Unlike clothing and accessories, jewelry has little protective functionality, amulets aside. Bracelets and jeweled barrettes might not be able to keep out the cold, but a pretty bauble can certainly warm the heart. Beyond their intrinsic value, there’s a strong emotional aspect to these small and special adornments.
While every season has its jewelry trends, it generally takes a long while for specific pieces to feel dated—especially these days when designers are referencing many past decades all at once. Elsa Peretti and Nancy Cunard might have been the spiritual muses of the many silver and stacked bracelets we saw, but the pieces themselves looked modern.
Gobstopper-sized pearls, once a symbol of 1980s muchness, returned with a sense of fun. Speaking of amusement, instead of swinging on chandeliers, why not wrap crystals drop around your neck? Alternatively you might let the fringe fly from lobes and wrists. Fall’s tendency is toward big statements, but there were lots of niche motifs like locks and keys, flowers, and fauna. Ear-shaped earrings, mouth-shaped pins, and other body-inspired pieces offered an ersatz anatomy lesson. Several designers showed their smarts in terms of sustainability by making treasures from found objects, a reminder that beauty is everywhere to be found.
Off the Cuff
When it comes to bracelets, more is more is more and bigger is better.
Rick Owens
Saint Laurent
Alexander McQueen
Crystal Visions
Adorn yourself in crystal drops and outshine the chandelier.
Miu Miu
Off-White
Carolina Herrera
Gobstoppers
Pearls the size of Jaw Busters are more statement-making than sweet.
Versace
Dolce & Gabbana
Givenchy
Anatomy Lessons
Eyes, lips, and ears make for witty, conversation-starting baubles.
Schiaparelli
Raf Simons
Proenza Schouler
Major Statements
When it comes to large-scale earrings, sometimes one is enough.
Mossi
Rave
Courreges
Lock and Key
Jewelry this charming opens all doors.
Balmain
Fendi
Moschino
Fringe Elements
Get into the swing of the season with pieces that move along with you.
Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood
JW Anderson
Valentino
Bricolage
DIY goes deluxe.
Central St Martins
Ahead of the Curve
Arcs take the place of circles when it comes to earrings and chokers.
Stella McCartney
Head Starts
Fall’s crowning glories come in the form of ornamented clips and crowns.
Christian Dior
Gilding the Lily
Designers offer a pretty bouquet of floral motifs for fall.
Loewe
Noah’s Ark
These low maintenance pets deliver maximum joy.
Puppets & Puppets
Dries Van Noten
Chanel
Originally published in Vogue.com
