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Did Rihanna Just Make #BellyMess a Thing?
The star’s pregnancy photos have made her an early contender for best jewelry style moment in 2022.
Rihanna wore this vintage Christian Lacroix cross, worn long and possibly on a different necklace, from Archive Vintage. (Image courtesy of Archive Vintage)
New York—Rihanna’s pregnancy announcement this week has taken jewelry’s maximalist mood to new lengths.
The singer/fashion designer/makeup mogul braved New York City’s cold temperatures Monday to announce her pregnancy via paparazzi shot from photographer Miles Diggs and a killer outfit.
Walking hand in hand on the street with boyfriend and fellow creative multihyphenate A$AP Rocky, Rih went for a vintage look, donning a fall 1996 Chanel pink puffer jacket worn open over her bare bump and baggy ripped jeans with a vintage black and gold Chanel chain belt, per Page Six.
Her stomach wasn’t technically bare—it was adorned with two vintage costume jewelry necklaces: an ornate cross necklace and a long pearl and gemstone strand.
The cross pendant was a 1980s Christian Lacroix piece purchased by one of the singer’s stylists from Archive Vintage, owner Kerry Bonnell confirmed to National Jeweler. The pearl and gemstone strand is reported to be another vintage piece, from Vintage by Misty.
Between the long necklaces and multi-layer belt, Rihanna put her own spin on the #neckmess to highlight her pregnant belly with ropes of accessories.
The look could very well catch on, even for those not due to give birth to music and fashion royalty.
Cut-outs and midriff-baring are current fashion trends that are part of the 1990s and Y2K style revival, giving plenty of opportunity to showcase unique body jewelry.
While jewelry layers have focused on multiple ear piercings, arm parties, and multiple necklaces worn from the chest up, longer styles could mark the next more-is-more wave.
Here are some ideas to achieve the look.
Get the Look: Rihanna’s Pregnancy Style
This vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18-karat gold and diamond necklace circa 1970 from Joseph Saidian & Sons converts into a bracelet and shorter necklace. (price upon request)
Christian Dior “Caro” multi-chain belt ($1,750)
Vintage 18-karat white and yellow gold Cartier necklace with diamonds from Jill Heller Vintage (price upon request)
This Assael necklace with Sardinian coral, black onyx, and diamond briolettes measures 63.5 inches and comes with an additional connector necklace not pictured for a total length of more than 90 inches. ($125,000)
Jacquie Aiche “Triple Row Drip” belly chain in 14-karat gold with diamonds ($8,750)
Antique Edwardian diamond and pearl cross in platinum-plated 18-karat gold from Wilson's Estate Jewelry ($18,700)
Harwell Godfrey 32-inch 18-karat yellow gold necklace with malachite and multi-gemstone beads ($2,500)
This Marco Bicego "Jaipur Collection" 18-karat yellow gold engraved and polished charm long necklace is making its debut at the Centurion jewelry trade show this week. ($5,290)
Pictured is an Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. 18-karat gold mesh scarf necklace with tiger's eye quartz touchstone pendant measuring 29 inches, circa 1990s, from Wilson's Estate Jewelry. ($4,100)
Hoorsenbuhs 5mm "Open-Link Antiquated Necklace" in 18-karat gold with diamonds measuring 42 inches ($135,000)
Gurhan one-of-a-kind pearl necklace with 24-karat gold measuring 36 inches ($18,500)
Fred Leighton 18-karat white gold and diamond necklace (Price Upon Request)
Valentino crystal-embellished gold-tone belt ($790; image courtesy of Net-a-Porter)
Assael adjustable lariat necklace measuring 24 inches with diamonds and South Sea cultured pearl set in platinum ($48,000)
Vintage Cartier 18-karat yellow gold and enamel chain from Jill Heller Vintage (price upon request)
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