When Linda Cui Zhang, Nordstrom’s associate fashion director and a style icon in her own right, first spotted The Row’s now-iconic comb necklace, something sparked. The palm-sized silver-plated brass comb, transformed into a pendant with a sleek black nappa leather cord, was a bold reimagining of an everyday item. Though its steep price—up to HK$50,000 on resale platforms—put it out of reach for many, Zhang was inspired. Instead of purchasing the original, she recreated the look using wax cord and a silver baby comb found on The RealReal, a second-hand luxury marketplace.
This humble comb necklace marked the beginning of a trend for Zhang, who began incorporating more objects-as-accessories into her wardrobe. She’s not alone. Designers across the fashion world are increasingly merging the boundaries between jewelry, art, and household items. MM6 Maison Margiela, for example, offers a necklace with a pendant made from a small round mirror, while Lemaire’s collection includes wearable bird calls, brushes, and flasks. Meanwhile, New York’s “It girl” brand Susan Alexandra has taken everyday items like beaded lighter cases and turned them into chic bag charms or necklaces. Renata Q, another rising designer, blends crochet and seashells to create highly coveted statement pieces.
“There’s this growing desire for versatile, multifunctional pieces that can transition seamlessly between different settings,” says Zhang. “I wear these everyday objects as necklaces because they feel personal, yet add something unique to casual outfits.”
Zhang points to her own Lemaire mirror necklace, which is as functional as it is fashionable, helping her stay composed during busy New York summers. “It’s that mix of practicality and beauty,” she adds. “We want our clothes to function, but at the same time, we want our functional items—whether lipstick cases, mirrors, or keychains—to be aesthetically pleasing.”
The concept of wearable objects isn’t entirely new. Lemaire’s flask necklace, for instance, can trace its roots back to Elsa Peretti’s groundbreaking designs for Tiffany & Co., including a jug pendant that’s still available today. With many people gravitating toward minimalist, timeless clothing for both practicality and sustainability, these whimsical, artistic accessories offer an outlet for individuality and fun.
“Wearing something quirky like a mirror or a fork as jewelry is a way to showcase your personality,” Zhang notes. “It’s also a great conversation starter, which is especially nice for introverts like me.”
There’s often a playful, even surrealist, element at play in these designs. The trend recalls Elsa Schiaparelli’s collaborations with Salvador Dalí, which produced eccentric creations like a powder compact that mimicked a rotary phone dial and dresses printed with Dalí’s famous lobster motif. It’s about taking the mundane and making it magical, as Los Angeles-based designer Sophie Buhai explains.
“Sometimes it’s just about capturing an idea or sparking joy,” says Buhai, who has created everything from pillboxes to lighter cases and even a magnifying glass necklace. For her, these items are more than just accessories—they’re part of a broader love for decorative arts and heirloom pieces. “I’ve always been drawn to the idea of jewelry that transcends fashion—pieces that sit on your vanity or dinner table and become part of your life’s narrative,” she says.
In contrast to more conventional gold or silver rings, wearable objects offer a low-risk yet thoughtful gift option. A ring size might be tricky to guess, but a beautifully crafted lighter case or pillbox can still be deeply personal. These functional yet stylish items offer a unique alternative to traditional jewelry gifting, adding a sense of both practicality and individuality.
For many, these pieces also signal a connection to nature or nostalgia. Lemaire’s bird calls and Renata Q’s seashell-adorned accessories evoke a longing for the natural world, even for city-dwellers who may not spend much time outdoors. This sentiment is mirrored across the fashion industry, where sporty accents like boat shoes and corded details have gained popularity.
“In a way, wearing a shell necklace is like bringing the outside in,” Zhang observes. “In a world where so much of our interaction happens through screens, there’s a yearning for something tangible and natural.”
As fashion continues to evolve, the trend of turning everyday objects into high-end accessories shows no sign of slowing down. Whether it’s the practicality of a mirror necklace or the playfulness of a fork pendant, wearable objects offer a unique way to express personality and bring a touch of whimsy into the everyday wardrobe.
Related articles:
Sunrise Jewelry Introduces Stunning Bezel-Set Diamond Bracelets And Tennis Necklaces
September Vicenzaoro: Unveiling The Pinnacle Of Jewelry And Watch Innovation
Kurate International To Reveal New Jewellery And Watch Collections At Tfwa World Exhibition
