Make Way Because the Brooch Is Fully Back in Fashion: The Definitive Guide to the Season’s Most Versatile Accessory
File this under “We agree to disagree,” fashion world. In the shivering dawn of early 2025, the fashion elite were momentarily divided. Vogue—the undisputed bible of style—posed a provocative question in its seasonal advice column: “How Do I Wear a Brooch Without Looking Like My Grandmother?” It was a question rooted in a outdated fear that pinned jewelry belonged exclusively to the velvet-lined boxes of the Greatest Generation.
However, as the year has unfolded, the answer has become resoundingly clear: looking like your grandmother isn’t a fashion faux pas; it’s a power move. Virginia-based jewelry designer Emily Warden is leading this charge, standing tall among those who believe that the “Grandma” aesthetic is actually the pinnacle of sophisticated glamour. For Warden, the brooch isn’t a relic of the past; it is a “wearable sculpture” waiting to be rediscovered by a new generation of style enthusiasts.
To honor the legendary women who paved the way—specifically her own two divas, Sandy and Carolyn—Warden recently debuted her first-ever brooch collection as part of the Emily Warden Designs 2025 Holiday Capsule. It is a masterclass in how to take vintage sentimentality and infuse it with a modern, rebellious edge.
The Brooch Renaissance: Why 2025 is the Year of the Pin
For decades, the brooch was relegated to the background, seen perhaps only at royal weddings or in black-and-white films. But fashion is cyclical, and the resurgence of “Grandmacore” and the “Old Money” aesthetic has catapulted this accessory back into the spotlight. In 2025, we aren’t just wearing brooches; we are using them to tell stories.
“Both of my grandmothers wore dazzling brooches every holiday,” Warden reflects from her sun-drenched Richmond-based studio. “I remember playing with them as a child, feeling the weight of the metal and the smoothness of the pearls. They weren’t just accessories; they were small pieces of art. To me, they’ve always been wearable sculptures.”
This sentiment is echoed across the global stage. From the runways of Milan to the red carpets of the Met Gala, the brooch has transcended its “proper” reputation. It is no longer just for the lapel of a tweed suit. It is a statement of individuality, a way to customize a mass-produced garment, and a bridge between history and the contemporary moment.
The Hero of the Collection: The Topaz Halo Convertible Brooch
At the center of Emily Warden’s limited-edition 12-piece collection sits a piece that defies the “grandma” stereotype through sheer engineering and brilliance: The Topaz Halo Convertible Brooch.
This isn’t your standard pin. The “hero” of the collection features a staggering 10.5-carat golden topaz, a stone that glows with the warmth of a winter hearth. Surrounding this amber-hued centerpiece is a meticulously crafted halo of diamonds, freshwater pearls, and green sapphires. The color palette is both festive and timeless, evoking the lush greens and shimmering golds of the holiday season.
Why Versatility is Key for the Modern Jewelry Collector
What truly sets the Topaz Halo apart is its “Convertible” nature. Warden understands that the modern consumer demands functionality. The piece includes a pearl stick pin and a secure clutch for traditional wear. However, for those days when a pin feels too formal, the piece can be seamlessly transitioned into a pendant.
By sliding the piece onto a gold chain, the wearer transforms a vintage-inspired brooch into a bold, contemporary necklace. This adaptability ensures that the jewelry doesn’t sit in a box waiting for a formal event; it moves with the wearer from a high-stakes boardroom meeting to a casual holiday brunch.
Nature Meets Elegance: The Twin Moths Collar Brooch
While the Topaz Halo provides the “wow” factor, the Twin Moths Collar Brooch offers a more poetic, avant-garde approach to the trend. This piece features two delicate 14k yellow gold moth silhouettes, connected by a draped three-strand freshwater pearl chain. Each pearl is hand-strung on white silk, a nod to the slow-fashion techniques of yesteryear.
