#Neckwarmers | Valentina Expressions

Collier Art | Valentina Cirasola | Designer

What is a Collier? It is an old French word that usually refers to a piece of bulky and imposing jewelry necklace.
Not too long ago, a collier was worn together with earrings, a bracelet, and a ring all in the same style and colors, with the same precious stones. This coordinated ensemble was called a Parure.
Women wearing a parure wanted to show off the family wealth, their knowledge of fashion and appear well put together. I am sure the Queen of England has many parures in her secured vaults.
The social revolution of the ’60s pushed away many strict dressing rules, the matchy-matchy jewelry was one of those rules and in fact, today matching everything to the letter is considered a bit of a kitschy custom.

Seven years ago, I created my own line of custom-made colliers with colorful yarn. Just as always happens, I make something for me and wear it, then people want it. I remember a funny episode that happened to me in the street. A woman spotted me because I was wearing a very extravagant collier, she followed me to a cafe’.
I noticed her in the street following me and noticed her in the cafe’ staring at me, but I really didn’t want to make any fuss, until she asked permission to sit with me. She introduced herself and asked me at once where I had bought that piece of decoration hanging from my neck that really struck her fancy. To make a long story short, she bought it literally from my neck and left my outfit undecorated. In my purse, I carry the square device to take credit card payments, just in case I meet impulsive buyers like her and the purchase was made. She became my best client.

In my creations with yarn, fabrics, beads, glass and various embellishments my neckwarmers look like jeweled colliers and have two functions: keep the neck warm and embellish the clothes.
It is a nice alternative to a scarf, a fun and colorful way to play with accessories.

(Click on each photo to view it larger).

©Colliers Collection by Valentina Cirasola

©Fantasy Collier Ochre by Valentina Cirasola

©Gray Collier by Valentina Cirasola

Every year I produce fun pieces, they don’t’ stay in y stock for very long. Now, I present my colliers at trade fairs and various exhibitions. Link to Etsy if you want to see what I do. Ciao,
Valentina
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ValentinaExpressions

Valentina Cirasola is a trained fashion-interior designer and author, born in Italy in a family of artists. Style surrounded her since the beginning of her life. Her many years of experience led her to offer consultations in both specializations and now she can remodel homes as well as personal images. She is passionate about colors and encourages her clients to express their individual style in their homes and with the clothes they wear. She is the forthcoming author of a book on fashion subject: ©So Chic, So Stylish, due to be published March 2020. Get a copy of her books here: Barnes&Nobles: http://goo.gl/q7dQ3w

Embellished With Colliers | Valentina Cirasola | Designer

Welcome to a new Friday Fashion episode.
What is a collier? A collier usually refers to a piece of bulky and imposing jewelry necklace. Put them on and they will turn heads for sure!!!! Each piece will make a statement regardless if it is worn with a casual or semi-formal outfit. My colliers are interesting alternatives to a scarf and have two functions: keep the neck warm and embellish the clothes. Often each piece has glass embellishments and colorful beads.

I love to create with yarn, fabrics, beads, glass and various findings. The design comes as I go along, ideas develop as I see the work growing and colors….ah, it is never a challenge for me. Colors don’t have to match, I know they will look good together no matter what I do. To look at a bowl of fruit is sufficient to find inspiration.

I have one kind of woman in mind when I am making these colliers: a woman who likes to be different, likes to stand out in the crowd, likes to receive compliments and likes to feel well dressed for any occasion.
Each pieces is a decorative art, wearable in the daytime with a flowing skirt, boots and hat as if she means it…. or for an evening out in town over a simple black dress to add some sparkle in the face.
(Click on each photo to view it larger).

Above: This collier went to Scotland

Above: This collier went to Las Gatos, CA

Above: This collier went to Berkeley, CA

Above: This retro style collier went to Italy

Above: This collier went to Canada

Above: This collier went to NYC

(Above: This collier went to England)

I work very hard all year to create original pieces with attractive colors that will embellish women of all ages. Find more my Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ValentinaExpressions

I am so happy many of my pieces are scattered in the world making their appearances at parties, special occasions or in someone’s everyday life. I am so honored, thank you all. Ciao,
Valentina
https://valentinadesigns.com/services#fashion-services

Valentina Cirasola is a trained Fashion and Interior Designer, born in Italy in a family of artists. Style surrounded her since the beginning of her life. Her many years of experience led her to offer consultations in both specializations and now she can remodel homes as well as personal images. She is passionate about colors and encourages her clients to express their individual style in their homes and with the clothes they wear.
To better help people all over the world she offers consultations online. She is the author of three books. Get your copy of Valentina’s book on colors: ©RED-A Voyage Into Colors on