When Versace’s Spring/Summer 2021 collections made it onto catwalks, no one could foretell the effect the aquatic-inspired montage would have on the collective psyche.
It spawned a trend embraced by celebrities and other fashion houses that couldn’t get enough of Mermaidcore’s whimsical take on the ocean and the bountiful creatures in it. Who could forget Iris Van Herpen’s “tentacle” dress created from recycled plastic?
Accessories were elevated to sea glass jewelry and nautical necklaces, but not the type you’d find at an arts and crafts store. Marine life-inspired jewelry has evolved to the upper echelon.
These unique pieces redefine luxury jewelry collections, from dainty chains to charm bracelets.
Proliferation of the TikTok Trend
Seashell jewelry first made its mark on the fashion industry in the 1990s in a kitschy, maximalist way. These days, the trend is a more restrained version, a playful take on understated elegance.
TikTokers are now influencing the masses as they jump onto the fad. It’s become more than that as the ocean-inspired accessories dominate our Instagram and Pinterest feeds.
It’s spread into mainstream fashion and become statement pieces that add the wow factor to outfits. The more sophisticated they are, the more in demand they are. Big brands are co-signing the trend, adds a fashion online publication, cementing its status as a permanent fixture in the fashion industry.
The Link to Ocean Conservation
Nature protection and conservation is no longer a trivial issue, explains The Conversation. They are key to human survival. To demonstrate their call to action, scientists developed the concept of “ecosystem services.”
This essentially means that the benefits we derive from nature have evolved over the past two decades as our understanding of ecosystems and their value has grown.
Many jewelry brands are using the opportunity to amplify voices calling for ocean conservation. Jewelry and The Sea says they donate 5% of all profits to the Oceana Conservation Society.
Many brands support global ocean conservation. The move reflects a growing need for companies to put their money where their mouths are and actively support worthy causes.
For them, it’s more than just selling beautiful pieces; ethical brands aim to increase public awareness about protecting the world’s oceans.
Redefining Luxury Jewelry
The Boho aesthetic made a splash this summer and judging from fashion mood boards, it will remain for the coming seasons albeit in a more subdued way.
Celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Zoe Kravitz are forever embracing the style while taking inspiration from the Life Aquatic. Creative-wise, the ocean provides the perfect artistic starting block for jewelry designers.
A lifestyle blog adds that it was only a matter of time till the sea became the apt muse for luxury jewelry brands. Legacy labels are creating necklaces adorned in gemstones and crafted from 18-karat gold.
Smaller brands are making their mark by taking the traditional tennis bracelet and adding a fanciful twist with sea turtle designs. Sapphires are intrinsically displayed in dainty earrings, paying homage to the deepest blue of the ocean.
For these creatives, the ocean world is their oyster as they dive into its waters. There’s no telling how far the imagination can stretch.
For the Love of Pearls
Coco Chanel once said, “Luxury is a necessity that starts where necessity stops.” Her love for pearls was well-documented, so it’s no surprise that these precious gems play an intrinsic role in jewelry design.
The global pearl jewelry market is expected to reach $34.16 billion in the next decade. GlobeNewswire explains the massive prediction is partly due to the development of sustainable cultivation techniques.
Symbolic of riches and spirituality, pearls are taking center stage in the ocean-inspired trend. From starfish pendants to shellfish earrings, cultured pearls are a sustainable choice for jewelry makers.
Because of their inherent value, pearls are often heirloom pieces, passed through generations and prized for their simple elegance.
Touch of Nostalgia
For many, seashells bring back nostalgic memories of endless summers at the beach.
We’d spend hours walking along the seashore collecting shells in mesmerizing shapes and colors. Our beach hauls were incorporated into friendship bracelets or string necklaces.
Our sentiment towards the ocean will always be one of awe and inspiration. It represents life and abundance. As designers take sea-inspired motifs and give them a modern twist, the allure of the ocean remains.
Ocean-inspired accessories are redefining the luxury jewelry landscape. While brands embrace the trend, they’re doing their part to ensure the world takes note of important environmental issues like protecting the world’s oceans.
There’s no doubt the trend will evolve to reflect the current mood, but one thing is for sure; it’s not going to disappear any time soon.
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