DEC 2011

BANGLE STACKS - an ancient tradition, a modern favourite. What's the appeal? A stack of bangles is a fantasia of colour, easily changeable to suit your mood and occasion. Versatile enough for a night out, special enough for a wedding party: bangle stacks are definitely the hottest thing to have on your arm right now!

JEWELLERY WITH MEANING

Bangles have been worn for thousands of years, crafted from terracotta, stone, bronze, gold, silver and glass. In fact, one of the very earliest examples can be found on the arm of a bronze statuette found in Mohenjodaro, date to around 2500 BC. Bangle stacks were traditionally worn by married women, and sometimes linked to a husband's health or longevity. Quite naturally, this belief made many woman so cautious that they would wind their sari around their arm while removing bangles to clean or change them.

MODERN APPEAL

Ever since our ancestors started slipping hoops round their waists, bangles have never gone out of style. Today we love them, in part because they’re part of our history, but also because they’re gorgeously feminine and irresistibly glamorous. Modern Indian women wear them to celebrate, to remember, and sometimes simple to express their individuality.

HOW TO WEAR YOUR BANGLE STACK

Want to give any outfit more pop? Start colour blocking – a key look at Chloe and Burberry this season. To successfully colour block, stick to just one or two bright colours, ensuring that they match one another in intensity. Choose a bangle stack of one or two extravagant colours, and match or contrast it with a bright handbag or cocktail ring. It’s perfect for a night out or engagement party: the colour blocking trend is frivolous and fabulous.

BOHO CHIC

Bangle stacks are essential for the folksy, international-style look – check out our Bolly Dolly feature here. Mix your bangles with rich patterns and print to get the ‘eclectic eccentric’ style beloved at Balenciaga (similar available at Topshop). Don’t be afraid to pile on the jewels: there’s a sense of abundance in this season’s style. Add one or more long, vintage-style pendants and a big, bring ring. Gorgeous!

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