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Harry Styles and Frank Ocean Are Leading the 'Kidult' Jewellery Trend. Here's How to Get in on It
Treasures to transport you back to your early years
You hear that, right? The sound of kidult jewellery, the kind worn by Harry Styles, Frank Ocean and Bad Bunny, jangling its way into the mainstream. Over the past year, the trend – necklaces, bracelets and earrings adorned with the colourfully kitsch insignia of our youth – has been steadily making its way through A-listers, B-listers, Tiktokkers, Instafluencers and /r/malefashionadvicers, and will soon reach the wrists, necks, ears and fingers of Joe Public. Unlikely as it may seem, we anticipate the day when smiley face bracelets, candy charm necklaces and flower power studs are as ubiquitous in ends as they are on End. Just trust us on this one.
In recent times, the jewellery industry has been busy playing with childhood tropes to: a) evoke happy childhood memories, b) act as a reminder to not take life too seriously now that we've – fingers crossed – reached the epilogue of the covid pandemic, and c) challenge outdated gender norms by inviting guys to embrace traditionally feminine fashion choices (and vice versa). As a result, pioneering labels like Éliou, Serge DeNimes and Hatton Labs have crafted some of the most experimental bijouterie to emerge this millennium – souped-up versions of the beads, charms and gummy rings that we all flaunted when we were rugrats.
Want to beat everyone to the craze? For your convenience, we’ve handpicked the best kidult jewellery pieces on the market and listed them below. Admittedly, some of the pieces are a bit out there (okay, very out there), but we believe it’s our job to coax you into extending the limits of your style. You can thank us later, kiddo.
Ian Charms Nico Pearl and Bead Necklace
Ian Charms isn’t known for its subtlety. On the contrary, it’s renowned for its extroverted accessories. But we must say the LA-based brand’s board game-inspired Nico pearl and bead necklace stands out for being one of the most understated interpretations of the kidult jewellery trend around. Fair play, Ian Charms. Fair play.
Frank Ocean’s Homer is much more than just another celebrity-endorsed cash grab, it’s a bona fide luxury label that has tangible appeal beyond the confines of the artist's fanbase. At the summit of our Homer wishlist is this childish-yet-luxe H-Bone ring available in six different colours (‘clover’ being our particular favourite).
Éliou – an OG spearhead of the kidult jewellery trend, approved by Harry Styles, Bad Bunny and Angus Cloud – have designed a nursery-inspired necklace that, despite its plasticky appearance (a very deliberate choice), is made with hand-painted ceramic and hand-blown glass beads. Neat, right?
A smiley face – one of the key emblems of the kidult jewellery trend – adds a ton of character to this Nialaya Jewellery bracelet made from freshwater pearls.
Not only does this Serge DeNimes Surf Bead necklace lean into the kidult jewellery trend, but it also feels very Y2K renaissance. Shades of mid-Noughties Chad Michael Murray, too.
NYC-based jewellery brand Fry Powers relies on a playschool palette to elevate timeless precious metal designs. Example A: The Cool Set – a collection of rings that, when stacked together, serve Big Slinky Energy.
Ah, the Polite Worldwide Lover necklace – a 14-Karat gold and freshwater pearl piece imbued with boyish charm that only a member of Drake’s lover boy clan (usually spotted loitering in and around Boxpark) could possibly get away with.
London-based label Hatton Labs’ greatest contribution to the kidult trend are these flower studs designed with an iridescent opal centre. Ooooh, sparkly.
A sterling silver-plated candy charm necklace crafted in Italy? Consider us sold. Thank you Eéra for your unwavering dedication to pleasing your faithful patrons (us).
British brand Chained & Able’s kidult offerings are approachable, affordable and – most importantly – heaps of fun. A favourite piece of ours is the Bad Kid Smile bracelet.
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