The shimmer of pearls is an eternal symbol of beauty, luxury and sophistication. These gently shimmering gems, extracted from the secrets of the deep ocean, have adorned the crowns of kings and the necks of aristocrats for centuries, and today they have become an integral part of the image of Hollywood stars and celebrities.
The red carpet, that mythical path of fashion and glamour that leads to the world's most prestigious events, has become a stage where pearls are revealed in all their beauty. The marriage of these two worlds - the elegance of pearls and the sparkle of the red carpet - has created a tradition that continues today.
In this article, we reveal how pearls moved from royal treasures to the red carpet, what historical moments they have experienced, and how they are now the center of new trends. You will learn about the iconic celebrities who established pearls as a timeless symbol of elegance, and how contemporary designers are reimagining them for today's audience.
Eternal Charm: A Story of Pearls and Shine
The history of pearls in human culture dates back thousands of years, when they were considered one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. In ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, and China, pearls were not only jewelry, but also symbols of power and wealth. Cleopatra, the most famous pearl lover of all time, is said to have dissolved a pearl in wine to prove her wealth to Mark Antony.
Royal courts across Europe cherished the tradition of pearls, and queens wore pearl crowns, necklaces, and earrings as a sign of their status.
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, only the most noble could afford such a luxury - in some countries there were even laws prohibiting lower class people from wearing pearls.
Coco Chanel, who shook up the fashion world in the early 20th century, gave pearls a new lease of life, making them a part of the everyday wardrobe. Her famous phrase “a woman should have pearls” ushered in a new era for pearls, becoming a symbol not only of the aristocracy but also of the emerging Hollywood elite. Famous designers and jewelers such as Cartier and Tiffany & Co. began creating exclusive pearl necklaces for rising movie stars.
Grace Kelly, who became Princess of Monaco, made pearls an integral part of her image, wearing them both at official events and in everyday life. She became an important link between pearls' royal past and their new era in Hollywood and on the red carpet. Such a long history gave pearls a special prestige - they became a symbol that connects past and present, tradition and modernity.
Pearls on the red carpet: iconic celebrity moments
The red carpet and pearls are a duo that has become an inseparable part of Hollywood history. Over the decades, the most powerful and influential names in entertainment have chosen pearls for their big moments, creating moments that have become immortalized in fashion history.
One of the most striking parts of the history of red carpet pearls begins with the legend Audrey Hepburn.
Her Givenchy dress and massive pearl necklace in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) became a cultural icon, and a similar ensemble worn at the premiere became a style benchmark. This moment fundamentally changed the perception of pearls - they became a symbol not only of nobility, but also of cinematic aristocracy.
Princess Diana, one of the most influential figures of the late 20th century, made pearls her calling card. Her love of pearls, from the famous Cambridge Lover's Knot pearl tiara to her many necklaces, had a huge impact on red carpet culture. Her pearl-embellished dresses and suits set a new standard of elegance at events in the 1980s and 1990s.
From Audrey to Rihanna: Memorable Looks
The 1990s and 2000s marked new milestones in the evolution of pearls on the red carpet. Nicole Kidman turned heads at the 2008 Oscars wearing a L'Wren Scott gown paired with an incredible 1,399-carat pearl necklace from Mikimoto. The dramatic length, worth $11.5 million, was made from nearly 150 pearls and became one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry ever seen on the red carpet.
In 2014, Lupita Nyong'o first stunned Hollywood with her elegance when she appeared at the Oscars in a Nairobi Blue Prada gown, subtly accessorized with Fred Leighton pearl earrings. The contrasting combination became one of the most talked-about looks of the year, proving that pearls can be both classic and unexpected.
Rihanna shocked the fashion world at the 2018 Met Gala with her drastic and avant-garde approach to pearls. Her Margiela-designed gown, studded with thousands of pearls, challenged the classic approach to these gems and ushered in a new era of pearl interpretations, making them a symbol of not only elegance but also courage and innovation.
The influence of pearls on the red carpet cannot be overstated. They have become more than just a piece of jewelry, they have become a way to tell a story, convey a message, and emphasize personality. Over the decades, the media and fashion critics have learned to closely observe how celebrities interpret the beauty of pearls, and their appearances often receive more attention precisely because of these aquatic gems.
