JNA Nov/ Dec 2021

MARKET INTELLIGENCE 56 | JNA Nov/Dec 2021 Even before these young male celebrities started wearing pearls publicly, fashion magazines would occasionally spot famous men in pearls. In 2005, Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan, best known for playing James Bond in movies, appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair sporting a leather cord necklace adorned with a Tahitian pearl pendant. New collections Pearl jewellery specialist Mikimoto has teamed up with Japanese fashion label Comme des Garçons in March this year to come up a collection that celebrates the universal allure of pearls, especially as a jewellery option for men. The Mikimoto x Comme des Garçons project seamlessly blends Mikimoto’s pearl expertise with the fashion brand’s edgy, radical designs. The “genderless” capsule collection consists of single- or double-row necklaces combining sterling silver chains and Akoya or South Sea pearls. Comme des Garçons was founded in the 1970s by celebrated designer Rei Kawakubo. Some of the pieces make use of the otherwise mundane safety pin in silver as a centrepiece that connects a string of pristine Akoya pearls together. Another Akoya pearl strand uses silver safety pins in varying sizes as pendants. “This collaboration began with an innovative vision by Rei Kawakubo to adorn men in pearls,” revealed Mikimoto. “We believe this will generate a whole new wave of trends and opportunities for Mikimoto. In an era when pre-existing values are rapidly evolving, we hope to further promote the beauty and potential of pearls.” Apart from baroque and small round freshwater pearls, Mateo recently stepped out of its comfort zone by using other pearl options in its latest collection, revealed Harris. “I adore all pearls as they are my birthstone and I have a deep connection and love for them,” he noted. “They are the only precious gems formed underwater and that makes them magical and mystical. I often gravitate towards classic round pearls and unique baroque pearls but for our upcoming men’s collection, we added exotic and beautiful black Tahitian pearls.” Other leading pearl jewellers have likewise come up with unisex pieces or special collections for men. Jewelmer’s Pearl of Hope bracelet, which is made of a braided leather strap with a single golden South Sea pearl in the middle, is an androgynous piece that can be worn on many different occasions. The pearl specialist also offers cufflinks adorned with golden South Sea pearls. Canada-based contemporary jeweller Romeo J meanwhile has an eclectic collection of genderless bracelets designed with Tahitian pearls and leathers, among other materials. David Yurman, on the other hand, offers a pearl necklace interspersed with a chain that gives the piece a more masculine appeal while baroque pearls – with their raw and unpredictable vibe – are the stars of men’s jewellery pieces by Completedworks and Alighieri. With more companies supporting the growing trend of pearls for men, other jewellers are expected to take a second look at pearls as a sophisticated and more sustainable choice when designing their next men’s collection. Harris explained, “The sustainable and ecological storytelling of pearls will attract new clients. Today’s customers are very intelligent and curious. They want to make an intellectual purchase, one where they are not doing more harm to the environment.” Indian groom wearing pearl jewellery 戴珍珠首飾的印度新郎 British celebrity Harry Styles wearing a pearl necklace at a red-carpet event (Cubankite / Shutterstock.com) 英國名人 Harry Styles 在紅地毯活動上佩戴珍珠項鏈 Les Classiques cufflinks by Jewelmer Jewelmer 的 Les Classiques 袖扣