Top Trend: Rhinestone Accessories

Who hasn’t been caught in a moment of pure delight lip-synching to Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”? While the connection to this Fall/Winter 2017 top trend might seem a bit far-fetched, we argue that diamonds are a luxury not everyone can afford. Luckily enough, rhinestones certainly are. So put on your reading glasses, because here’s a thorough analysis of this sparkly trend – from head to toe.

First things first, let’s talk headpieces. The Dolce & Gabbana tiaras and crowns are probably the easiest way to get your rhinestone on, still one must admit those are not the most practical pieces to pull off on a day-to-day basis. But then again, if you are to wear rhinestones on your head, wear them proudly – and unapologetically. Take example on the Miu Miu girls and their cascading headpieces, quite reminiscent of a bold Julie Andrews in “Victor Victoria”. When it comes to rhinestones, Miuccia Prada definitely did not disappoint with a complete set a jewels from chandelier earrings to hat brooches and sparkling eyewear, which are sure to bring the drama up a notch.

Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Saint Laurent

Rhinestones are quite a tricky material, and it somehow always seems to be on the verge of glamour and kitsch (see Blumarine’s nod to the Noughties). This season you’ll discover the material can be found on, let’s say, unexpected parts of the body. On silver tights at Chanel, which leads us to think that famous RuPaul ’s Drag Race one-liner (“You’re perfect, you’re beautiful, you look like Linda Evangelista! Did you stone those tights?”) might have caught the attention of Karl Lagerfeld himself. Rhinestones are even found on a men’s fanny pack at Gucci, or as the illusion of a haute joaillerie bracelet at Alexander Wang and Rochas. Not to forget the rhinestone initial on a series of mini bags – funnily enough, “R” stands for both “Rochas” and “rhinestone”.

Rochas, Blumarine, Chanel

There wouldn’t be a rhinestone trend without sparkly, dazzling, buy-me-now footwear. In this category, Anthony Vaccarello at Saint Laurent wasn’t afraid to go heavy-handed. With highly luxurious rhinestone-covered boots, he probably delivered one of the most sought-after accessories of the season. Looking at this shimmery attire, there is no doubt even Marilyn Monroe would have changed her mind about rhinestones. We certainly did.

Maxime Der Nahabedian

Initially trained to become a specialized translator from English and German to French, Maxime has been writing for fashion and lifestyle publications for about three years. First as a Managing Editor for the quarterly fashion & art magazine Crash where he worked on ten issues, then most recently for the French online media Saywho.fr. His topics of choice go from fashion shows and exhibitions reviews to interviews with various cultural figures (Beth Ditto, Lilly Collins, Aitor Throup).