Iconic Jewelry of the 90s and 2000s. Haute couture has always been synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship. Since British designer Charles Frederick Worth established the first haute couture house, House of Worth, in 1858 on Rue de la Paix in Paris, haute couture has dazzled with its stunning bridal gowns, intricate hand-stitched beadwork, and delicate lace. These elements have become the hallmark of the world's most extravagant biannual fashion week.
The Evolution of Models in the 20th Century
As the 20th century progressed, the debutantes who traditionally served as mannequins were replaced by supermodels, whose mass appeal redefined the industry. Today, we love to look back at the 90s: an era just before the widespread access to the Internet, but also a time when the intoxicating glamour of haute couture transformed into pure delight.
The Alchemy of Haute Couture
What caused this stylistic transformation? Spectacular silhouettes, electrifying personalities both on and off the runway, and a dazzling array of fabulous jewelry. Supermodels of the 90s often needed just one piece of jewelry to make an impact, as demonstrated by Canadian model Shalom Harlow during Dior's fall-winter 1997 haute couture show, where she masterfully walked among opulent floral arrangements and statues, adorned only in a body-length necklace.
Iconic Jewelry on the Runway
That season, John Galliano, newly appointed creative director of Dior, adorned his muses from head to toe with jewelry. Accompanied by American model Trish Goff, Galliano showcased a floral corset, a chandelier-style choker, and shoulder-grazing earrings. Everything sparkled, from the hems to the stockings.
In Chanel's haute couture shows of the 90s, a torrent of pearls, shooting stars, and classic black dresses adorned with gold chains, created by Karl Lagerfeld, graced the runway. Top models like Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington wore these creations, cementing Chanel's status in the world of haute couture.
Memorable Jewelry of the 90s and 2000s
From Valentino's butterfly hair jewelry to Dior's era-defining pieces and Chanel's enormous crosses, the runways of the 90s and early 2000s were adorned with memorable jewels. We revisit the most iconic jewelry from these fashion shows in images, celebrating a golden era of fashion where luxury and creativity knew no bounds.
This brilliance and extravagance of haute couture remind us that in the world of fashion, jewelry does more than adorn—it tells stories of opulence, innovation, and unparalleled style.
Chanel has always chosen the best designers.