By Deirdre Carroll: Senior Editor

 
COMING UP ROSES_POSTER
WHO: Gold diggers, leprechauns, alchemists, signature Tiffany’s pieces like mesh rings, keys and watches, Alexander Wang’s Fall 2011 Anais and Fabiana heels in blush, Brian Atwood’s ubiquitous Maniac pump in metallic rose gold, Cartier’s love of pink gold in its iconic LOVE collection and Michael Kors’ latest hue for his classic chronograph watch. Not to mention celebs like Vanessa Hudgens, Kim Kardashian, Dean McDermott and Victoria Beckham, who have all been snapped wearing rose gold items.

WHAT: When it comes to gold think pink. Rose gold is proving it is worth its weight by pushing all other metallics aside this season. A combination of gold and copper, rose gold—and rose gold hued accents—have finally found their way into the eyewear world. Designers have embraced it in a variety of shades—and price points—as the new neutral for 2011.

WEAR: (Clockwise from top left) Featuring rose gold hued core wires embedded in “vintage” crystal acetate, the Banana Republic Cassidy ophthalmic frame from Safilo is certainly not hiding its light under a bushel; in fact the softly hued gold seems to glow from within its crystal casing rendering the glasses both subtle and striking at once. The Monaco sunglasses from Sama gives new meaning to the term “golden rule,” it’s made of delicately coined, super lightweight titanium plated in 18k rose gold and topped off with 18k pink gold flash lenses. The new Burberry Nudes collection from Luxottica features universally flattering colors paired more often than not with the season’s hottest metallic hue, here the V2103 optical frame featuring tubular rose gold-toned temple accents stamped with the brand’s quintessential plaid pattern. The Maybach Limited Monarch I from Ivko-USA is luxury incarnate; all that glitters in this handmade sunglass isn’t just the 18k rose gold frame but the 2.32 carats of pave diamonds and black piano finish Ebony and Birds Eye Maple wood temples. It’s so exquisite only 50 will be made. The Swarovski Alex sunglasses from Marcolin is no less precious for lacking in actual precious metal; featuring the signature rose gold sheen of the real thing the stunning double brow bar metal front is paired with complimentary blush crystal acetate faceted temples reminiscent of the brand’s namesake Austrian crystals.

WHY: The resurgence of this unique metallic is giving other metals a run for its money. Warmer and more intriguing than its traditional yellow gold counterpart, rose has become the new gold standard. Flattering to many skin tones, it can instantly give the wearer a creamy glow especially when used in eyewear. Plus, it mixes beautifully with either silver or yellow gold so it never clashes with jewelry. Add to that the fact that it pairs well with a rainbow of colors—neutrals, pastels, and earth tones among them—and it puts a fresh twist on the proverbial “pot o’ gold.”

dcarroll@jobson.com