Conscious Coupling

Can one couple have a shared jewellery box? Cheryl Chan puts the theory to the test with Cartier’s extensive collection of accoutrements

ender neutral. non-binary. Unisex. These are the buzzworthy key words that make up the lexicon of today’s woke millennials and their politically correct culture. With more people believing that gender is a social construct, and should be viewed on a spectrum instead, brands have taken notice as well, and have been trying to keep up with the conversation through their products. In fact, today’s fashion trends—particularly in streetwear—actively encourage us to buck gender norms and are continuously trying to eradicate the lines on what is considered menswear or womenswear, with some brands having both men and women clamouring for the same piece. But while it might be daunting for most males to don a skirt or dress without expecting some form of judgment from society, jewellery is an easy segue into the world of unisex dressing. Think of a Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet stacked with the Love bracelet as evidenced by the ones on Ken Chen’s arm, immediately adding refinement and an elegance to a rugged menswear look, the way only fine jewellery can do. Besides, if women are constantly stealing oversized shirts and watches from their significant others’ wardrobes, why can’t men be privy to their jewellery boxes as well? While rocking some serious hardware requires some confidence and flair, historically speaking, there is less of a social stigma for men to be seen wearing it. In fact, French writer, designer, playwright and film-maker Jean Cocteau was famously known for wearing two of Cartier’s famous Trinity rings on his pinkie. Think of rock and roll musicians who tend to favour a naturally ambiguous sense of style with low-cut shirts, skintight pants and hordes of bracelets stacked around their wrist, or rappers decked out in blinding bling. These were all styles that surpassed the typical masculine boundaries. Most famously, with the rise of the metrosexual man in the mid-1990s, soccer idol David Beckham made it okay for men to wear diamond studs in their ears. With so many famous predecessors setting stylish examples, why do we still rarely see men experimenting with jewellery, let alone women’s or unisex jewellery? Well, jewellery by and large tends to be more sentimental for men than it is for women. While jewellery can hold meaning to some women, they are also more likely to purchase pieces that just make them feel good at that time. For men, every piece counts. The first watch their father passed down to them, their wedding band or the engagement ring that they proposed with—these are all jewellery purchases that have huge amounts of emotion attached to them, and choices that aren’t made lightly. When men wear jewellery, it signifies fashion savvy, and a concern for their appearance. It implies to the world that the little details matter to them. But interestingly, when women wear men’s jewellery, it is the complete opposite. It immediately adds an understated touch to their look, giving off a devil-may-care nonchalance and an effortless style that shows that they don’t need to assert their femininity through their fashion choices. As most of men’s jewellery tends to lean toward a simpler, minimalist aesthetic, this way of wearing jewellery also works for women who aren’t into showy, ostentatious accoutrements. It is a relaxed and modern attitude towards accessorising, and looks great when mixed in with their own pieces —just take a look at the stack on Ken’s wifeto-be, Rachel Wee’s arm. So the next time you or your partner gets dressed, take a page from this couple and try experimenting with each other’s pieces to create interesting fashion statements. Or think of it like you are carrying a talisman of your partner, a keepsake and reminder that you will have them with you, even if just for a day. Besides, if you can pillage their jewellery box and have twice the options? Let’s just say we second this motion.