The bolo tie, a classic symbol of Western fashion, has made a striking return to the runway. Recently featured in collections by Martine Rose and Louis Vuitton, this iconic accessory has been reimagined with a luxurious twist. Gone are the traditional braided leather cords and rhinestones; in their place are adjustable strands of precious metals adorned with diamonds. This modern take on the bolo tie has given birth to a new trend: the slider necklace.
Versatility at Its Core
The slider necklace’s appeal lies in its adaptability. It can be worn as a choker, a long sautoir, or draped elegantly across the collarbone. It also complements backless outfits, offering endless styling options. “It’s up to the wearer to decide how to make it their own,” says Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s director of image, style, and heritage. Cartier’s latest creation, the Libre Tuttitutti necklace, features a vibrant chrysoprase slider that moves along a twisted gold chain, embellished with tassels of diamonds, chrysoprases, and onyx beads.
Celebrity stylist Nicky Yates, who works with stars like Naomi Ackie and Felicity Jones, echoes this sentiment. “Slider necklaces are incredibly versatile, especially for outfits with different necklines,” she says.
A Rich History of Transformation
Slider necklaces are not a new concept. Their roots trace back to the 19th century, with Cartier’s archives showcasing a 1906 Lavallière necklace that featured detachable pendants, allowing it to double as a brooch. Another notable piece is a 1952 twisted gold necklace designed without a clasp, meant to be tied around the neck.
Perhaps the most iconic predecessor is Van Cleef & Arpels’ 1950 zip necklace. Inspired by the Duchess of Windsor and believed to have been influenced by designer Elsa Schiaparelli, this piece features a bejeweled zipper that can be worn as a necklace or transformed into a bracelet. It took over a decade to perfect this innovative design.
Modern Interpretations
Chanel’s latest high-jewelry collection, Haute Joaillerie Sport, highlights the slider’s transformative potential. One standout piece includes a push-button slider that moves along a necklace made of white gold, diamonds, onyx, and black lacquer. The slider is topped with a 5.19-carat diamond, allowing it to be styled as a double-row choker or a long sautoir. Patrice Leguéreau, Chanel’s late director of fine-jewelry creation, described the collection as “refined and streamlined, embracing the body’s anatomy like sportswear.”
Slider necklaces are not limited to high-fashion runways. Piaget’s Possession line features a diamond-set gold slider with a delicate carved finish, paired with a vintage-style gold chain. Chaumet has also embraced the trend, offering a slider version of its popular Bee My Love necklace, complete with rose gold and diamond honeycomb motifs. Meanwhile, New York-based brand Marli has incorporated diamond and gold sliders into its LIFE collection, showcasing their versatility in both rings and necklaces.
A Trend for Everyone
From red-carpet glamour to everyday elegance, the slider necklace is proving to be a timeless and adaptable accessory. Whether inspired by Western roots or modern minimalism, this trend offers something for everyone, blending history, innovation, and style.
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