- Avarna Jain,
Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media
Are You Sleeping On Brooches As An Accessory?
Here’s a little on the history of brooches, along with our favourite picks of the season!
L-R: Karan Johar, Lewis Hamilton, and Ranveer SinghL-R: Instagram/Eka Lakhani, Instagram/Lewis Hamilton, X/Eka Lakhani
Whether it was at the Met Gala or any red carpet during the award season, there was one accessory that took centre stage. The brooch is clearly here to stay, and we're not complaining.
The statement accessory can easily elevate an outfit and can be worn on in a cluster, on the lapel of your blazer, on your tie, on your bowtie, in place of cufflinks, even on your shoes! The possibilities are endless! But have brooches always been the wearable pieces of art that we know them as today?
Like most of what we wear today, brooches were originally created for functional purposes rather than style. The origin of the brooch dates back to the Bronze Age, when brooches were used to fasten garments. Their transition into what we now know as brooches was a slow one.
In ancient Greece and Rome, brooches evolved into the 'fibula', a type of decorative pin resembling a safety pin, used to fasten garments. As craftsmanship evolved, brooches shifted from being mostly functional to decorative tools. By the Renaissance, brooches became a symbol of wealth.
Additionally, Mughal emperors would often decorate their turbans with what we now know as 'Sarpech'. They would often use the Sarpech as brooches as well. One thing that remained constant is that brooches were still being seen as an accessory for the wealthy.
Karan Johar is a card-carrying member of the 'Brooch Enthusiasts' clubInstagram/Karan Johar
In the Victorian Era, however, brooches came to be seen as symbols of sentiment. Mourning brooches came into existence. Mourning brooches were worn as a homage to a deceased loved one. These brooches would have miniature portraits and hair of the loved ones. Interesting, right?
By the 20th century, brooches began to be used purely as fashion accessories. Slowly, the accessory transitioned into what we now know as the brooch.
Right now, brooches are cooler than ever, and men are experimenting with brooches more than they have ever before. If you are someone who doesn't wear brooches often, we suggest you get on board with wearing them. You will be surprised by what it does to your outfit.
To help you make your picks, here are our favourite brooches of the season...
Coolest Brooches To Buy Right Now
Paisley brooch, EtroPaisley brooch, Etro
Buy it here
Bow pin, Carolina HerreraCarolina Herrera
Buy it here
Coeur Hyperbole brooch, Valentino GaravaniFarfetch
Buy it here
N°5 Signature Bottle Diamond Brooch, ChanelChanel
Buy it here
Lovebird brooch, MoiMoi
Buy it here
Macha brooch, Uncut by Aditi AminUncut by Aditi Amin
Buy it here
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