A Brief History About This Statement Necklace: Chokers
Posted by LuullaAdmin
Saturday 23 Jun 2018
Posted by LuullaAdmin
Saturday 23 Jun 2018
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A popular statement necklace that's been around since way back in the 80's, these choker necklaces are making a comeback and now, it's everywhere. A simple close-fitting necklace worn around the neck that has got everyone talking and apparently, did you know what it means to wear one?
While the innocent minds are unknowingly rocking the trend simply because of a fashion statement, it signaled the girl is a whore in the eyes of men ( if not all, some) and also a symbolism of submission. You know, like a submissive animal with a dog collar. The choker is also commonly known as the "dog collar necklace" after all. Anyway, that logic behind this is just ridiculous and what I have found on the internet can be pretty insulting to most women who love the trend and it usually leads to a discussion of sexual objectification, feminism and fashion.
As I've read on Mamamia, it puts us women in a tough situation where we're stuck in between being a "slut" if we wear them and if we don't, we're being oppressed by a patriarchy system. Now, this isn't a post to cause an internet uproar on feminism and lash out on men for sexualizing women on their choice of jewellery. Chill out, guys. Besides, feminism should be more about equal rights and pay instead of what a women can or not wear on a Saturday night or in this case, to wear a choker or not. I'm more interested to figure out where and why the heck that sort of idea came about. I've seen forums and watched youtube videos that discussed about the matter and honestly, it's no surprise why true feminists are outrageous about the things people say. I've even saw memes circulating on Facebook making horrible jokes about these choker necklaces.
Source: me.me
Source: Pinterest
Um, what?
Still, are we actually going to let the interpretation of others to define our fashion decisions? I think the more important thing here is the consciousness of the decision despite what everyone else thinks whether to wear it or not. Whatever it means to wear a choker, whether choker provocatively insinuates "choke-her" or not, we still see many people wearing simply because they look cool. Singers, actors and believe it or not, even royals. It does give an edge to the overall look.
Source: Wikipedia
Take example,Taylor Swift as seen on her Reputation album.
Source: Pinterest
Even Cinderella wears a choker. If chokers are associated with prostitution, Disney wouldn't be giving her one. Don't tell me this is a children version of 'Pretty Woman'.
As a matter of fact, the choker is one of the longest jewellery trend when we look deeper into its long story and history. Originated in the 1920s, this type of necklace has been in and out of fashion since the beginning of human civilisation. And with modifications made to these long storied chokers to suit current fashion trends, no matter how ridiculous it may seem No, I'm not judging. Okay. Maybe a little.
Like, take a look at this choker.
Source:urbanoutfitters.com
Puma Fenty by Rihanna Buckle Choker Necklace
Looks a lot more like a neck brace and it comes only in one size. What I can't brain is, people are actually buying it. It's sold out. Please tell me it's a joke.
Nevertheless, if you do like the trend, don't let the judgement of others, including mine, stop you. Plus, what they say may not be completely correct. If you're still not convinced about wearing these necklaces, maybe sharing some of the historical facts about these statement necklaces will. The facts are there. There are tons of other reasons why people wear chokers and they are not kinky reasons for sure.
The evolution of chokers is pretty interesting. Around the world and throughout history, jewellery has been believed to have amuletic powers and religious significance. They are said to offer spiritual protection from harm and physical protection and also, the after life.
Native Americans wore them as armours
In native American women wore chokers made of bone and glass for decoration but men use these collars as a protective armour. Well, if you think about it, it does explain why people in ancient history wear jewellery in all the vulnerable places. Places like wrists, neck, chest or head.
Source: native-american-indian-facts
14th century: Noblewoman wore them as a protection against diseases
In the long forgotten history, probably somewhere in the 14th century, Noblewoman in the Middle Ages wore chokers to protect themselves from diseases. The chokers with a Sant Sebastian pendant motif on it is believed to help protect them from the bubonic plague, also known as the spread of the Black Death across Europe.
19th century: Worn by ballerinas as part of the attire
In the 19th century, ballerinas wore a simple black ribbon around their neck to give the appearance of an elongated neck.It can be seen as depicted on Edgar Degas painting, The Star, as part of the ballerina's attire which was created in 1876 - 1877.
Source: edgar-degas.net
The Star, 1878 by Edgar Degar
1800: The uniform of prostitutes
By 1800s, a black ribbon symbolises that a woman was a prostitute.It was depicted in Manet's famous painting, "Olympia'. The painting in on display at the Musee d'Orsay, Paris which shows a nude women being brought flowers by a servant. Well, now we know where the concept of chokers = sluts came from. Definitely selective memory when it comes to world history, I would say.
Source: Wikipedia
Manet's famous painting, "Olympia', 1863.
Late 1800's: Royal Trend
In the Victorian Era, Princess Alexandra of Denmark wore the choker to hide her small scars. Soon, everyone wanted her black velvet and pearl fashion necklace. It was a beautiful thick choker indeed. Very much like the ones we'd would to prom!
Source: Wikipedia
Portrait of Queen Alexandra of Denmark
French Revolution: To pay homage to the Guillotine victims
During the French Revolution, these close-fighting necklaces are worn as a tribute to Guillotine victims. The citizens celebrated their survival of the Reign of Terror and held dances for the momentous day. Women wore red coloured ribbons around their neck as a symbol of mourning over their loss at the bals des victimes which was organized by the surviving aristocrats.
The 90's Choker Trend
Chokers became fashionable again in the 1990's and it was the peak moment of chokers and flooded the catwalks. Even celebrities started wearing them. The 90's kids who grew up idolizing Britney Spears and Spice Girls would surely remember the trend. Also, the plastic-made netted chokers were particularly popular especially among goths and trendsetters.
Source: whatthehellz.com
Tattoo chokers
Even men wore chokers as a fashion statement. After that, they kind of died down a little...but not for long.
And, today..
Chokers dominate the scene again and it was the spring summer accessory to own. The chokers of today are a little tad fancier, giving us more variety to choose from. They are a unique combination of heavy link chains, textures, patterns and modified with more sparkly crystals, charms, holographic shines, layering and whatnot. Hopefully this explains the Puma neck brace choker.
So girls, wear that choker and do not let anyone's negative comments dictate your fashion choices. There are sooo many people who are rocking the fashion like, Katy Perry, Gigi Hadid, Beyonce and even the former first daughter Malia Obama.
Source: teenvogue
If you look at the bigger picture, a choker could mean so many things. There are so many reasons why you do not want to miss out on this choker trend. I'll make a list for you!
Reasons to wear the choker:
1. They make anything revealing feel less naked. They look exceptionally nice when you put on a low-cut top, drawing attention to your collar bones. Wear it with confidence!
2. They create an illusion of an elongated neck. This is the perfect jewellery solution for people who are born with short necks.
3. They are a versatile piece that looks good with anything. Whether you are pairing it with a feminine evening gown or a masculine tuxe, they would look good on both.
4. Why should you care what other people think if this jewellery is your favourite piece. Durh!
Update your jewellery collection with this statement necklace with an intriguing history today. Looks like they would be around for many years to come.
