Brooches saturated fall/winter 2024 collections, appearing on runways by Loewe, Moschino, Jil Sander, Erdem and more innovative fashion houses.
Yet, we say let’s speed up the trend cycle and reign in the season of the brooch in time for summer.
The brooch revival is anything but new. Like all great jewels, the pretty pins have a storied history, stretching back to the Byzantine era when they were worn as fasteners for shawls and scarves.
Commonly associated with the British Royal Family, brooches are deemed somewhat antiquated. According to Leslie Field’s book The Queen’s Jewels, The Personal Collection of Elizabeth II, the late monarch was said to own 98 brooches, including famed renditions like The Jardinière Brooch and Queen Victoria’s Diamond Bow Brooches.
However, this isn’t the case. Brooches, while decorative by nature, are also highly functional and symbolic. Not only can they hold a garment in place, but they communicate pointed meanings depending on the construction of the individual piece.
For example, the Princess of Wales often paid tribute to her mother-in-law by sporting one of the late princess’ brooches, a popular protocol adopted by royals wanting to nod to the legacy of deceased family members. Queen Camilla and Princess Anne do the same.
In addition to becoming precious heirlooms, brooches are playful pieces to toy with. Hence why we’ve witnessed an influx of the maximalist accessory in recent months. Bedazzled brand logo brooches courtesy of Gucci, vintage Chanel and Miu Miu are flying off the shelves, as are surrealist designs by Schiaparelli’s Daniel Roseberry.
No doubt the power of celebrity has influenced this spike in brooch-induced interest. The recent Met Gala saw brooches adorn the breastplates of Anna Wintour, Kris Jenner, Jack Harlow, Colman Domingo, Jamie Dornan and most notably Mike Faist, whose Loewe turnip brooch sparked internet frenzy.
Even the positioning of brooches is receiving a zhuzh. Fashion veterans are starting to embellish their handbags with brooches, opting for lapel-free placements to catch attention. Increasingly popular positions include in-between the collar where a tie would typically sit, in the hair and as a necklace if you have a chain to hand. Versatility at its finest.
Whether a crystal-clad designer staple appeals or an independently made floral design, a brooch to wear this summer is your one-way ticket to cool-girl status.
Discover the best brooches to exude dreamy decadence and shop the edit below.
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Gucci Double G Crystal Flower Brooch
Gucci’s brooch collection is a treasure trove of jewels. The brand’s insignia Double G brooch features glittering crystals which frame the antique gold-toned logo and dazzle under the disco lights.
Buy now £485.00, Gucci
Loewe Gold-Tone Brooch
One of the most sought-after brooches on the market, Loewe’s logo brooch is adored by fashion veterans across the city. The distinctive piece was crafted in the label's atelier from polished gold-tone brass and can be fastened to a scarf or label for maximum impact.
Buy now £225.00, Net-A-Porter
Ninemoo Iris Bloom Elegance Brooch
Add a floral touch to your eveningwear. Wolf & Badger’s diverse collection of brooches is one to peruse if shopping via independent brands floats your boat. This pretty purple jewel is timeless and playful in equal measure, adorned with shimmering zirconia stones for extra sparkle.
Buy now £46.00, Wolf & Badger
Cos The Chunky Chain-Link Brooch
Cos’ easy-wear, refined brooch takes inspiration from the curved shape of a chain link. It is smoothly rounded and bordered with flattened edges, injecting the piece with a contemporary feel. As for the construction, the piece is mindfully made from post-consumer recycled brass and plated with premium silver that’s set to last.
Buy now £55.00, Cos
Victoria Beckham Exclusive Flower Brooch
If VB is a fan of brooches, so are we. The designer’s golden rose adornment comes in a warm metallic tone topped with the brand’s insignia logo and a sleek, fine stem. The floral piece has been crafted in Italy from gold-plated brass and promises an opulent final touch to your all-black evening look.
Buy now £190.00, Victoria Beckham
Genevive Jewellery Dragonic Park Brooch
If you’re looking to invest in a heirloom to keep in the family for generations to come, look to Genevive Jewellery. The designer’s beautiful dragonfly brooch appeals to all ages and showcases a myriad of rainbow-colour gemstones.
Buy now £526.00, Wolf & Badger
Vintage Gold Tone Flower Spray Brooch with Glass Faceted Stones
We’ll let you into a secret, second-hand brooches are the most alluring. For affordable, decadent pieces with a vintage feel, browse preloved websites such as Oxfam and uncover a slew of covetable gems to pass down through the generations.
Buy now £24.99, Oxfam
Jean Paul Gaultier Silver 'The Gaultier Safety Pin' Brooch
Move away from traditional brooch silhouettes with Jean Paul Gaultier’s pin brooch. Showcasing the brand’s name in cursive text, the minimalist piece crafted from silver-tone brass offers a subtle touch of elegance.
Buy now £76.00, SSENSE
Brooches by Rain Handmade Chilli Brooch
Add some spice to your evening finery. This handmade chilli brooch is a modern piece to command attention. Italian sequins and Japanese beads marry to form a dazzling statement accessory.
Buy now £52.50, Etsy
British Museum Baroque Pearl Mermaid Brooch
No matter how understated you look may be, there’s always space for a dose of drama. This pearl-clad mermaid brooch is opulent, finished with cultured freshwater pearls, cubic zirconia gemstones and Czech stones.
Buy now £150.00, British Museum
The Diamond Store Diamond 0.25ct 18K Gold Brooch
Transform your outfit into a seascape vista. This stunning diamond crab brooch sourced from The Diamond Store is a fine jewel for luxury lovers. Premium quality diamonds are shrouded in radiant 18-karat gold. The perfect gift for Cancers.
Buy now £875.00, The Diamond Store
