Look Sharp
Don’t just get one piercing—extra ear studs are how the smart set make a chic style point these days
Once the expression of punkish anarchy, multiple ear piercings have become a statement of luxury. The hip well-to-do are adorning their helix, rook and snug— cartilage areas of the ear, for those yet to be in the know— with fine jewellery.
High-end pieces have translated the look into refined rather than rough, allowing piercings in unusual places to become perfectly acceptable (with not an oversized safety pin in sight). The aesthetic is delicate diamonds. Inner ears are illuminated with the most feminine of sparkles. A gossamer flash of silver hints at an edgy individuality—has she or hasn’t she?
The woman said to have invented this fine body art is Maria Tash, whose New York “piercing spa” is frequented by celebrity clients such as Julianne Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyoncé. A piercing has even been named after her. The Tash Rook sits just below the top of the ear close to the hairline.
With her more than 21 years of experience, Tash has created a collection of jewellery that’s dinky, discreet and decadent, with tiny embellishments, ornate hoops and gem-set studs. It speaks volumes that they can now be found at that most traditional of British department stores renowned for its fashion edge, Liberty London. The store’s Maria Tash Piercing Studio has three separate rooms where clients and their cartilages can be attended to in privacy.
The eternal question, of course, is does it hurt? Not for long, but redness and swelling afterwards are common. Be prepared for a needle, as the usual piercing gun used for ear lobes isn’t suitable for delicate cartilage. Infection can occur, but the procedure is fairly safe as long as you go to a licensed practitioner and keep the hole clean afterwards. Healing can take up to five months.
Look for earrings that are small and comfortable enough to wear at night (avoid long posts at the back). Oh, and choose jewellery in gold, which is antibacterial, or titanium to avoid the risk of an allergic reaction to nickel.
For an adrenaline rush outside the norm, this edgy peekaboo style will make people look twice. Should you get holed up? Take our mini survey to see if you dare.