Will bold metallics be the trend for 2024?

Three weeks into 2024, and we already see our wardrobes taking on a new shine. Understated subtlety is a thing of the past; now, bolder is better. Metallic seems to be flourishing on red carpets, runways, and Instagram feeds, and Taylor Swift’s Gucci look at the Golden Globes is testament to that. This raises the question if 2024 will be the year we reach the pinnacle of high-style reflection. Shiny things have long been a sign of glamour; scientists have attributed this love for shimmer to the same instinct that attracts us to water. After all, incorporating a little bit of metal into your wardrobe is the easiest way to make an eye-catching statement. What makes it more fun is that you can choose just how much you’d like to indulge yourself. For a simple pop of shine, you could opt for a bag or a pair of slingbacks, or you could go all out and be as reflective as a mirrorball. Perhaps, the best accessory for the year will prove to be a pair of heavily tinted sunglasses, as we stand the risk of being blinded by the bling! With their commanding presence, big, bold, and beautiful metals seem here to stay. 

Metallics reigned at the Golden Globes this year with Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton, Timothee Chalamet’s Celine Homme blazer, and Hunter Shafer’s celestial Prada look. Looking at the trend in the Indian landscape, Manish Malhotra’s ‘Diffuse’ collection at the Lakme Fashion Week featured some bold metallic elements. More recently, Nandita Mahtani’s collection ‘Reflect’ was all about glimmering cocktail and resortwear. 

The surge in metallic apparel and accessories comes as no surprise with 2023 offering adequate build-up to the hype. Emma Corrin’s closing look on the Miu Miu Fall/Winter runway famously comes to mind, and it seemingly set the wheel in motion for a vibe shift in favour of bold metals. Many shades of metal have been sighted since then. At Cannes, Kaia Gerber and Naomi Campbell were adorned in shades of silver by Celine. Echoing the mood for metals, Balenciaga’s recent resort collection prominently featured a long silver clutch, finished with a gown awash in silvery fringe. Chanel closed with a sparkling golden one-piece and a bag to match, Louis Vuitton lent its approval to goddess-like metal headpieces on the runway, and the most Instagrammed look of the Dua Lipa x Versace collection was the pastel metallic cocktail dress. 

Metallurgy in fashion takes us back to the 1930s, when the sparkle was exclusive to Hollywood stars. It made its way to the wardrobes of mere mortals later in the decade. when designers cemented evening wear as a new category—associating metallic elements with the night sky and twinkling stars. With an extraordinary aura of mystery that eludes the ordinary, it’s hard to resist giving in to the allure of metallics. A handful of designers have curated collections synonymous with the shine—Christian Dior, Diane von Furstenberg, and Tom Ford mastered metals in the 2010s. Paco Rabanne and Vivienne Westwood’s pallets have been graced with some head-to-toe metallic looks in the past. Thanks to all the designers and fashion 'IT' girls who came before, today sparkle is no longer a minor accessory, but the main sartorial affair.

Below are some of our favourite metallic elements to add to your closet.  

Loewe Metallic Draped Open Back Top, price on request

Nandita Mahtani Silver Sequin Heart Oversized Blazer, price on request

Ami Paris Down Jacket, ₹1,74,000

Deme x Kalki Gold Helena Rhinestone Gown, ₹34,500

Ralph Lauren Grey Welles Embellished Pant, ₹1,73,000

Amit Aggarwal Metallic Structured Skater Dress, ₹68,500

Shivani Awasty Roxanne Gown, ₹35,000

ITRH Silver Shimmer Bodycon Dress, ₹40,000

Ted Baker Gold Pleated Skirt, ₹20,000

Kate Spade Metallic Tweed A-Line Skirt, ₹14,400

Coach Studio Baguette Bag with Sequins, ₹52,500

Bottega Veneta Small Cassette Cross-Body Bucket Bag, ₹1,60,000

Michael Kors Jet Set Charm Small Signature Pochette, ₹20,000

Gucci Metallic Laminate Leather Midi-Heels, ₹71,500

Jimmy Choo Saeda Coarse Glitter Pumps, ₹95,000

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico Lace Up Shoes, ₹11,000

Miu Miu Metallic Effect Heeled Sandals, ₹1,32,000

Guess Sports Sunglasses, ₹11,500

Outhouse Drip OH Link Chain Choker, ₹18,000