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Director's Choice - The Brooch is Back!
The Brooch is Back!
By Kimberley Smith
Brooches have been worn by both men and women for thousands of years. From ancient times where they were known as fibulae, mostly made out of bronze and used to fasten cloaks and tunics; to the Medieval period where wealthy individuals would wear brooches with religious motifs to signify their beliefs; to the Georgian era where brooches became more ornate and decorative, made of precious metals such as silver and gold and often included backed gem stones such as garnets and detailed metal work; to the Victorian era where they were often filled with hair or a miniature portrait as sentimental keepsakes; to more modern times where they became ornamental and design focussed and symbols of high fashion; worn by iconic figures such as Jackie Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II.
Though over the past 30 years or so, they seem to have declined as a prominent piece of jewellery in one’s collection… until now. As I browse through pictures from this year’s Paris and New York Fashion weeks, The Met Gala, Film festivals etc I can’t help but notice that the brooch is experiencing a major come back. Although I have been saying this for a while, as have my fellow jeweller friends who more than appreciate the versatility of a brooch, it is often felt that the brooch is slightly “old fashioned”, only associated with The Royal Family, and not on trend in today’s fashion. But designers like Tory Burch, Miu Miu and Chanel have been using brooches more and more in a multitude of ways; such as fastening layers, embellishing collars and lapels and also adding unique accents and variety to items such a knitwear, capes and overcoats; signalling a modern take on a timeless accessory and the brooches long awaited return to mainstream fashion. The brooch is a small way to make a big and beautiful impact, and as you can see below, well known figures are quickly catching on.
By Kimberley Smith
Brooches have been worn by both men and women for thousands of years. From ancient times where they were known as fibulae, mostly made out of bronze and used to fasten cloaks and tunics; to the Medieval period where wealthy individuals would wear brooches with religious motifs to signify their beliefs; to the Georgian era where brooches became more ornate and decorative, made of precious metals such as silver and gold and often included backed gem stones such as garnets and detailed metal work; to the Victorian era where they were often filled with hair or a miniature portrait as sentimental keepsakes; to more modern times where they became ornamental and design focussed and symbols of high fashion; worn by iconic figures such as Jackie Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II.
Though over the past 30 years or so, they seem to have declined as a prominent piece of jewellery in one’s collection… until now. As I browse through pictures from this year’s Paris and New York Fashion weeks, The Met Gala, Film festivals etc I can’t help but notice that the brooch is experiencing a major come back. Although I have been saying this for a while, as have my fellow jeweller friends who more than appreciate the versatility of a brooch, it is often felt that the brooch is slightly “old fashioned”, only associated with The Royal Family, and not on trend in today’s fashion. But designers like Tory Burch, Miu Miu and Chanel have been using brooches more and more in a multitude of ways; such as fastening layers, embellishing collars and lapels and also adding unique accents and variety to items such a knitwear, capes and overcoats; signalling a modern take on a timeless accessory and the brooches long awaited return to mainstream fashion. The brooch is a small way to make a big and beautiful impact, and as you can see below, well known figures are quickly catching on.
