The brooch era: How a vintage staple became fashion’s badge of honour

Jess Cartner-Morley reports in The Guardian Fashion that brooches have decisively shed their traditional association with older generations and church fetes to become a cool, contemporary fashion accessory. The opinion piece, published on 13 May 2026, argues that the accessory has escaped its stereotypical placement in a grandmother’s jewellery box to become a significant style statement for a new demographic.

High-profile figures have been instrumental in this shift, with Zendaya, Meryl Streep, and Pedro Pascal wearing brooches at major global events. Zendaya wore a diamond serpent brooch pinned to the back of her white jacket at last year’s Met Gala, while Pedro Pascal wore a silk Chanel camellia the size of a sunflower to the Oscars. Meryl Streep added six brooches to the lapel of her Dolce & Gabbana suit at the Mexico City premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2, including pieces crafted from award ribbons presented by Barack Obama and the French state.

Cartner-Morley suggests that brooches offer a witty, elegant, and affordable way to accessorise, noting that they are often available at car boot sales for minimal cost. The article contrasts the accessory with earrings, describing the latter as emotional and sociable, while brooches are more interior and thoughtful. This distinction positions the brooch as a personal statement rather than a loud display of brand identity.

To achieve a contemporary look, the article recommends unconventional placement or sizing to avoid a traditional aesthetic. Suggestions include wearing a constellation of brooches scattered across a lapel, using a piece the size of a dinner plate, or pinning a brooch to a scarf. The weight of the accessory can also be used to alter the shape of garments, such as gathering fabric at the waist of a baggy dress or securing bra straps at the shoulders.

The trend is framed as a move towards personality over ego and style over fashion. By treating the brooch as a badge of honour rather than a mere ornament, wearers can create a look that is both subversive and intriguing. The article concludes that the modern brooch-wearer is defined by a small act of devotion to their mood and outfit, creating a pleasingly off-centre aesthetic.