trust millennials, Gen Zee and Gen Alpha to lap anything that defies stereotypical norms. They are always game to walk the uncharted path and toy with the seldom explored strand of thought. Here comes the futuristic jewellery corner of facelets or facial ornaments to pique the enthusiasts’ curiosity.

Pick your pattern

“Since it’s experimental, I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone but if you want to try something new, then please give it a shot. I also believe that not all trends are here to stay as many a time, style prompts come and go and this could be just one of those. Perhaps, changes in the style of designing, crafting and wearing the facelets could evolve the trend down the glam street,” elaborates stylist, entrepreneur and content creator Priyanka Kathuria.

Occasions to wear

“Facial jewellery is an exciting trend because it combines tradition with modern fashion. India has a long history of facial jewellery and today, we are seeing these time-honoured ideas being presented in new and creative moulds. I believe, this trend will grow into specimens that are stylish, elegant, comfy and treasurable to the wearer,” fathoms Pawan Gupta, chairperson at the Indian online jewellery shopping store P.P. Jewellers by Pawan Gupta.

For nuptial functions like haldi and mehendi, Kathuria feels that “these unleash more charm and a sense of playfulness to the look, plus a charismatic facet to the wearer’s personality. However, she reminds not to “propose it for the sangeet ceremony or on the wedding day itself.”

“Brands may eventually introduce multiple versions of facial jewellery that can even go beyond wedding events and be used for accessorising ready-to-wear, contemporary clothing as well,” she apprises.

Stylists offer to load heavier designs, which look great for pre- and post-marriage photoshoots and to acquire glossy editorial images. Otherwise, neat, dainty, easy-on-the-skin, chic editions are highly advocated for the pretty brigade of brides, bridesmaids and the bachelorettes.

For the uninitiated, Kathuria notes that “brands like Amama and Bhavya Ramesh are churning out some really enchanting pieces.”

Downplay over-the-top makeup

Many may adhere to muted facial makeup while wearing facelets. “I wouldn’t say that the look has to be completely subdued. It’s more about finding the right balance. If the facelet is elaborate and gaudy, the person could keep the makeup fresh and clean with softly defined eyes and a subtle lip. If the facelet is more understated, you can surely be a little more explorative with your makeup but don’t overdo it with thick layers,” Prerna Khurana, director of Khurana Jewellery House, dispenses tips.

Tress tales

When donning a facelet, “keep the hairstyle fairly plain so that the facelet gets its moment in the sun,” directs Khurana. “A sleek bun, low knot or a pulled-back hairdo works amazingly well. Even gentle, open waves look mesmerising as long as the tresses don’t cover the jewellery,” she sums up.

Wardrobe in sync

Facelets are quite flexible and they intertwine a design vocabulary that matches many outfits. They can be paired with lehengas, sarees, shararas or even a more contemporary gown.

“I personally like the idea of coupling a statement facelet with a relatively sharp, solid-coloured outfit, so that the jewellery becomes the focal point of the look,” reveals Khurana.

Think out of the box

Designers subscribe to the fact that this is undoubtedly an era of quirky fashion and style experiments.

“Absolutely! I think people today are much more open about dabbling in their personal styles. Jewellery is no longer restricted to the predictable ways of wearing it. We’re seeing clients mix contemporary fashion with traditional sensibilities, play with proportions and even get clad in jewellery in an unexpected manner. Facelets fit very naturally into this new styling mode,” enlightens Khurana.

Diva van

A gaggle of celebs is touted to nail the facelets with flair. The vote goes in favour of Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt who are believed to carry facelets with poise and panache. “They are all uber stylish with a dash of classiness attached to their persona,” raves Khurana.

Balance is key

One query to ponder is whether neckpieces, earrings, tiaras and bindis could accompany facelets or will that cause an undue clutter?

“Well, it depends entirely on the sample of jewellery in question. If you are wearing a gorgeous flashy facelet, then keep the rest of the jewellery minimal. Meanwhile, with a simpler version, you have more room to layer your look with varied options to achieve a stunner’s tag. For me, the key is not to go overboard. There should be one clear core in the look to catch the spotlight,” interprets Khurana.

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