Welcome to Reality Check: a new regular franchise from the ELLE fashion editors that asks: how well do the season's biggest trends really work in the wild? This week, we're going to have to talk about body chains...
Celebrities are running out of body parts on which to display their diamonds.
It isn’t the first time we’ve witnessed such an A-list conundrum: remember Madonna’s 24kt frosted grills, Katy Perry’s diamond tooth gem, and Rihanna’s million-dollar toe ring? Me too.
More recently, Kim Kardashian resorted to wearing a Messika 17ct pear-cut diamond on a chain around her waist – and now, the star has democratised the bedazzled midriff via her newly launched Skims X Swarovski collection, which features a host of crystal-embellished body chains and glittering harnesses (without the six-figure price tag).
I know what you’re thinking: this is just another viral move from capitalism’s most prolific family! Wearing bits of faceted glass around your torso will never catch on! But, against all odds, body chains have made it back from the Noughties and are now very much a thing once more, with everyone from Rihanna to Hailey Bieber trying the trend and Versace to Cos offering up their own take on the party accessory.
Alessandra Rich’s heart-shaped torso tinsel is undeniably fun, while Blumarine has fashioned its signature butterfly motif into a piece of dazzling wearable art. Rabanne’s cascading chains were made for major nights out, while Missoma – a jewellery brand we rely on for chic, contemporary pieces – has revealed its decidedly delicate take on the trend. Mango has unleashed a full bra top of crystalline cladding, and those Skims x Swarovski pieces? The first drop sold out globally within minutes.
Realistically, you’re probably not going to dangle diamanté dental floss perilously over a naked dress at the office Christmas party, but there are ways to buy into this one that feel less intimidating – and perhaps try for New Year's Eve.
At the launch of Kardashian’s aforementioned Skims X Swarovski launch, Jasmine Tookes was a breath of fresh air among the aggressively reflective looks, tucking her body chain beneath a boyish blazer, cinched at the waist and balanced with bare legs.
This is one of the simplest way to style a body chain in real life. Another easy win is to drape your chain over a simple bodycon base layer, as ELLE UK’s Fashion Features Editor Eni Subair did at that same party. Pleasingly, you’ve probably already got something that fits the bill sitting in your wardrobe. (And if you haven’t? Skims does make a really good one.)
While it’s easy for a millennial such as myself to ridicule the return of all this Noughties bling, I do have to admit, it’s all quite fun, isn’t it?
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
