You weren’t seeing things: Pearls were ubiquitous during the fall-winter 2018 runway shows

As Jackie Kennedy once said, “Pearls are ­always appropriate.” Who knew that decades later fashion ­designers would still be following that maxim? From New York to Paris to London, the fall 2018 runways were ­practically awash in pearls: Michael Kors’ girls sported double strands—some with cheeky rhinestone bows—­under chunky (faux) fur coats and atop preppy Argyle sweaters. Prabal Gurung, artistic director at pearl-heavy ­jewelry brand Tasaki, accessorized his models with gumball-size pearl ear cuffs and studs, as well as sweeping single-­earring ­shoulder-dusters. At Erdem, caged pearl earrings and pearl-and-gemstone drops complemented the ’20s-esque eveningwear (pearls even dangled from some of the dresses). Valentino accented its oh-so-’80s oversize floral prints and flowing tunics with mismatched pearl ear jackets and ­climbers. And at Emilia Wickstead, dainty pearl drops—and delicate pearl details atop her ladylike designs—were the thing. Always appropriate.

Top: Backstage at Emilia Wickstead’s fall 2018 London show (photo: Morgan O’Donovan)