When asked to imagine pearls, the mind often thinks of simple studs or the classic strand necklaces worn to the ballet or opera. But designers have been rethinking how we can wear pearls in the modern world — leading to a renaissance of the cultured gem.
For instance, Prabal Gurung notably celebrated the gem last season with an avant-garde twist by sculpturing artistically beautiful ear climbers, which he contrasted with sharply lapelled collars and piercing plaids.
In contrast, Simone Rocha approached pearlescence with nearly all-encompassing looks that flowed in a way that was reminiscent of a Botticelli painting. Generously rich baroque, pearl-style, hard side bags were matched with flowing off-white dresses, and heightened with pearl-embellished platform sandals. Pearls have practically become the signature for the designer, who also used them in her collaboration with H&M earlier this year.
Pearls have been mixed with edginess, with Julien Dossena for Paco Rabanne who are famous for their amazing mesh and metal garments, and accessories, adding pearls to chain drenched garments, and pairing them with glimmering and velvety skirts.
Pearls aren’t just acting as jewellery – they also have been seen gleaming up shoes and accessories. From clippable barrettes that can glam up even the most casual of outfits, to pearl-covered shoes and even masks.
A red carpet-design royalty, Christian Siriano, has beautifully laid out pearls on customised face masks that work to fight the pandemic through donating all proceeds to charity.
The high street is also incorporating all of this pearlescent loveliness into their current offerings, with pearls featured on everything from pearl-dotted jumpers to mini bags that look as great with jeans as they do with a bias cut satin cocktail dress.
Are you looking to gleam things up this summer? Here are some of our favourite pearly pieces:
Words By Victoria Arrington