Modern pearl trends: a resurgence on today's red carpet
In the last decade, pearls have experienced a true renaissance, breaking free from their conservative reputation and becoming a bold fashion statement. Contemporary designers and jewelers are striving to push the boundaries of traditional pearls, offering innovative interpretations that reflect the dynamism and diversity of the modern world.
Designers like Simone Rocha, Alexander McQueen, and Gucci are incorporating pearls into their collections in unconventional ways, adorning not only jewelry but also clothing, handbags, and even shoes. Baroque pearls, asymmetrical shapes, and unusual sizes have changed the image of the perfect round pearl necklace. We are seeing more and more experiments on the red carpet: pearls are combined with chains, crystals, and even leather.
Billie Eilish showed up at the 2021 Met Gala in an Oscar de la Renta gown adorned with over 30 Cartier pearls while maintaining her rebellious style. Harry Styles, one of the gender-bending style icons, has made pearls a part of his personal image, from his Gucci campaigns to the 2019 Met Gala, where he appeared with a single pearl in his ear.
In 2023, we are seeing a new trend at the ceremonies – pearl layering. Celebrities and their stylists are choosing not one, but several pearl necklaces of different lengths and sizes, creating an impression of abundance and luxury. Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and Florence Pugh are among those who have dared to experiment with this trend, demonstrating that pearls can be not only restrained, but also drastic.
Another emerging trend is the incorporation of pearls into men's looks. Jared Leto, A$AP Rocky, and Timothée Chalamet are just a few of the men who have boldly worn pearls on the red carpet, breaking old conventions. This shift reflects a broader movement in the fashion world that is breaking gender stereotypes.
Sustainability has also become an important factor in the modern world of pearls. Celebrities are increasingly choosing sustainably grown cultured pearls or vintage jewelry, reflecting growing environmental concerns. This awareness is helping to shape the image of pearls as not only an elegant but also an ethical choice.
The influence of social media cannot be ignored either – red carpet photos showing impressive pearl jewelry, instantly taking the world by storm and shaping new trends. Influencers and fashion bloggers are following the example of celebrities and adapting pearl trends for everyday wear, bridging the gap between red carpet fantasy and everyday reality.
Modern pearls on the red carpet not only reflect changes in the fashion world, but also actively shape them. They have freed themselves from the clutches of tradition and become a platform for experimentation, helping to explore and expand the boundaries of fashion.
The end
The journey of pearls from ancient royal palaces to today's red carpet reflects not only the evolution of fashion, but also changes in society. Over the centuries, pearls have remained an unwavering symbol of elegance, but their interpretation is constantly changing, adapting to the spirit of the times and individual personalities.
The red carpet has become a litmus test for how pearls have taken on new meaning and expression in each era. From Audrey Hepburn's classic necklaces to Rihanna's avant-garde take on pearls, these aquatic wonders retain their mystery and allure, managing to reflect both the spirit of the times and the personality of the wearer.
Today, pearls are not only a symbol of tradition, but also of innovation. They transcend gender, age and style, becoming a universal form of luxury and self-expression. Every red carpet event provides a new opportunity for pearls to shine and show off their timeless yet ever-changing allure.
Watching today's celebrities walk the red carpet, we see not only the latest fashion trends, but also centuries of cultural evolution, in which pearls have always occupied a special place - between tradition and innovation, between the past and the future, between the mysteries of the sea depths and human creativity.
Frequently asked questions
Why are pearls considered a classic choice for red carpet events?
Pearls symbolize elegant, versatile, and timeless style, which is why celebrities choose them in search of subtle charm or to create a memorable image that will remain relevant despite changing fashion trends.
Which celebrities have become most famous for wearing pearls on the red carpet?
Iconic pearl wearers include Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana, Michelle Obama, Rihanna, and Harry Styles, all of whom have interpreted this classic piece of jewelry in their own way.
How can I style pearls for a modern event?
Try layering with necklaces of different lengths, combine pearls with other metals, or opt for bold, oversized pearl details, as seen on recent red carpet shows.
Are there sustainable pearl jewelry opportunities today?
Yes, many brands now offer responsibly sourced or vintage pearl jewelry, responding to consumer demand for ethical luxury products.
Can men wear pearl jewelry at formal events?
There's no doubt about it - many male celebrities have made pearls an integral part of their red carpet style, thus promoting more inclusive pearl fashion trends that are gender-neutral.