FKA Twigs; images courtesy of artist’s Facebook
From Rihanna to FKA Twigs, 2016 has proven that whether nose or nipple, body jewellery is having a major style moment.
A Brief History of Holes
The practise, which has historical roots in societies all over the world, found itself intertwined with the ’70s punk rock movement, a subculture which it has remained associated with ever since. Then, the ’90s put bodily modification in the spotlight once again, with a Britney-led cultural phenomenon around the belly-button ring. After the millennium, the naval-centred style went dormant (we are eternally thankful) and piercings fell off the fashion radar. Enter 2016, a year in which body jewellery became the accessory of choice for celebrities and trendsetters alike.
Left: Givenchy AW15; right: Alexander McQueen AW16 (image courtesy of @milanparismensfw)
Left: Givenchy AW15; right: Alexander McQueen AW16 (image courtesy of High-Fashion Facial Bling
From the edgiest of bad girls to the most mainstream public figures, piercings are popping up on runways, Instagram feeds and magazines. For AW15 Givenchy sent the girls down the catwalk with full facial adornments and, this season, Alexander McQueen presented faux punctures smack dab on models’ cheeks. Fashion week is always about the shocking, and rarely were these looks found off the catwalk. Now more than ever though, piercings are gaining increased acceptance after their previous branding as a cultural taboo.
The Pierced Popstars
When FKA Twigs released her first LP in 2014, the experimental singer stole the hearts of style’s inner circle for her gelled baby hairs, fetish-wear wardrobe and gold septum ring. Ever since, the statement-making jewellery has become so commonplace that H&M and other retailers now sell pierce-less versions – a peculiar idea for a piercing that is so easy to conceal. For those willing to get the real deal, Twigs’ personal favourite jeweller Chris Habana offers a beautiful selection of embellished designs. His website lists previous collaborations with fashion favourites Gypsy Sport, Zana Bayne, Gentle Monster and Opening Ceremony, only furthering the case of piercing-mania.
Left: Chris Habana Winter 2015, photo by Dom Smith courtesy of Chris Habana’s website; right: FKA Twigs, image courtesy of artist’s Facebook
Facial adornments aren’t the only form of bodily expression gaining traction. Taking a decidedly more risqué approach are Rihanna, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, a crew of women who have all been photographed showing off their nipple rings. The fad’s resurfacing conjures up memories of an early Noughties interview in which Christina Aguilera, circa her Dirrty period, revealed that she had not one, but 12 piercings. Though shocking at the time, today’s nipple-pierced fashion icons have ushered in an era of increased acceptance. Earlier this year one Vogue editor even published a story documenting her decision to follow the wave.
Next Level Nipple Rings
High-end jewellers have taken note of this newfound market, with labels like Jacquie Aiche now offering nipple bars in 14k gold for around two thousand euros. Both Kendall Jenner and Bad Gal Riri count themselves as fans, with Jenner even going so far as to profess her love for the line’s angel wing style on her website.
With all of this hype around body modification, only time will tell for what comes next. One thing is certain though, and what was once a thrilling form of defiance has now become as ordinary as putting on a pair of your favourite earrings.
Left: Rihanna for Lui Magazine; right: 6 Diamond Nipple Ring by Jacquie Aiche