Zippers are everywhere recently. They used to be a part of our clothing that designers tried to hide, but now exposed zippers are fashionable. They're like an extra decorative piece in your outfit. It seems to coincide with the tough girl look that has become trendy these days. It's also an inexpensive way for designers and manufacturers to add an edgy aspect to a garment or accessory. It's all about the hardware!
So where are we seeing this trend? Zippers are showing up on clutches, jewelry, and shoes (remember those to-die-for zippered Louboutins?) Dresses were decked out in zippers for the 3.1 Phillip Lim and Versace Spring 2009 shows. If you like this look but haven't seen Kate Cusack's zipper jewelry, you'll fall in love. I did! It looks like art, but functions as jewelry. Will zippers remain an outward part of our wardrobes or will they go back into hiding?
I think zipper accessories are a subtle way to add some edge to your wardrobe, and it doesn't look cheap like you would expect it to. It's just a zipper, the most understated, yet one of the most important parts of a piece of clothing. They can look luxe and artsy too. Check out Kate Cusack's website and you'll understand. Her designs are beautifully crafted. 
The Brooklyn-based designer has a background in costume design and it shows through her original and copyrighted jewelry line, started in 2003. It's feminine, yet tough and wickedly creative. She makes cuffs, flower brooches, and necklaces. I want them all! They run from about $85 for a brooch to $300 for a necklace in her Etsy store, and it's worth the investment because they'll never fall apart. Plus, you can request any design in 33 different colors. Cusack says she is looking into expanding her line into earrings and rings as well.
What do you think of zipper accents? Would you wear zipper jewelry?
Photo credits: Frank Cusack
