Flashy and ostentatious, bling-bling is one of the icons of hip hop culture. The slang term became popular in 1999 when 17-year-old rapper B.G.’s (Baby Gangsta) song “Bling Bling” made it to Top 40 of Billboard Hot 100.
Bling-bling refers to big and elaborate accessories either worn or carried as fashion statement or status symbol. The jewelry crawled its way from the hip hop stage to street corners. From the year it had cracked mainstream popularity, it had been around until early 2000s—it is said that the flame of its fame died down in 2003.
But the appeal of sparkling jewelry endures decades and trends. Today, bling-bling is making a chic comeback in the form of dainty and sophisticated lockets. And many young women couldn’t get enough of it.
Perhaps we can blame it to this generation’s love for all things vintage, but this modern version of locket necklace is piquing the interest of many thanks to its timeless appeal, sentimental value and uniqueness.
The said lockets feature something many look for in objects today: personalization. The wearer can customize them using charms or pendants or chains, however she likes it according to occasion or her preference.
Pinterest is currently replete with this kind of locket necklace, some come in bracelet format, and sellers offering it are now popping up in malls and online stores worldwide. One such brand offering this bling is Dutch label LOCKits Jewelry.
LOCKits offers a wide range of stainless steel necklaces, bracelets and watches. It features elegant designs and boasts of practicality as it lets the wearer create her own style by mixing and matching using interchangeable pendants and inserts (also called coins) and chains.
Watch strap company Asprey Time thought this jewelry is unique hence they brought the Netherlands-based brand to the Philippines.
“We found that there is a certain level of uniqueness in this brand that you don’t see very often in Manila or perhaps in Asia, so we thought that this would be something interesting to those who are into fashion or looking for new things,” Asprey Time Managing Director Marnie Chua said in an interview with Manila Standard.
Chua said LOCKits, or this type of jewelry for that matter, combines fashion and fun. “You collect things, you mix it. I think it is more dynamic than the usual jewelry that you will use.”
The accessory is made of high quality materials and claims to resist wear and tear. Cleaning it is no big deal, according to Chua who said that it only needs wiping with any type of cloth.
Since the opening of its first branch at Megamall in August this year, LOCKits has received quite a following from female millennials. “So far the reception is very good. The ladies are quite excited about it,” enthused Chua.
The future of the brand is promising, so much so that the Asprey Time executive revealed that they’re planning to have five branches by the end of 2016 and open 20 more next year.
With this development, we can probably say that the bling-bling is back from the dead and shines brighter than ever.