It’s time to dig out your grandmother’s brooches—this classic accessory is back in style.
Once considered old-fashioned, brooches are now making waves on the streets, red carpets, and runways. Noelle Sciacca, Senior Lead of Women’s Fashion and Strategic Partnerships at The RealReal, told Women’s Wear Daily that younger people are increasingly drawn to these pins. “We’re definitely seeing more interest, especially from younger demographics,” Sciacca said.
The second-hand retail site has reported a significant rise in brooch sales over the past two years. Sciacca noted that brooches are no longer just for special occasions. People are now using them in everyday outfits, such as clipping them onto scarves or pinning them to suit lapels.
This resurgence marks a shift from recent years of minimalism and “quiet luxury,” an era that seems to be waning. Sciacca observed, “We had that quiet luxury boom where everything was minimalist, even with jewelry. Our data shows there’s a move away from that.” She added that people are now mixing minimal pieces with bold accessories like brooches.
On the fall/winter 2024 runways, brooches were prominently featured. Brands popular with Gen Z, such as Tory Burch, Miu Miu, and Schiaparelli, showcased glittering brooches on lapels, coats, and blouses. TikTok users are also showcasing their favorite brooches and creative ways to style them, particularly as makeshift buttons, using the tag #brooches.
Brooches have also been a hit at awards shows and red carpet events. Celebrities like Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Matthew McConaughey, Barry Keoghan, and John Krasinski have all been seen wearing them. Bertrand Mak, founder of Sauvereign, which designed a brooch for Cillian Murphy, told Grazia that this trend reflects a growing desire to personalize fashion.
Frank Everett, Vice Chairman of Jewels at Sotheby’s Americas, noted an increase in brooches on the red carpet. He hopes this trend will lead to brooches becoming a staple in men’s fashion as well. “As a jewelry designer, I think brooches are the purest form of art because they’re like sculptures you can pin anywhere,” Everett said. “They don’t have to fit a specific form like rings or necklaces—they’re freeform, allowing for more creativity.”
Michael Saiger, Founder and Creative Director of Miansai, reported a rise in custom brooch requests over the past year. He attributes this trend to a renewed interest in vintage fashion, especially among Gen Z thrifters and secondhand shoppers. “Hardly anyone makes brooches anymore,” Everett added. “If you want unique pieces, you’ll need to explore the secondary market and auctions.”
Everett highlighted Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels as particularly sought-after brands at auctions. On The RealReal, Van Cleef & Arpels brooches have seen a 223% increase in interest year-over-year. “Brooches are the new update to the classic pin,” Saiger said.
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