Costume jewellery: It's more than just a sparkly accessory; it's a statement, a form of self-expression, and a reflection of the times. Just ask Alexia Karides, who found it to be a perfect form of expression. She and her mother launched the jewellery brand YSSO in 2019, seeing the potential of costume jewellery to empower and elevate.
Their creations, including bronze designs handcrafted in Athens and lavishly plated with 18-carat and 24-carat gold, have since graced celebrities. Actress Emily Blunt was spotted wearing YSSO earrings and a ring at the Venice Film Festival. This success has translated into impressive growth, with revenue soaring by 55% between 2023 and 2024. Karides is now planning to open the brand's first store in London next year, thanks to successful retail pop-ups.
This surge in popularity is part of a larger trend, with costume jewellery experiencing a significant boom. The upcoming exhibition Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, starting next March, is expected to further fuel this interest. Elsa Schiaparelli, along with Coco Chanel, was a key figure in popularizing costume jewellery in the 1930s.
Jewellery historian Carol Woolton, co-author of Costume Jewelry, defines it as pieces made from high-quality, non-precious materials. Her book highlights designs owned by the contemporary art collector Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo. Woolton notes that New York became a hub for costume jewellery in the early 20th century. Craftspeople fleeing war-torn Europe brought their skills from fine jewellery, infusing costume pieces with
