After years of embracing a more subtle aesthetic, the fashion industry appears to be favouring maximalism once again.
The shift is especially evident in the bold jewellery seen on fashion week runways and at major showbiz events since the start of the year.
At a party during the Cannes Film Festival last week, Colman Domingo wore statement Boucheron designs that were impossible to miss.
He sported a diamond- encrusted octopus tentacle ear cuff, paired with a chunky diamond ring and bracelet.
At this month’s Met Gala, Rose walked the red carpet in a sleek black dress adorned with an oversized bird brooch.
The dress, designed by Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent, was paired with a necklace, ring and earrings from Tiffany & Co – all equally eye-catching in their sparkle, if not their size.
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While the Met Gala naturally encourages more dramatic fashion, this year’s jewellery choices reflected a broader return to bold, attention- grabbing accessorising.
In March, Adrien Brody stood out at the Academy Awards wearing a large sculptural brooch by Elsa Jin Studio.
Brooches, particularly in the form of lapel pins, have already been trending in menswear for several seasons, but what is notable now is their increasing scale and theatricality.
On the runways, chandelier earrings are also emerging as a must-have accessory.
These oversized designs, often embellished with crystals, gemstones and metallic detailing, signal a move away from quiet luxury and towards a more expressive approach to dressing.
Case in point: the hard-to-miss oversized earrings shown at Saint Laurent’s Summer 2026 presentation.
Necklaces, too, are carrying far more than tiny, discreet pendants.
Instead, they have evolved into full-blown statement pieces, featuring oversized gemstones, layered chains and striking motifs designed to command attention.
From dramatic chokers to chest-grazing strands adorned with bold embellishments, the emphasis is now on jewellery that anchors an entire outfit rather than quietly complementing it.
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Rabanne, for instance, used mixed-metal floral necklaces as focal points for its runway looks, layering them over everyday staples such as pullovers.
So what happens to smaller beading then?
It is simply amplified – transformed into striking designs through contrasting colour combinations, excessive layering and multiple pieces worn together.
Celine did exactly that, combining colourful beaded pieces to create a striking contrast against clean suiting.
Whether seen on celebrities or on the runway, jewellery is no longer simply a finishing touch. Increasingly, it has become the focal point of an entire look.
