'A Great Jewel to Send a Message': How Men Are Leading the Brooch Revival

At fashion shows and red carpet events this season, one accessory has been a favorite: a classic jewel brooch worn on a lapel or across the chest. Perhaps more surprising is how these creations, usually associated with grandma's jewelry box, have been particularly championed by men.

Actor Paul Mescal wore a vintage Cartier pin to the Baftas. Actor and director Michael B Jordan wore rare Tiffany bird brooches to the Academy Awards last week. Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor Oscar winners Brendan Fraser and Ke Huy Quan both wore diamond brooches to receive their awards, while RRR star Ram Charan wore a lapel full of decorations that looked like medals.

"Male celebrities wearing brooches on the red carpet, especially designs that read as more feminine, have a slightly transgressive feel, but they are truly rediscovering a lost fashion," said jewelry historian Rachel Church, author of Broo Ches and Badges. "Before the invention of buttons, pins and brooches were essential for holding fabric together. They were often status marks as well as useful objects. Fashion changed at the end of the 19th century, however, and at the By the end of the 20th century, most men wore little or no jewelry, discovering the delights of ornate accessories. over the past few years, starting with simple signet rings and chains, thanks in large part to Connell in Normal People,” says Charlie Teasdale, style director of Esquire magazine. >, in reference to the hit BBC drama. "Now we're at a place where it's much more acceptable for men to wear elaborate and precious jewelry on a daily basis."

This season, it looks like brooches va is only gaining in popularity as they were spotted in both men's and women's fashion shows in February. Gucci showed chains of pearls with diamond clasps, Louis Vuitton created tiny musical instrument pins and Grace Wales Bonner's menswear collection included exquisite creations of pearls and Ghanaian pearls. Rihanna wore three diamond brooches when she performed at the Super Bowl in February - another sure sign the brooch is back.