The Rise of the Brooch: Why Men Are Embracing This Bold Accessory
Once considered the domain of aristocratic women and vintage collectors, brooches are now enjoying a glamorous resurgence—this time pinned proudly on the chests of fashion-forward men. From red carpet appearances to runway moments, brooches are no longer just a quirky detail; they’ve become a full-blown statement of style and self-expression in menswear.
A Shift in Men’s Accessorizing
Traditionally, men’s jewelry options have been limited to watches, cufflinks, and the occasional ring. However, as gender norms in fashion continue to blur, accessories like brooches have found new life as tools for personal storytelling. Celebrities such as Timothée Chalamet, Pharrell Williams, and A$AP Rocky have been instrumental in this shift, appearing at high-profile events with eye-catching brooches that blend sophistication with edge.
Whether it’s a minimalist pin or an ornate gem-encrusted piece, the brooch is being reimagined not just as an accessory, but as an extension of the modern man’s style philosophy—bold, thoughtful, and unafraid of flair.
The Role of Luxury Fashion Houses
High fashion has played a pivotal role in elevating the brooch into the menswear mainstream. Brands like Chanel, Dior, and Gucci have seamlessly incorporated brooches into their men’s collections, often styling them over suits, sweaters, or even outerwear.
Chanel, long known for its iconic camellia brooches, has introduced more unisex iterations in recent years. These designs—crafted in tweed, pearls, and even diamonds—have appeared on male models in their runway presentations, breaking long-held assumptions about who brooches are “for.”
Meanwhile, Dior Men, under the creative direction of Kim Jones, has embraced brooches with striking flair. Collaborations with artists like Yoon Ahn (of AMBUSH) have produced sculptural pins and hardware that blend streetwear attitude with fine craftsmanship. Gucci’s maximalist approach, led by Alessandro Michele, has brought whimsical animal motifs and vintage-inspired pieces back into fashion consciousness.
A New Symbol of Status and Individuality
Far from being just decorative, the modern brooch serves as a symbol—of taste, status, and individuality. Much like a tie or a pocket square in decades past, the brooch adds personality to even the most traditional ensembles. The current trend sees men wearing them asymmetrically on lapels, on knitwear, or even on hats and bags.
In an era where personal branding is paramount, the brooch allows men to experiment with elegance without sacrificing masculinity. It’s a nod to history and heritage, yes—but more importantly, it’s a bold step into a more expressive future for men’s fashion.
So whether you’re channeling Old Hollywood charm or avant-garde edge, don’t be surprised if your next must-have accessory turns out to be a brooch.
About The Author
Debbie Azar is the Co-Founder and President of Gemological Science International (GSI), one of the largest gemological organizations in the world, and a distinguished leader in the global diamond and jewelry industry. As an executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries, her entrepreneurial skills and vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide, establishing 13 leading-edge gemological facilities on four continents. She currently serves on the boards of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Responsible Jewellery Council, and Jewelers for Children, and is a member of the 24 Karat Club of New York. She has been featured in Forbes, Daily Mail, Good Morning America, Bloomberg, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fox Business, Fox5, CBS2, BOLDTV, Varney&Co, The Street, and NASDAQ, among others.
