The Hitokoo 'Bling!' series provides an adorable alternative to real diamonds. The line is designed by Hitokoo founder, the Hamilton-based fashion artist Hitoko Okada. The necklaces use fabric jewels in place of real diamonds, and as the label describes, the Bling! series is a playful exploration of society's, "issues of consumption as a cultural obsession for acquisitions of status and luxury."
Okada hand-makes these clusters of gems using screen-printing and hand stitching. Each necklace is then finished off by being delicately placed in a cutely packaged box that also contains the artist's statement. The necklaces come in a variety of bright colors making them great statement pieces with an important message to share about what people place value upon. For approximately $75 US, the Bling! series is much more affordable and realistic to purchase than a diamond.
Fabric Gem Necklaces
The Hitokoo 'Bling!' Series Provides Affordable Jewels
Trend Themes
1. Fabric Jewelry Trend - As more consumers prioritize sustainability and affordability, creating fabric jewelry instead of using real diamonds and gemstones can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for the jewelry industry.
2. Handmade Accessories Trend - Over the last few years, there has been a growing trend towards handmade jewelry and accessories like the Hitokoo 'Bling!' Series, which presents an opportunity to transform the mass-producing fashion industry.
3. Packaging Design Trend - With sustainability at the forefront, creating eco-friendly and unique packaging, like Hitokoo's cutely packaged box, can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for the packaging industry.
Industry Implications
1. Jewelry Industry - The Hitokoo 'Bling!' Series and other fabric jewelry brands present an opportunity for the jewelry industry to offer more affordable and sustainable alternatives to traditional diamonds and gemstones.
2. Fashion Industry - The growing demand for handmade accessories presents an opportunity for the fashion industry to embrace handmade and locally produced products, enhancing creativity while reducing their environmental impact.
3. Packaging Industry - As more consumers prioritize sustainability, the packaging industry can embrace this demand by designing eco-friendly and reusable packaging that is unique and memorable like the Hitokoo 'Bling!' Series' packaging.