There’s something undeniably thrilling about Fashion Week—the rush of new collections, the choreography of models on the runway, and the palpable excitement in the air. Yet this season, my eyes weren’t just on the dresses or the silhouettes. My attention kept wandering to the jewels. Across New York, London, Milan, and Paris, designers presented pieces that transcended mere accessories. They became characters in their own right, stealing the spotlight in ways that made me pause, whisper, and marvel.
Here, I share my top ten favorite jewels from Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026, the ones that truly captured my imagination.
10. Valentino — Paris Fashion Week
Alessandro Michele’s Fireflies collection in Paris was pure magic. Whimsical fabrics, sheer layers, and ethereal silhouettes made for an uplifting runway moment, but it was a particular bracelet that held me captive. Sculptural silver pleating accented with blue stones transformed a simple cuff into a wearable sculpture. Unconventional yet utterly mesmerizing, it was the kind of piece that stays with you long after the show ends.
9 & 8. Chanel — Paris Fashion Week
Chanel deserves a double mention. Matthieu Blazy’s debut collection sparked conversation, and while the clothing divided opinions, the jewelry commanded admiration. Two pieces stood out: a wheat-inspired necklace and planetary-ring-style bangles.
The necklace was remarkable, not only for its craftsmanship but for its movement. It seemed to sway with the air itself, as if the runway had caught a gust of golden wheat. Then there were the bangles, in black and orange, dotted with diamonds to mimic stars. They were playful, cosmic, and a perfect reflection of Blazy’s whimsical take on Chanel jewelry.
7. Ralph Lauren — New York Fashion Week
In New York, Ralph Lauren delivered effortless elegance. Breezy silhouettes and gentle color palettes created a serene runway aesthetic, but it was the jewelry that added quiet drama. Silver tones and pendant necklaces were predominant, yet these sculptural earrings stole my attention. With twists, turns, and delicate pearl drops, they offered the perfect balance of refinement and edge. I couldn’t help but admire how something so seemingly simple could command such presence.
6. Mugler — Paris Fashion Week
Miguel Castro Freitas’s Stardust Aphrodite for Mugler was a dream of soft tones and provocative forms. Among the standout pieces, a necklace-and-earring set caught my heart. Bold and undeniably over-the-top, it remained wearable thanks to its thoughtful proportions and complementary silver tones. For anyone who loves jewelry with a daring edge, this set was nothing short of a revelation.
5. Bottega Veneta — Milan Fashion Week
Bottega Veneta lit up Milan this season under the direction of Louise Trotter, the brand’s first female creative director. The collection was chic, playful, and far from predictable. Among several beautiful pieces, one chunky necklace stole my heart. Its mix of clear and silver stones, perfectly balanced in size and shape, was as much about presence as it was about craftsmanship. A bold statement piece that sits beautifully on the neck, it embodied everything I adore about modern jewelry.
4. Saint Laurent — Paris Fashion Week
Anthony Vaccarello made a bold statement with his jewelry at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 show, even if the clothing collection didn’t entirely thrill me. The oversized stud earrings with chunky white stones and gold tones were unforgettable. Styled with a leather ensemble and a newsboy cap, the earrings exuded edgy Parisian elegance. In that moment, the jewelry wasn’t an accessory. It defined the mood, the attitude, and the energy of the show.
3. Schiaparelli — Paris Fashion Week
Daniel Roseberry’s Schiaparelli collection might not have been his strongest this season, yet the jewels were magical. Literally glowing. Necklaces and earrings that seemed to capture light from within—a surreal touch that felt otherworldly. The effect was enchanting and, if I may predict, likely to inspire a trend toward luminous jewels on future red carpets.
2 & 1. Gucci — Milan Fashion Week
Gucci’s presentation in Milan transcended a traditional runway show. Instead, they offered a short film, The Tiger, directed by Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn—a storytelling masterpiece. Yet amid the cinematic spectacle, it was the jewelry that truly dazzled.
Two pieces captured my imagination: a floral brooch, intricately paved with diamonds and accented with gold, and a Paraiba tourmaline necklace that radiated oceanic blue brilliance. While many might argue that the gown it adorned won the show, in my eyes, the necklace was the true star.
Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 may have come and gone, but the conversation about jewelry is only just beginning. Each piece told a story of imagination, craftsmanship, and daring creativity. Which of these jewels would you wear, or at least dream about? I’d love to hear your favorites.
Featured image: Schiaparelli
Amanda Akalonu is dedicated to weaving together the worlds of jewelry, watches, and objects through a lens of literary storytelling.
