Fashion is alive with motion, Zoom-inspired magnitude and cool silhouettes even for winter looks, as designers predict a heat wave of haute couture style. Luckily, jewelry is a big part of the fun, especially pearls. The Pearl Revolution began a few years ago as younger generations continue to seek more sustainable products. Forbes said it best, “Pearls are a natural, organic, environmentally-sustaining and virtually-renewable gem. Pearls come in all shapes and colors, play well with other gems, metals and materials, and can be quite affordable compared to gemstones. What is more Millennial than that?” Fresh from the runways, here are a few noteworthy trends for Fall/Winter 2021-2022.

Fringe & Layering (with tone-on-tone suits, cropped jackets, corsets)

A sense of motion was key on the runways for fall. Freeing that post-lockdown couped-up feeling inspired a plethora of fringe, in both fabrics and accessories. Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Jil Sander featured pearl fringe with long beaded ropes swaying as necklaces or built into the fabric itself. Jean Paul Gaultier and Prabal Gurung opted instead for layered and jumbled pearl strands, both short and long. The look is worn with the popular tone-on-tone tailored suit, as well as cropped jackets or corsets.

Hair & Waist Jewels (with cut outs, crop tops and sheer fabrics)

Clockwise from upper left – Assael Single South Sea Pearl Hair Jewels in small, medium and large, Bubble Tiara by Sean Gilson for Assael with South Sea Pearls and Old Mine Cut Diamonds (Converts to a Choker Necklace), Bubble Hair Pins by Sean Gilson for Assael, Chanel F/W 2021-22, Model wearing Bubble Tiara by Sean Gilson for Assael, Giambattista Valli F/W 2021-22

Hair and waist jewels are also trending for the seasons ahead. Sheer fabrics were en pointe and designers like Giambattista Valli paired them with head jewels, especially pearl headbands. This “halo effect” (Vogue) was also seen with sweaters at Chanel and cut-out fabrics at Alyx. Notable headbands were also seen at Simone Rocha and Erdem, while Badgley Mischka and Fendi turned their headbands upside down, worn along the base of the skull.

Fall and winter this year will be cool with crop tops and/or tons of cut-outs, continuing some of the hottest trends from Spring/Summer 2021. Chanel featured delicate gold chains on bare midriffs with pendants at or just above the navel. Bejeweled belts were seen at Carolina Herrera, Dolce & Gabbana and Blumarine. Pearls and gold link chains were prominent at both the head and waist.

Pearl Drop & Stud Earrings (with sweater vests, texture, lavender, black & white)

Clockwise from upper left – Geometrix individual stud earrings by Sean Gilson for Assael, Dior F/W 2020-21, Assael South Sea Cultured Baroque Pearl Drop Earrings, Oscar da la Renta F/W 2021-22, Geometrix individual stud earring by Sean Gilson for Assael, Assael earrings from The Colors collection featuring detachable Tahitian Pearl drops and pear-shaped Aquamarine studs, Christian Dior F/W 2021-22

Pearl earrings were prevalent on Fall/Winter runways, as well. Carolina Herrera, Chanel, and Alessandra Rich opted for pearl drops, with sizable baroque pearls. Oscar de la Renta paired his with the chic and trending color of lavender. Christian Dior paired tweed and beaded fabrics with the simplicity and luster of pearl studs. Pearl earrings also make the perfect accessory for the many cable knits and designer sweaters vests from Altuzarra, Fendi and Salvatore Ferragamo, as well as ski slope snoods and puffer boots that abound for the season from designers like Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, and Etro. 

Statement Choker Necklaces (with prints, fringe, and dresses)

Clockwise from upper left – Assael Natural Zircon and Fijian Pearl bib necklace, Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2021-22, Christian Dior F/W 2021-22, model wearing Tiara/Choker Bubble necklace by Sean Gilson for Assael, Bubble Pearl Choker necklace by Sean Gilson for Assael

Statement necklaces with either large or layered pearls, as well as abundant floral motifs were popular on the runways, as well. Dolce & Gabbana featured oversized pearls to anchor their puffy coats or swaying fringe, while Christian Dior topped sheer fabrics with the solidity of a choker-length pearl multi-strand necklace. Large floral motifs in short necklaces and bold earrings were seen at Saint Laurent, Simone Rocha and Alberta Ferretti. Flower brooches also adorned the many tailored suit jackets from Schiaparelli, Prabal Gurung and Peter Do.

Multi-Finger Bling

Clockwise from upper left – Dries van Noten F/W 2021-22, Dries van Noten F/W 2021-22, Tahitian Pearl Bubble Ring by Sea Gilson for Assael, Bubble ring by Sean Gilson for Assael, Assael “Split Decision” single or double finger ring 

Last but not least, rings played in the limelight on multiple fingers for many designers this season. Dries Van Noten featured an assortment of pearls, while Ports 1961 and Stella Jean featured gemstone cocktail rings on three or more fingers. Miu Miu and Temperley London preferred metal rings for street-smart chic.

The fashion world is fully embracing jewelry this season and encouraging us not only to get out from behind the Zoom lens but to do it with sparkle and panache.