Costume Jewellery - The Rise of Social Media
The rise of technology has been mostly welcomed over recent years, but for many, it reinforces the feeling of being watched. It is easier than ever to locate people and follow their lives. Whether that be simply stalking someone or finding their location based on their social media, the number of high-profile robberies has increased at a rapid rate. Is there a correlation between these crimes and the rebirth of costume jewellery among the rich and famous?
Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian have been held at gunpoint while having millions of dollars worth of jewellery stolen. Now influencers and celebrities alike are being targeted by criminals due to the content they post online. ‘Showing off’ their expensive jewellery and lavish lifestyle is a trigger for many and ultimately the reason they get robbed. Social media is the weapon that helped pull off many crimes against influencers and other high-profile people. It is where criminals gather most of their information on their victims.
However, many people believe they deserve it. People often say ‘if you’re going to rob anyone, please let it be an influencer” To me, that doesn’t seem right. There is a stigma around influencers with many telling them to ‘get a real job’ but in reality, this is their job. It is how they make a living and it wouldn’t be possible if people like me and you didn’t like, follow and subscribe. So is it fair to ambush influencers with comments like these? Many influencers can be seen flaunting their wealth online, it’s their business, they earned it in some way or another, are they doing it to rub it in the faces of those less fortunate or are they proud of their achievements? For many, posting images like this on social media is their main source of income. Is it right for them to be condemned?
It’s because of these targeted attacks that many high-profile people have turned to costume jewellery. Giving off the same sense of glamour and status without the potentially dangerous implications.
Costume jewellery designer Simon Wilson paved the way in the industry, creating iconic pieces fit for royalty. ‘The king of the diamante, famous for bringing glamour to the masses’ - Wilson designs witty, elegant statement jewellery that has stood the test of time. From Jean Shrimpton to Margot Robbie Butler & Wilson has decorated some of the most influential people in the world.
CRYSTAL STAR WITH SHOWER DROP EARRINGs - Butler & Wilson
As seen on Margot Robbie on the set of Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film Barbie.
“For me, their paste rubies and faux pearls are far too precious to be hidden away in a drawer.” - Ali MacGraw
Butler & Wilson have made it fun to wear fake jewels, redefining the whole concept of jewellery. In the early 1980s, under the influence of Diana Princess of Wales, the pearl choker reigned supreme over the jewellery world, inspiring endless costume jewellery versions. Butler & Wilson varied the look, adding movement and sensuality to the traditional necklace. We would often see her adorned in costume necklaces supplied by Butler & Wilson, and chandelier earrings of superb style and proportions, regal and feminine making any girl feel like a princess. At this time costume jewellery became socially acceptable for all occasions.
FLORAL CHANDELIER CRYSTAL EARRINGS - Butler & Wilson
With a rich history and a loyal following, costume jewellery was ahead of its time. Butler & Wilson set out to encourage femininity and individuality this was claimed by Diana Princess of Wales, the fashion leader of our time and perhaps the most photographed woman in the world. We saw the highest social stamp of approval on costume jewellery when she was seen in public on official occasions wearing Butler & Wilson. From subtle heart earrings which soon became best-sellers for Butler & Wilson to bold brooches portraying her growing self-confidence and developing fashion sense. Did Diana define Butler & Wilson or did Butler & Wilson define Diana? A loyal customer and regular visitor to the Fulham Road shop.
LARGE CRYSTAL LIZARD BROOCH - Butler & Wilson
The introduction of social media in the early 2000s allowed people to create a life they could have never dreamed of. People began to lose their way, focusing on material things and the ladder to the ‘top’. But the rise of social media and the rise of influencer-targeted attacks is not a coincidence meaning we are ultimately seeing the reprise of costume jewellery. If Diana can wear it, so can we.