The single earring is an intriguing but difficult-to-master trend. Let’s face it, we’re not Prince.
It’s been totally misused by everyone from Rob Schneider in The Hot Chick to Pirates of the Caribbean’s Captain Jack Sparrow (or was that an embellished dreadlock? Either way, it’s a monstrosity).
So how do you avoid looking like a character in a film series that definitely didn’t need five instalments?
Well, Roksanda, Mary Katrantzou and Saint Laurent are here to help. The statement earring has been a motif throughout SS17 and has even popped up in some of the latest couture collections – cue Vetements and Jean Paul Gaultier.
The asymmetrical earring trend really only has one rule: it has to be memorable. None of these looks is small or understated. These accessories are detailed, over-scaled and often hang all the way down to your shoulder.
There's also an elegance to the single earring, so you could have a delicate geometric gold piece or something embellished with jewels, or be adorned with a floral design. It’s an opportunity to use your whole ear as well – whether you have more piercings and add smaller matching rings or studs, or fasten cuffs along the rim of your ear.
You might already have single-earring potential in your jewellery box! If an earring set is memorable enough, you could just wear one instead of the pair.
Here's some inspiration to make your dalliance with the single earring a walk in the park (not a walk on the plank).
Mary Katrantzou
In her latest ready-to-wear collection, Mary Katrantzou looked back at her Greek heritage. You can see this in her accessories, too. The embellishments look like olive wreaths – like the crown given to the winner of the ancient Olympic games. The single olive-leaf earring appears in electric blue, gold and yellow, reflecting the collection’s combination of classicism and ultra-modernism. Katrantzou shows how a simple design, when enlarged, can work for a single earring.
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images
Roksanda
Roksanda Ilincic’s creations have become a favourite with the likes of the Duchess of Cambridge and Michelle Obama. The Central Saint Martins graduate is known for her colour-blocking and almost Cubist use of shape. This extends to her SS17 jewellery, too. She used interlocking warped shapes to create really interesting silhouettes with gold wiring. If you’re die-hard for hoops, this could be another way to execute the look. Plus it would look cool with other gold pops, like a set of gold rings or accessories with gold hardware.
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images
Saint Laurent
Anthony Vaccarello made his debut for Saint Laurent at SS17. And basically, he made a collection for a laid-back, mum-jeans-wearing dominatrix. It was amazing. Among the sequins and leather were some pretty phenomenal ear creations in the shape of the YSL logo, with pieces on the lobes as well as the helix. While many didn’t dangle, these oversized shapes still made a big statement.
Photo: Bertrand Guay/Getty Images
Jean Paul Gaultier
One question: What did we do to deserve Jean Paul Gaultier? This sweet man angel is a blessing on Earth, and he’s just launched his latest couture collection. A lot of the jewellery featured floral designs – with blooms recreated in metal and silver bubble details that seemed to float up the ear. The whole collection had the feeling of spring travel; maybe this is the accessory you need for your next sojourn to Madrid.
Photo: Dominique Charriau/Getty Images
Vetements
It’s hard to know whether Vetements is meant to be worn at all, or simply contemplated. Let’s face it, this collection was more commentary than couture. Either way, there was a single earring present: a pearl chain strung from the lobe, connected all the way to a ring. It’s the sort of style you'd expect from someone with a collection of disconcertingly coloured contact lenses. But here it looks kind of chic. Just don’t hail a cab too quickly.
Photo: Kristy Sparow/Getty Images
Simone Rocha
Simone Rocha kept her jewels dainty for SS17. In line with her hyper-feminine style, she used asymmetrical dangling pearls and double-sided globes – they looked like crystallised snowballs. It’s an interesting idea; if wearing both earrings feels like too much, one could be the perfect compromise. And with the shapes of the earrings matching the embroidery of the clothes, you might just have to pick up the whole look.
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images
Loewe
You didn't think we'd let the boys miss out, did you? Spanish brand Loewe rounded off its AW17 menswear collection with a tuba-shaped single earring. Music to our ears. The intricate brass instrument demonstrates the craftsmanship of the 170-year-old luxury design house. If at all possible, pair this look with a leather beret.
Photo: Courtesy Of Lowe
Kenzo
Kenzo’s ready-to-wear featured a striking example of the single earring, the ombre beading matching the metallic golds of the collection. The design also appeared in military green and black, depending on the model's look. In the latter cases, the earrings were worn as a set, proving once again that you can wear just one earring from a pair you already own.
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