A lot of jewelry comes through the T&C offices (like, a lot). But, when 92Y announced that “emerging facial jewelry artist” Claudia Lepik would be their artist in residence, it seemed to be part of a larger trend sweeping the spring 2020 collections walking right now.
Just in the past week alone, the designers Daniel Roseberry at Schiaparelli, Pier Paolo Piccioli at Valentino, and Giambattista Valli have all sent looks down their runways that put on vivid display exuberant, bejeweled facial adornments, embellishments, and accessories. These are not accomplishments in make-up artistry, but specifically designed decorative flourishes that extend the craftsmanship of luxury dresses to the face. And, they look pretty fabulous, too.
The prominence of these delicate accessories to enhance the eyes and the face may be a continuation of the influence of HBO’s Euphoria on fashion designers; the fanciful eye make-up and beauty so boldly practiced in the show started to turn up on runways during New York Fashion Week.
Facial jewelry—an experimental approach to where and how jewelry can be worn that is more advanced than simple facial piercings—is nothing new, of course. But a new generation of designers has been quietly taking it to exciting new levels.
Lepik, who is from Estonia, was initially inspired by a group of Estonians called Setos, who wear layers of coin-like necklaces that make silvery tinkling noises as they walk around. But she didn’t want to make replicas, and instead applied the jewelry to her face.
“I started thinking about hiding myself behind my jewelry,” Lepik said. “This is not for a laid-back person, it’s wearable but never commercial.”
Read more about why facial jewelry is sweeping fashion right now on the Town & Country website HERE
