The use of crystals as a cost-effective method of imitating diamonds dates back to the late 19th century. Daniel Swarovski is credited with inventing a machine that creates precision-cut lead crystals of the highest quality from sand, quartz, and other minerals. Lucite jewelry is made from acrylic resin and was developed by DuPont in 1937. Today, Lucite is a general term for all forms of plastic jewelry. During the FW22 runway shows, several designers used crystal, diamond and lucite jewelry to elevate the looks. FashionUnited has compiled the ten best looks from the current collections.
Bora Aksu
The London-based designer paired a top-to-bottom black and white patterned outfit, consisting of a houndstooth coat dress, a gingham check coat, and diamond-printed tights and gloves, with crystal earrings that hung down to the shoulders and a pearl brooch.
Vetements
Guram Gvasalia, who will be Vetements creative lead from FW22/23, chose a statement crystal necklace and crystal earrings to contrast with an activewear look which consisted of a white quilted coat, neon pink turtleneck, black trousers and red shoes.
Miu Miu
The Miu Miu collection was shown on the last day of Paris Fashion Week. Semi-transparent and sparkling dresses were presented, which were decorated with sequins and crystals. She styled it with crystal chokers and cuffs, and paired it with leg warmers and ballet slippers.
Moschino
Jeremy Scott was inspired by the bedroom scene in Stanley Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey. The designer told US Vogue, “I thought about the furniture you would find in a mansion: a Chesterfield dresser, grandfather clocks, picture frames, Persian rugs, birdcages.” For the show, model Mariacarla Boscono wore a black satin dress that reminiscent of a dressing gown and decorated with crystal chandeliers throughout. Chandelier-shaped earrings hung from her shoulders and she carried a clock-shaped clutch.
Tia Adelola
New York designer Tia Adeola showed off a crystal and lucite necklace with a sheer bra and pants embellished with feathers and a lamé diamond pattern.
Off White
In the latest collection, designed by Virgil Abloh, who died in November 2021, Naomi Campbell wore a large Lucite teardrop necklace that acted as the top and a matching clear clutch bag. The supermodel also presented a look of a black floor length coat, blue velvet trousers and a tall bucket hat.
Bronx & Banco
Australian brand Bronx & Banco showcased crystalline body jewelry beneath a sequined two-piece suit, paired with platform sandals and a whimsical ‘lipstick’ handbag.
Simone Rocha
London designer Simone Rocha showed off a sheer shift dress embroidered with swans, worn over a gray knit bodysuit with opera gloves and stockings. The neckline of the dress was adorned with green crystals and there were matching earrings. The makeup included eyes rimmed with crystal and pearls.
Carolina Herrera
In New York, designer Wes Gordon kept the looks classic at the label Carolina Herrera. Model Rachel Marx wore a black slip dress with a fitted bodice and ruffles. She wore a gold necklace with crystals and matching earrings.
Burberry
Riccardo Tisci presented three looks in London with diamond jewelery applied by renowned make-up artist Pat McGrath. A cream satin dress was adorned with diamond appliqués, and the model wore a matching jacket.
This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