A Trend Update

Hi friend,

Last week, a low-stakes drama roiled a tiny corner of the fashion industry. It all started with an essay (behind a paywall now, unfortunately) in the newsletter Total Rec about the seemingly ubiquitous $860 High Sport kick flare pants. Its anonymous author questioned the authenticity of the pants’ popularity, suggesting that fashion editors were incentivized to recommend the style based upon how much money they’d net off of affiliate links.

The post prompted a response from former fashion designer and current stylist, creative director, and boutique owner Kaelen Haworth, which boils down to: It’s more complicated than that.

It should be mentioned that High Sport designer Alissa Zachary came from The Row and consulted for Khaite. This pedigree explains why the brand’s been so well received. Fashion is still an industry where who you are, and who you know, really matters. And as Haworth points out, the pants solved a problem for women, offering polish and wearability all at once. No wonder they were knocked off everywhere. (Also unmentioned is the concept of gifting, which is common in the fashion industry; undoubtedly, at least some of the editors who have recommended the pants over the past year or two received them gratis or at a discount.)

The Total Rec essay also mentioned the “everywhere right now” necklace by Juju Vera, which prompted this week’s shopping edit.

These “It” items do not appear by accident; it’s a team effort. Juju Vera is repped by VSJ Consulting, whose roster includes other “everywhere right now” labels like Maria McManus, By Malene Birger, Rùadh, Still Here New York, and Lié Studio. They know how to route their pieces to the right influencers and how to land the right sort of press coverage.

But what the Juju Vera necklace has that the High Sport pants also possess (aside from a hefty, and yet not totally astronomical, price tag) is that all of a sudden its shape and size feels appealing. It’s a swing away from the delicate little Catbird chains that dominated jewelry trends for so long, but it’s also more unusual than the massive statement necklaces that ruled the aughts. 

In jewelry, “The shapes have gotten more natural, more imperfect, more ‘earthy’,” writes art director Annie Dabir. “They feel more artistic and unique than the legacy brands. I think these brands are popular because women value the unique over the obvious. Unique and individual pieces have become the status symbol, instead of having something everyone else wants.”

In pursuit of this vibe (seen also at brands like Le Sundial, Esha Soni, Ayllón, and Sophie Buhai) we browsed both new and vintage sites for rings, pendants, collars, and earrings. Scroll on for that, plus a few recs for your week.

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

When it comes to shopping for jewelry, there are (obviously) a ton of high-end pieces to choose from. But because many of these pieces are vintage-inspired, you can find great deals on throwback styles from resale and auction sites. This week we tried something new, pulling together a mix of new pieces and vintage one-offs. Our favorites are below.

• Simple yet opulent. Vintage Givenchy Collar Necklace, $265.50.

• Such a pretty ring. Lie Studio The Victoria Wrap Ring, $185.

• Lightweight and sculptural. Aureus + Argent Lyssa Earrings, $60.

• A cool bracelet from the designer behind Donna Karan’s jewelry. Vintage Robert Lee Morris Bangle, $132.30.

• A perfectly chunky gold ring. Parker Thatch Power Pinky Ring, $198.

• The right amount of off-kilter. Rachel Comey Sway Necklace, $195.

• Juju Vera vibes. Vintage Sterling Silver Carved Seashell Pendant, $92 and Silver Tone Seashell Pendant, $36.

• An elegant cuff. Juju Vera Smooth Cuff, $295.

• Love the scale of this. Vintage Robert Lee Morris RLM Studios 925 Teardrop Pendant 18" Necklace, $120.

• A rustic, handmade ring. Tataborello Talia Ring, $78.

• Just the thing to dress up a simple top. Ben-Amun Pearly Lariat With Two Tassels, $320.

• This sparkly set feels Alexis Bittar-inspired. Zara Rhinestone Earrings, $80.

• Very chic. Soeur Silver Pendant Necklace, $230.

• The hammered effect makes this a bit more boho. Susmies Reflejos Bracelet, $70.

• These are of-the-moment without being too try-hard. Jacquemus Les Boucles J Earrings, $250.

• What an incredible set. 1940s "Comet" Choker Necklace & Earring Set By Alfred Philippe for Trifari, $318.40.

• A more organic-feeling shape. Rebecca Pinto Silver Ginko Ring, $180.

• Playful and artsy. Vintage Modernist Drop Earrings, $76.

• So beautiful. Chan Luu Calla Lily Collar Necklace, $345.

• A stunning statement. Paola Sighinolfi Ocaso Bracelet, $113.

• The classic. Tiffany & Co. Teardrop Pendant Necklace, $114.

• This ultra-minimal style is on our wish list. Alexis Bittar Thin Collar Necklace, $195.

Shop the Story

TO STREAM Two new shows, two different vibes. For a tense thriller, there’s Zero Day (on Netflix Thursday) where Robert De Niro plays a president trying to deal with the aftereffects of a massive cyber attack. For brainless fun, there’s the new CW procedural Good Cop/Bad Cop (out tomorrow) starring Leighton Meester as half of a detective team on a Pacific northwest police force.

TO TRY We’ve been using The Simple weight-loss method to plan our meals, track our workouts, and help us overall make healthier choices – and we’re seeing real results that feel sustainable. Right now, they’re offering 50 percent off through our link.  #partner 

TO READ No Fault: A Memoir of Romance and Divorce, writer Haley Mlotek’s vulnerable exploration of divorce after her year-long marriage, is full of interesting realizations. You can get a sense of it in this excerpt where she talks about what happened when she tried to “open” the relationship.

TO GET These are our new favorite workout leggings. We want more colors! The material is comfortable while offering a nice amount of compression, and they don’t slip down during exercises. Just FYI, they do have a slight sheen.

TO ORDER We love this cute and simple service for meaningful cards – from birthdays to anniversaries to thank yous. You can personalize your picks by adding your own photos, a heartfelt message, or even a voice note. And with a few clicks, you can have your cards scheduled, sent to yourself, or even mailed for you. Give it a try, and get a free card, with the code GLORIAFREE. #partner 

Catnip, a beautiful new magazine for cat people. • “How to force women back into the kitchen in five obvious steps.” • A fascinating look at SNL’s Lorne Michaels. • Experts on who might need a measles booster.

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