Pearl glam

by Metropol | August 19, 2026 8:35 am

Curated by Nina Tucker

Get in the spirit of the show you’re going to watch, so says the New Zealand Opera of the what-to-wear dilemma. Pearls traverse beyond the opera house to daily dressing, don’t be afraid to live vicariously through Coco Chanel’s famous saying: “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” Here, my favourite pearl-inspired pieces, and styling inspiration from a handful of iconic ladies who wore it best. Go on, the world (of fashion and opera) is your oyster.

Matrix Pearl bangle watch, Swarovski. Vivienne Westwood Rigoberta bracelet, Ballantynes. Capri slouch bag, Brie Leon. Cecilia dress antique pearl, Juliette Hogan.

STYLE LIKE…
Princess Diana: Take inspiration from Lady Di’s signature pearl and sapphire choker (most famously worn with her ‘Revenge Dress’). The Princess commissioned the original brooch into a necklace with seven strands of pearls.

Audrey Hepburn: Rarely seen without her pearls, Audrey used the unique gemstone to complement her minimalistic style. You can never go wrong with a Breakfast at Tiffany’s-style five-strand pearl necklace and little black dress.

Marilyn Monroe: The American icon introduced her own way of styling a long pearl necklace, wrapping the string around a silk scarf.

Grace Kelly: Wear a pearl necklace close to the neckline with a matching pair of pearl earrings to channel the movie star-turned-princess.

Vivienne Westwood Graziella pearl bracelet, Ballantynes. Vintage Alhambra necklace, Van Cleef & Arpels. Pellegrino top pearl, Hansen & Gretel. Dinner at Freds skirt, Maggie Marilyn. Jacques short pearl, Hansen & Gretel.

Savanna jacket and Lucia skirt, Shona Joy. Freshwater Pearl bracelet, Sophie Divett Jewellery. Button Pearl studs, Sophie Divett Jewellery.

Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/pearl-glam/