The nose ring trend is another look from the ’90s that has risen from the ashes and has been embraced as of late as a way to add some edge to one’s look. Like most things examined the second time around, they are less underground than they used to be and actually borderline mainstream, and yet, nose rings still have a sexy edge to them, implying as they do a willingness to submit and a certain openness to the world of freakdom.
We spied nose rings first return as an accessory item on influential types like New York-based DJ Venus (top left) a few years back, and then designer Riccardo Tisci featured over-sized ornate version in Givenchy’s Couture presentation (top right) for Spring 2012. All bets were off by Spring 2013 when at The Metropolitan Museum’s punk-themed fashion gala, Jessica Biel (bottom right) attended wearing a nose ring. Rihanna as of late has been sporting versions by New Zealand jewellery company Meadowlark, which she also wore for her recent cover shoot for W magazine.
As far as wearing a nose ring, there are two types: slip-on rings or cuffs that are easily taken on and off and those that require a septum piercing (click here for a Wiki how-to on septum piercing). There are no real styling rules, a nose ring can be part of an overall punk-inspired, street style look or it can be used as an accessory that adds an element of surprise to a dressier outfit. Like everything in fashion (and life), it’s all about finding the right balance of naughty and nice as well as sleek and minimalist and ornate.
Below are some nose rings both septum and cuff currently available at retail, ranging in price from $25-$474. Click on the image to visit the selling the featured piece.
