There are two tribes that always form during award season. There’s the classic tuxedo gang who like their tailoring à la Sean Connery as 007. Think: black bowtie, crisp white shirt and a fuss-free suit. And then there are the A-listers aiming for the heights of the best-dressed lists, covering themselves in powerful prints and colours that literally can’t go unnoticed. In that corner, look to Anderson Paak’s Grammy’s ensemble or Mo Gillighan’s block-colour Brit’s outfit. You’re either into traditional tailoring or contemporary cuts and there’s little in between.
But wait! A new group has gathered on the carpets of this year's events, made up of those who would rather fall smack bang in the middle of it all; a suiting centrist, if you will. They wear universally-approved ensembles that give off the je ne sais quoi of OTT looks. And what is this magical piece that can bring a conservative ensemble into 2023? A seemingly age-old accessory: the brooch.
It started back in January at the Critics Choice Awards. Tyler James wore a Cartier Juste un Clou tie pin, amongst other pieces, with his AP Milan suit, while Jay Ellis opted for an 18k white gold brooch from the French jeweller to top his Louis Vuitton look. At the Grammy’s, Steve Lacy embellished his all-black Saint Laurent suit with a pearl-adorned and equally glitzy brooch. Paul Dano fastened a pin to his white Dior look at the SAG awards, while Regé-Jean Page doubled-up with Boucheron brooches at the Baftas. And at the biggest film award ceremony of the year, Michael B. Jordan and Paul Mescal pinned some pieces to their respective Louis Vuitton and Gucci suits.
The fixation with brooches comes at a time where the obsession with men’s jewellery is starting to plateau. With more and more men wearing pearls and colourful gemstones season after season, throwing on a bold necklace or drop-earrings isn't that ground-breaking anymore. While cufflinks act as a functional and decorative suit accessory, this adornment is purely ornamental, and it’s readoption onto the red carpet is innovative, too.
Also, they’re really easy to style. Brooches are designed to be eye-catching, so like all the aforementioned stars, your suit needn’t be on the brash side. Keep colours neutral, the cut simple and let that little accessory do all the work. Even better, there’s designs to suit every suit. If you’re more on the conservative side and want traditional gemstones, then opt for jewellery juggernauts like Boucheron, Cartier and Tiffany. Those on the other end of the spectrum can trust that their favourite fashion houses, Gucci, Celine Homme and Saint Laurent have a mixture of logo-laden and crystal-embellished designs. Pick your piece and let it pave the way.
