How to wear charms in autumn

A heart, a star, a small fish, an initial or a small flower. Each of us has our favourite pendant, a small charm that we wear on a bracelet or on our handbag for purely aesthetic reasons, but even more often to remind us of an important moment in our lives. Perhaps of a person who is no longer there and whom we want to feel close to every day. Charms are small, sparkling charms that protect us, seal promises and love stories, tell of broken hearts and first kisses, symbolise passions and dreams.

A brief history of amulets

As early as the Stone Age, people made jewellery from clay, animal bones and shells to use as ornamental objects. The ancient Egyptians made animal-shaped pendants and objects with important symbolic meaning that were worn as amulets or talismans to ward off evil spirits, protect loved ones in the afterlife, increase fertility and ensure prosperity. They were a kind of ready-made spell to fight evil and bring good fortune to oneself. It took until the 18th century for amulets to evolve into pieces of jewellery that told personal stories. This was thanks to Queen Victoria, who had a habit of hiding portraits or locks of hair of loved ones in lockets and then hanging them on bracelets, necklaces and watch chains. Charm bracelets as we know them today reached the peak of their popularity in the United States after World War II II, when soldiers returned home with souvenir charms from the cities they had liberated. Since then, charms have come back in different shapes and materials, gradually becoming more classic and valuable or more fun, almost kitschy, like the rubber and cheap metal ones that were in fashion in the early 2000s. Times and looks have changed, but what has remained is our passion for lucky charms and the fact that we use these little accessories not only for vanity, but also as lucky charms and keepsakes.

Passion for charms

Some people dream of being given one of the beautiful and very expensive Nick Cave's song-inspired charms from The Vampire's Wife, others pass them down from generation to generation and still others love to scout them out at flea markets. But no one can resist their allure. And no one is willing to give up hope that they carry something magical, mystical, like a prayer that signifies protection and love for the universe. Their appeal is almost ancient, which is why jewellery and fashion designers keep incorporating them into their creations. Here are some brands that make interesting pendants.

Panconesi

Tradition and innovation, art and fashion. Panconesi breaks the traditional concept of joaillerie and creates object designs that become instant cult, loved and worn by celebrities such as Tilda Swinton, FKA twigs, Solange Knowles and Michèle Lamy. They are true works of art with a strong visual impact and shapes that evoke a sense of movement and transformation: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings often adorned with pendants.

La Manso

Colour, pop & fun aesthetics and 90s style. The colourful plastic jewellery of Spanish Adriana Manso, better known as La Manso, is a real statement, an injection of verve and coolness that has won over Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, Lily-Rose Depp and Rosalía, among others. The project, which began in the midst of a pandemic, has quickly grown into a successful business with 14 employees. The secret? You only have to look at the chunky rings and other bijoux to understand: They look like delicious sweets that you can collect and eat (or better yet, wear) - all at once.

BB Smith

BB Smith is the brand of up-and-coming designer Brogan Smith, combining upcycling and inspirations from cyberpunk and sexy archive imagery. Every piece, from shoes to accessories, is made from waste materials from ethical and sustainable sources or from products that are no longer needed. And the result? A dream for those who love maximalist and slightly kitsch jewellery, like the Dubai necklace, which is adorned with a mix'n match of pendants. Namely, purses, golden fish, dolphins, pearls, key rings, colourful flowers and bows hang from the chain.

Chopova Lowena

No one can resist Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena's pleated skirts adorned with metal rings and snap hooks, but their brand Chopova Lowena offers much more. Among the most interesting items are chunky, 90s-inspired bijoux with pendants. Flowers, bows, bunnies, butterflies, keys, stars, dummies, colourful bears, ... do you already have your favourite?

Haricot Vert

Haricot Vert means green beans in French, but it's also Kelsey Armstrong's chosen name for her brand. Inspired by collages and anything that can be cut out with scissors, all the pieces are handmade in a flat with blue walls in Queens. Armstrong and her small team of creative women combine old Monopoly items, miniature cutlery and other found objects with small photos, which they turn into enamel pendants. The result is delightful, almost childlike, but it makes you want to collect each pendant. Not to mention the bags with the pendants. Definitely cute!

Jewelz by Mealz

Flowers, butterflies, beads, bears, crosses, stars, but also lizards, smiles, mirrors, coins and Barbie logos. Jewelz by Mealz's pendants are a nod to the 90s aesthetic, such as the maxi daisies and colourful hearts hanging from fabric cords that were all the rage in the grunge era and made celebrities like Emrata and Bella Hadid popular again. But the brand's jewellery is not only perfect for adding a twist to our looks, it also has a sustainable soul. Namely, they are 100 per cent recycled, with beads or charms from other small businesses or reworked vintage and second-hand pieces.

Shop Journal

"Vintage and secondhand, handmade and handcrafted pieces from our own line," is how Shop Journal Studios presents its creations, clothing and jewellery made to order "with love" The must-haves? The mini skirts with metal inserts from which small rings hang, the bracelets with snap hooks and the chokers with leather pendants.

NOTTE Jewelry

The creations of NOTTE Jewellery are a paradise for cutecore: Metal chains with bows, necklaces with a cord and a flower-shaped pendant, rainbow hearts, shells, but also cherries, tomatoes or orange segments. Everything is colourful, rich in vitamins and inviting like a fruit salad of bijoux that never fills you up.

Dauphinette

Founded in 2018 by Olivia Cheng, the brand debuted with unique outerwear made from recycled fur and leather, as well as handmade vintage pieces. Since then, Cheng has expanded Dauphinette to include handbags and accessories, as well as a rigorously thought-out selection of ready-to-wear clothing. The result is a dream collection with complex, optimistic and legendary pieces such as jackets and bags embellished with small objects and pendants. Dresses and accessories are beautifully set with shells, buttons, beads, colourful gems, flowers, necklaces, crosses, spoons...

CONFETTY

Paris, Tokyo, Milan. New and vintage. CONFETTY, Elisa Colonna's brand, was born from her love of Parisian vintage markets, with a dash of Japanese eccentricity and Italian flair. Her jewellery is collectible, but if you want to play it safe, the zodiac medallions, croissant and match pendants and heart-shaped earrings with semi-precious stones are a must. All lovely!