Moths, often seen as symbols of transformation and the pursuit of light, provide a perfect metaphor for the brooch’s own metamorphosis in the fashion world. This specific design is intended to be worn across the collar of a button-down shirt or the neckline of a dress, creating a bridge of pearls that frames the face. It’s a sophisticated alternative to a traditional necklace and a bold way to embrace the “dark academia” or “regencycore” trends that continue to dominate 2025.
Breaking the Gender Binary: The Unisex Appeal of the Brooch
One of the most significant shifts in the 2025 fashion landscape is the erosion of gendered jewelry. Warden was adamant that her collection be inclusive.
“I wanted these designs to be unisex,” Warden explains. “I can picture one of my brooches in a bride’s hair just as easily as on the groom’s tuxedo lapel. Jewelry should be about the person’s spirit, not their gender.”
We’ve seen this trend explode on the red carpet, with male celebrities donning massive floral pins and diamond-encrusted brooches on their blazer lapels. Warden’s designs, with their clean lines and substantial presence, are perfectly suited for anyone looking to add a touch of “dandy” elegance to their wardrobe. Whether pinned to a denim jacket or a velvet scarf, these pieces are gender-agnostic and universally stylish.
Beyond the Pin: The Full 2025 Holiday Capsule Collection
While the brooches are the stars of the show, the Emily Warden Designs 2025 Holiday Capsule is a comprehensive celebration of color and movement. Warden has expanded her repertoire to include pieces that appeal to those who love a “more is more” philosophy.
The Return of the Cocktail Ring and Tennis Bracelet
The collection features updated takes on mid-century classics:
- Tennis Bracelets: Refined with modern settings that allow for maximum sparkle and comfort.
- Mixed Cut Rainbow Signet Ring: A bold, chunky piece that uses a variety of gemstone cuts (emerald, pear, round) to create a spectrum of color.
- Mixed Cut Rainbow Pendant: A companion piece that brings a playful, vibrant energy to any outfit.
The Innovation of the Gemstone Spinner Charms
Perhaps the most interactive part of the collection is the new Gemstone Spinner Charms. Each charm features six hand-set gemstones housed within a rotating 14k gold frame. It is jewelry designed for the “fidgeter”—a tactile experience that is as beautiful as it is satisfying to play with.
“Color brings so much personality to a piece,” says Warden. “This collection balances elegance with joy, which feels perfect for the holidays. We wanted to create things that people want to touch and move.”
How to Style a Brooch in 2026 and Beyond
As we look toward 2026, the “brooch love” shows no signs of slowing down. If you’re looking to incorporate Warden’s designs—or your grandmother’s vintage treasures—into your look, here are the modern rules:
- The Unexpected Placement: Forget the left lapel. Pin a brooch to the waistband of a skirt, the cuff of a sweater, or even use it to secure a headscarf.
- The “More is More” Approach: Cluster three or four smaller brooches together on a coat to create a bespoke “medal” effect.
- Hair Jewelry: Use a brooch as a decorative element in a low bun or to clip back a stray lock of hair.
- The Hat Hack: Elevate a simple wool fedora or a beanie by pinning a gold moth or a gemstone halo to the brim.
Conclusion: A Fantastic Return to Form
Even Vogue eventually came around. Later in 2025, the magazine redeemed itself with a series of editorials showcasing brooches as the “must-have” item of the season. Designer runways from Paris to New York have followed suit, proving that the brooch is not a fleeting trend, but a foundational element of a well-rounded jewelry collection.
Emily Warden’s 2025 holiday collection is more than just a nod to nostalgia; it’s a reclamation of craftsmanship and personal history. By honoring Sandy and Carolyn, Warden has reminded us that the best fashion advice doesn’t come from a column—it comes from the women who wore their jewelry with confidence, joy, and a bit of diva flair.
The brooch return is real, it is fantastic, and thanks to designers like Warden, it is here to stay. Whether you’re looking for a 10.5-carat statement piece or a delicate golden moth, there has never been a better time to pin your heart on your sleeve—or your lapel.
