The red carpet has become a canvas for bold fashion statements, and this year, jewelry is taking center stage – but not in the way you might expect. Gone are the days of predictable necklaces adorning necks. A new erogenous zone has emerged, and it’s all about showcasing breathtaking pieces on the nape, back, and even ankles.
Leading the charge is actress Taylor Russell, who graced the Venice Film Festival premiere of ‘Maria’ in a stunning Loewe dress and a Tiffany & Co. necklace worn backwards. The pear-cut diamond pendant, placed strategically at the nape of her neck, created an alluring and unexpected visual. This daring move speaks to a growing trend of reimagining jewelry placement, embracing unconventional and artistic approaches.
Cate Blanchett, a fashion trailblazer, has been championing this trend since the Cannes Film Festival in May. Her choice of repurposed pearls, draped over her bare shoulders, is a testament to her commitment to rewearing pieces and pushing boundaries. This trend isn’t limited to women; Ncuti Gatwa, known for his bold jewelry choices, opted for a single geometric Messika ear cuff instead of a traditional pair, further emphasizing this movement towards individual expression.
High jewelry designers are embracing this shift. Valérie Messika, founder of Messika, has long advocated for wearing diamonds anywhere on the body, even adorning ankles. Similarly, Victoire de Castellane, creative director of Dior Joaillerie, features bejeweled velvet anklets in her latest collections. This evolution in jewelry design speaks to the desire for freedom of expression and the celebration of unique personal style.
The trend of wearing jewelry beyond the neck is not entirely new. Princess Diana famously wore a long string of knotted pearls at the ‘Back to the Future’ premiere in 1985, while Ashley Olsen made a statement with a figurative lizard necklace cascading down her spine at the 2010 Met Gala. More recently, Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway both opted for necklaces that graced the nape of the neck at the 2013 Academy Awards.
This shift in jewelry placement reflects a wider cultural movement towards individuality and self-expression. The red carpet is no longer just a showcase of designer gowns; it’s a platform for bold fashion choices that challenge the status quo and celebrate the beauty of embracing the unconventional. Whether it’s the nape, back, shoulder, or ankle, the new erogenous zone for jewelry is entirely up to you.
