Vivienne Westwood, the mastermind behind the early fashion of the punk movement in the 70’s, was clear about the identity she wanted to express through her designs. It was about being provocative, anti-establishment orientated, intensely rebellious and unconventional.

Knowing the characteristics of her style at the time communicated very successfully to those who aligned themselves with those same ideals.

I think about this a lot: The importance of having clarity about what your style is and why. The WHY is most important.

Knowing yourself is to know your style.

And to know your style is to first know what it is NOT.

(No one needs to be reminded about how we used to dress if that style didn’t reflect our true self. There is not enough therapy available to deal with that. But maybe someday, when I feel confident enough, I’ll post a photo of my fashion sense from a weird moment in my past.)

While creating the earrings for this July 2025 Catalogue, the motivation for the style I’m slowly creating or stepping into, started revealing itself.

I keep imagining women with good posture, big collars, statement belts, one-of-a-kind carefully created textile jewellery, headbands that stand out, and unique skirts or dresses.

To me this screams of royalty!

No stranger insults a Queen or Princess about her style or tells her to change into something else, no matter what the opinion of the royal’s dress code may be. I wish this would be the reality for ordinary people too. Your style represents your character. When someone insults it or laughs at it, it is deeply offensive and hurtful.

#bulliesaresilly

I mentioned last month that BELINDA GANTZ FOR YOUR COLLECTION  was created for women brave enough to be seen as themselves. In the light of my emerging, personalised royal style, I want to add that my creations are:

• For women who don’t need permission;
• For women who see themselves as self-declared royals;
• For women who are drawn to beauty and grace;
• For women who celebrate their uniqueness;
• For women who are unapologetic about their opinions and about what they want;
• For women who cannot blend in;
• For women who value their independence, even while having a partner.

I gave royal titles to the July ‘25 earring pieces since working on them helped clarify the style I’m leaning towards. This is how your creativity can show you who you are – when you pay attention.

Belinda