Pearls are back: Classic jewellery trend returns to Chanel, Moschino and Gucci catwalks?

The classic gem has finally come out of its shell

Sarah Jones
Wednesday 18 January 2017 15:20 EST
Comments
Chanel showcased multi-layers of strands for AW16/17
Chanel showcased multi-layers of strands for AW16/17 (AFP/Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

No longer the reserve of nanas, sorority girls and cockney pearly queens – when it comes to these gems it’s time to throw out the rule book.

For a long time, pearls were considered the calling card of the ingénue and a badge of respectability. But in 2017, they’ve been given a heavy dose of cool-girl edge.

Uptight and stuffy? We don’t think so. Instead, you can expect to find classic pearls wrapped around chokers, stacked on rings and lined up along ear cuffs.

Karl Lagerfeld has long curated pearl chic but for Chanel’s fall 2016/17 offering, the designer sashayed the gem in multi-layers of strands – five, six, seven and counting.

For Gucci it was all about pearl knuckledusters
For Gucci it was all about pearl knuckledusters (AFP/Getty Images)

This was a reminder of Chanel’s heritage and the power of the pearl necklace never as we’d seen it before.

Paired with everything from frilly white trapeze dresses to classic tweed suits, these pearls were worlds away from the stuffy single strings you’d find at the bottom of your grandmother’s jewellery box.

It’s a trend that irrefutably dominated the runway with Gucci, Miu Miu, Marni and Moschino showcasing pearls in all manner of ways.

For Gucci, it was embroidered bodices and pearl knuckledusters while Miu Miu offered theirs oversized on pearl-decorated slides.

Marni complimented retro quaffed waves with gobstopper pearl earrings
Marni complimented retro quaffed waves with gobstopper pearl earrings (AFP/Getty Images)

Similarly at Marni, a collection consisting of high-waisted stirrup leggings and retro quiffed waves was counteracted by gobstopper pearls reaching around the model’s necks.

Evidently, the classic treasure has finally come out of its shell but how easy is this to translate into ready-to-wear?

When it comes to pearls, it’s important to give the Stepford Wife-look a wide birth. Instead, get provocative and pair your drop earrings or cluster rings with garb that has a little edge.

From rock ‘n’ roll band tees to ripped jeans and leather, the dainty pearl offers a touch of femininity to the toughest of ensembles.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in