Brooches: Making a Smashing Comeback

Brooches: Making a Smashing Comeback

Introducing Ally McBead’s newest collection – the contemporary brooch made from textured copper, red brass or German silver with accents of leather, rivets and patina finishes.

What is a Brooch? In actuality, it is a large pin closed with a needle-like closure of historical significance in the fashion world. Let’s have a brief look at the chronology of the brooch.

First of all, brooch is pronounced like “roach” (so sorry for the indelicate comparison, dear readers). The name is derived from the Old French word “brooch” meaning “a long needle”.

History of the Brooch

· Earliest brooches have been identified as early as 400 BC made by Celtic craftsmen.

· Circa 1400-1100 BC: brooches popped up on the continent during the European Bronze Age made from readily available iron. Early designs were spirals and disks that were strictly functional (fastening cloaks during harsh winters).

· Circa 410-1066 AD: Anglo-Saxon Period in Britain (aka The Dark Ages). Enamel was added for color to natural forms such as leaves, branches & birds.

· 14th-17th Centuries: The Renaissance was a time of cultural, artistic and political “rebirth”. Being a time of wealth & opulence, brooches were decorative accessories enjoyed by aristocrats. Precious gemstones and pearls were now seen on brooches that identified the wearer as being from the upper class.

· 19th Century: Gold started appearing as the main metal of brooches which were worn to make a fashion statement.

· Victorian Era: Brooches made a social commentary. Popularized by Queen Victoria who started to wear dark-colored mourning brooches after the death of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861. This started a trend with widows of this era.

· 1895-1905: The short Art Nouveau Period began in France to counter the dark, somber tone of the Victorian Era. Flowers, insects & sensual women with flowing hair were examples of brooches during this time.

· Post-WWII: Famous jewelry houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels produced eye-popping motifs for the fashionable woman. No longer were brooches the property of royalty.

· 21st Century: After falling out of fashion trends for over 50 years, brooches experience a new surge of popularity. Two women of power became known for their brooch collections – the late former US Secretary of State Madeline Albright (had a personal collection of 200 brooches) and the late former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Carrying on the tradition have been female Congressional members, female Senators and First Ladies.

“Rules” of Wearing A Brooch

1. There are NO rules…except brooches are known traditionally to be worn on the left side anteriorly (i.e. the left shoulder, lapel, etc.). Truly, one is encouraged to experiment with brooch-wearing!

2. Brooches can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

§ Jacket/Coat lapels

§ Collars

§ Around the neckline

§ On a hat

§ On a scarf

§ On the waist or hip or sleeve

§ On the back of a dress/gown at the waist on a bow or to accent a low backline

§ On a handbag or satchel

§ In the hair

Sources:

www.history.org.uk