The Power Pearl The 2021 way to wear the classic gemstone

The Power Pearl

The classic gemstone has had an edgy makeover – here’s how to wear them in a whole new way

Pearls have captivated jewellery lovers for generations. They have a history filled with glamour, and although they were once seen as passé, the fashion-set has fallen in love with them all over again thanks to forward-thinking brands and designers showcasing the gemstones in a whole new way. Founded by Kokicho Mikimoto, who developed the first ever cultured pearl in 1893, Mikimoto is known as the world’s finest pearl brand but this prestigious heritage brand is leading the reinvention of pearls by creating unique designs with a contemporary twist. Here’s how to wear them the 2021 way…

WEAR THEM EVERYDAY

Once upon a time, you might have dusted off the jewellery box to unearth heirloom pearls for a special occasion but the whole ‘saving them for best’ idea is long gone. Sure, pearls look great with an evening gown but we’d argue they look even better dressed down. Try pairing simple pearl studs and a pearl pendant with a faded t-shirt and some boyfriend jeans. It’s the high-low effect.

Mikimoto 18ct white gold cultured pearl strand bracelet, £1,045, Laings

MAKE THEM MASCULINE

We should also highlight the most notable of modern pearl-wearing trends – that men are proudly wearing them too. Usher, Shawn Mendes and the Jonas Brothers have all been playing with pearl accessories while Harry Styles has taken to wearing a single strand with almost everything from smart suits to band T’s, sweatshirts, and Hawaiian shirts.

*All pearl jewellery featured is by Mikimoto, available at Laings Edinburgh. Mikimoto 18ct yellow gold stud pearl earrings, £280, Laings Mikimoto 18ct white gold pearl and diamond ‘Falling Flakes’ pendant on 17” Chain, £1,350, Laings

PILE THEM ON

Coco Chanel once declared that we should “wear ropes and ropes of pearls” and years later, young fashionistas from Bella Hadid to Dua Lipa are taking her advice wrapping multiple strands round their necks and wrists. When Dua collected her two Brit awards this year, she topped off her headlinegrabbing outfit with a three-strand pearl choker and matching bracelet, each finished with a chunky gold clasp. It’s all in the details.

Mikimoto 18ct white gold, six pearl and 0.14ct diamond ring, £2,250, Laings

RING THE CHANGES

Diamonds aren’t for everyone, even when it comes to engagement rings. Make like movie star Emma Stone by opting for a statement pearl ring instead. If you must have a little bling, choose a design where the pearls are accompanied with tiny diamond details. We’d definitely say yes to this chunky pearl and diamond cluster.

Mikimoto 18ct white gold pearl chain bracelet, £550, Laings

PUNK IT UP

Those with their finger on the pulse are swapping traditional styles for something a little unexpected. Models walked the runway for Jason Wu rocking long pearl drops suspended from a single ear, while cutting edge Japanese fashion label Comme des Garçons have teamed up with Mikimoto to design a punk pearl necklace embellished with silver pins and chains, which is designed to be genderless.

Mikimoto 18ct white gold duet pearl earrings, £880, Laings

Photography by Scott McWilliam

MYSTYLE Tegan Whybrow

Edinburgh-based stylist Tegan Whybrow on slouchy dressing, her go-to outfit and her fashionable Australian roots

STARTING OUT I fell into fashion whilst working in a bar back in my hometown of Sydney. All the staff had to wear black but I always made an effort and stood out from the others who tended to just wear skinny jeans and tank tops. When the owners needed someone to style the team for an event, they came to me. It went so well that I ended up styling the staff for all the big events and after I moved to Edinburgh with my husband, I started working as a stylist at AllSaints, as well as freelancing for different brands, magazines and artists.

SIGNATURE LOOK Tomboy but feminine or, as someone recently described it, slouchy! I was a professional hip hop dancer and choreographer for around 10 years and so I have kind of always worn baggy clothes, but I like to keep my hair and make-up feminine.

MY GO-TO OUTFIT Baggy jeans and a graphic T-shirt, an oversize jacket, some Converse high tops and retro sunglasses.

INSPIRATION Pinterest mainly, as well as a few Instagram accounts including @pipedwards, @majawyh, and @margaret_zhang. They’ve all got such cool style. STYLE ICONS I have two main style icons, both Australian women, both so unique. Pip Edwards (co-founder of athleisure/ streetwear brand PE Nation) who is effortlessly stylish and just so cool. And Christine Centenera (stylist, fashion director, Vogue Australia, and co-founder of Wardrobe NYC). Her outfits are so well balanced, polished but edgy. She’s great at mixing wardrobe staples with architectural pieces and a statement heel.

FAVOURITE STORES I shop mostly online. I like Net-a-porter, Farfetch and Matchesfashion for international brands. Mango and Zara are great for outerwear and accessories. And of course, I love AllSaints.

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS Good quality grey, white and black t-shirts, ripped baggy jeans, my Allsaints leather jacket, plenty of trainers and a lot of different sunglasses.

Follow Tegan on Instagram @teganwhybrow