Understated, functional, and iconic safety pins are gaining momentum in the jewelry world as the latest fashion shows elevate them to one of the jewelry trends for fall.
Invented by Walter Hunt and patented in the US in 1849, the safety pin became part of the emerging punk rock aesthetic in the late 1970s. It has since been adopted by fashion and jewelry as a representation of the edge and influence of this movement.
The simple shape of the safety pin is not new to jewelry. Many jewelry and fashion designers have created beautiful pieces inspired by it.
However, in Balenciaga, Vionnet, and Sonia Rykiel’s Fall/Winter 2016-2017 fashion shows, the safety pin takes center stage and is displayed in large, obvious shapes.
The big statement earrings from Balenciaga bring a fresh and elegant edge to Maison’s looks and come in two different silhouettes.
Sonia Rykiel’s single earring leaves the safety pin softly hanging upside down, giving it an effortless feel, despite the large size of the piece.
Vionnet kept it minimal but bold by placing a safety pin earring across the model’s ears, in a delicate version reminiscent of the giant Viktor & Rolf Spring/Summer 2014 earring.
The safety pin has been around for enough time to be considered timeless, but these new approaches are a fresh interpretation of such a popular yet meaningful object. What do you think about this trend? Do you prefer the more subtle or bold safety pin jewels?