Hoop Dreams: Why hoop earrings maintain their seductive hold on fashion.

ABBY HOOP EARRINGS BY E MARANS

Guess jeans announced this week that their most memorable model, Claudia Schiffer, would return to front the brand's 30th anniversary advertising campaign. It's hard to believe it's been more than 20 years since Claudia made her debut in those flirty Brigitte Bardot-inspired ads. She's just as gorgeous today as she was when she wore the bustier and hoop earrings in the most iconic of her Guess photos. Guess executives interviewed in Women's Wear Daily singled it out as the campaign's most memorable image. I think it's because of its fresh, pared down simplicity and the fact that Claudia was styled in hoops played a role as well. Hoops have a unique place in the world of earrings because they're both dainty and eye-catching at once. The earrings Claudia wears in the Guess ad are on the chunky side but their outward projection suggests a sense of lightness and freedom. There's a feeling this woman is set free to be who she wants to be. The classic hoop is sleeker and lightweight and brings the eye to a woman's jawline or neck. Worn with hair done in an elegant upsweep or pulled back, this can have a very sexy effect. In fact, hoops have long been part of the style arsenal of the world's sexiest women. Sophia Loren wore them with low-cut peasant blouses in many of the publicity shots for her early movie roles in the 1950s. Today, Jennifer Lopez dazzles in her music videos in red-hot looks that more often than not include big hoops. For E MARANS, I interpreted this classic silhouette two ways. The Abby earrings, named after my very first customer, are teardrop-shaped and made of white gold encrusted with diamonds for major glitter factor. Our other style, the Charm Earrings, are perfect circles done in yellow gold and have whimsical glamour with attachable charms in the shapes of hearts, lightning strikes or teardrops. I call this look "jewelry for jewelry" and can't imagine any woman wearing it without getting a ton of compliments.

 

CHARM HOOP EARRINGS BY E MARANS