Soklich & Co Rihanna Ikecho Autore “When accessorising ball gowns and off-duty wardrobes, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zendaya, and Angelina Jolie have all made a case for the timeless pearl stud <strong>–</strong> proof that this simple design is the quiet luxury item of the jewellery world.” In recent years, pearls have become increasingly popular with male celebrities. If you were to pin this resurgence on any single figure, it would be singer and songwriter Harry Styles of One Direction fame. Since 2019, Styles has often worn them at red-carpet events, while performing on stage, and in his music videos. These pearls are often oversized and luxurious; however, photographers have also snapped him in public with a more casual look. Timothée Chalamet is another high-profile pearl devotee and was recently photographed at the launch of the film ‘Bones And All’ wearing a pearl and bone choker. It’s become a particularly popular look in the music scene, no doubt in part driven by Rihanna’s relentless advocacy. Rapper Kendrick Lamar attended a Chanel fashion show with a long pearl tassel necklace to complete his outfit. A$AP Rocky was an early adopter of pearl jewellery, undoubtedly encouraged by his relationship with Rihanna. The rapper first wore pearls in 2019, and since then, they’ve been part of his regular rotation, whether for formal events or casual streetwear. Changing course Whether you believe that celebrities set the course that consumers will follow in the form of trends or are sceptical of the influence ‘A-Listers’ wield, one thing is for sure: pearl jewellery has proven itself to be iconic time and time again. Fortunately for retailers and consumers, jewellery designs have become far more accessible in recent years. Consumers no longer need to break the bank to purchase show-stopping pieces, and retailers no longer need to fear that pearl jewellery will sit on shelves unloved. Designers have become increasingly experimental with pearls to ensure that while the appeal of the elegance and class of the gemstone is preserved, it’s also jewellery that can be worn every day and doesn’t end up locked in a jewellery box, gathering dust. Louisa Chan, head of sales at Phillips Jewels in Hong Kong, says that the ability of pearls to blend into classic and contemporary designs means pearls are no longer reserved for formal events. “Current pearl jewellery designs exude the same elegance, but designers are more experimental and no longer conform to the tradition that pearls should always be strung,” she tells the South Morning China Post. “Ethereal pearls are juxtaposed with heavy metal chains; they are used to highlight a thick ear cuff, and thin strands of pearl bracelets are stacked with gold bangles. Since more men are sporting jewels on the red carpet, pearl jewels such as chokers and long necklaces are also coming back, but for men.” New Zealand jewellery brand Meadowlark was launched in 2006 by Claire Hammon and he partner Greg Fromont. Hammon told The Australian Financial Review that she never set out to work with pearls; however, based on their popularity with customers, she had no choice but to continue. “We started working with pearls a long time ago. I thought we would do them once and never again, but everyone loves them,” she said. “They almost design themselves. And each pearl is completely unique, so the jewellery is also unique.” Hammon’s work aims to achieve a harmony between casual and elegant. She says the days of younger consumers viewing pearl jewellery as ‘old-fashioned’ are over. “Just because something is classic doesn’t mean it’s old. For me, they finish an outfit so well. Pearls with jeans and a T-shirt <strong>–</strong> that, to me, is beautiful and really, really cool.” Jackie Kennedy once famously said that “pearls are always appropriate.” Today, that statement has never beenmore accurate. Pearl jewellery has never been more accessible. This opens the door for retailers to offer consumers the opportunity to recreate the iconic looks of yesterday’s influential figures, and to emulate the appearance of today’s trendsetting men and women. 50 | <strong>February</strong> <strong>2024</strong>
LUXURY PEARL & OPAL JEWELLERY 02 9266 0636 • ENQUIRIES@IKECHO.COM.AU • WHOLESALE.IKECHO.COM.AU <strong>February</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | 51
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