Cover BTS’ V (Photo: Celine)
BTS’ V (Photo: Celine)
1 / 1
From BTS’ Jimin and V to Lil Nas X and J Balvin, more and more stars and brands are embracing gender-neutral accessorising
We live in a time when gender roles are being shattered. No colour is delegated to a particular gender—blue isn’t meant for boys and pink isn’t locked to girls. The same holds true for jewellery. Whether it’s rings, bracelets, necklaces, or even earrings, gender-neutral accessories are becoming symbols of confidence, style, and courage.
We’ve seen it from celebrities like BTS members Taehyung (V), Jimin (Tiffany & Co’s newest ambassador), Colombian singer J Balvin, and pop star Lil Nas X, but how did this come to be? To answer that, Tatler dived deep and asked fashion insiders for their thoughts.
More from Tatler: Oscars 2023: From Ke Huy Quan to Brendan Fraser, the best men’s jewellery moments this year
Traditionally, jewellery has always been marketed towards a specific gender. Men would usually have simple styles for their necklaces, and only signet rings would have intricate designs. The flashier patterns would be worn by women. Not anymore. People are beginning to accept that we shouldn’t be tying any piece of jewellery to anything. Anyone can wear them if they choose.
The biggest jewellery maisons such as Tiffany & Co and Bulgari are on the frontlines of this more progressive push for epicene jewellery. Tiffany’s Lock Bracelet is positioned as the genderless alternative to wedding rings while Bulgari’s B. Zero 1 2020 collection is marketed as a unisex piece.
Above Jimin for Tiffany & Co. (Photo: Tiffany & Co)
Jimin for Tiffany & Co. (Photo: Tiffany & Co)
1 / 1
This particularly rings true this spring summer and haute couture season where we saw a rise of ‘androgynous’ or gender-neutral styling. Jude Macasinag, Paris-based Filipino fashion designer and owner of a namesake label, notes: “The notion of binaries continues to diminish in our society today. Menswear, for whatever it means, will be freer.”
“We are in a generation that doesn’t believe in being limited to what has been ‘taught’ to us and this ultimately excites me,” celebrity stylist Myrrh Lao To echoes the sentiment.
See also: Stylists to the stars share menswear styling dos and don'ts
Wearing these fashion statements is one thing, but confidence can only get you so far. How do you look good in them? “Just like any accoutrement, trust your gut then edit. Personally, when I feel like it’s too much or if the look isn’t working, I edit—meaning I either change, remove, or add,” shares Lao To. It’s all about finding the right balance and what you’re trying to go for. You wouldn’t thoughtlessly stack pieces upon pieces of jewellery, running the risk of looking too ostentatious and frankly, tacky.
The key here is thoughtful styling. “The energy in fashion nowadays is bursting with so many new perspectives and talent that break away from convention. Constant dialogue is an important aspect that we have to engage in. There’s a new sense of creative activism that I hope we can sustain because it’s really what would push our industry further,” Macasinag says.
Read more: Met Gala 2023: The best jewellery on the red carpet
As Marilyn Monroe would say: “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” But what about men—or any gender for that matter—who are trying to explore this trend?
“Go for it! Find a jeweller or brand that you can give your 100 per cent trust into. I personally frequent jewellers like JJ Jiao for investment pieces I can wear every day. I especially love how I know that each piece I get is guaranteed the highest quality and is made by the best artisans locally,” says Lao To.
NOW READ
On stage, on fleek: 5 pop artists whose jewellery made waves
6 of the most famous pieces of jewellery that were highlighted in Hollywood movies
Here’s what these gemstones say about your personality’s energy
Topics
