London - Stealing the show recently at an Interstellar film premiere wasn’t its star, Anne Hathaway, but rather her necklace… or should that be “backlace”?
For the 31-year-old accessorised her deep-blue satin Richard Nicoll gown with a delicate silver chain decorated with stars which hung down her back instead of her decolletage.
But she’s far from the first actress to challenge convention with this look: Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Kate Hudson have all worn the back necklace – or “back drop” – on the red carpet in recent years. In fact, Princess Diana even tried it nearly 30 years ago, wearing pearls down her back at the Back To The Future premiere in 1985.
When done well, it can be deeply sexy. Subtler than a piece that nestles in the cleavage, a heavy chain hanging between the shoulder blades is a signal of independence: not for you the boring convention or obvious statement.
And, as the back ages so well and wrinkles less than other parts of the body, it’s a way for an older woman to draw attention away from a crepey bosom.
There’s something, too, about the slight weight of that drop at the back that seems to improve posture, straightening the shoulders, raising the head and pushing the pelvis forward, to show the jewellery off to best advantage.
Not every necklace or dress will work for this look.
A lariat works best: a favourite of flappers showing off their daring backless frocks, it is a long, clasp-free chain or string of gems that can be knotted or looped at just the right spot, leaving the remaining length to hang dramatically down the spine.
Other necklaces are designed specifically for this look, with tiers and loops that are shaped for the width of a shoulder rather than a chest, and clasps where they won’t be seen.
But even a simple pendant can work beautifully: a heavy, jewelled tassel, for example, adds the necessary weight to hold the necklace in place, rather than having it slip forward or tangle up in your hair or a dress.
The crucial factor, though, is to give the necklace room to breathe: it should not clash with the straps of a dress, the back of a corset, or long, loose hair, but drape elegantly into the space created by a deep-cut back unimpeded by straps or corsetry. – Daily Mail