It’s Time to Embrace Hardware

Spikes, grommets, and studs in clothing have officially entered their time-to-shine era. Once upon a time these adornments belonged purely to the punks, but in 2023, hardware is here for everyone, no rebellious streak required. From a heavy metal pair of clogs to a punctuated denim jacket, read on for our favourite takes ahead.

Khaite Grizzo Jacket

Khaite’s thoughtful take on a denim classic is one you won’t soon forget. Washed in the perfect medium blue and achieving that hard-to-find oversized silhouette, this trucker jacket’s true standout feature is the three wraparound rows of silver circles. Studs in clothing never looked so good.

Vitaly Resonator Earring

You could say that Toronto-based accessory design studio Vitaly has a thing for studs and spikes; the unisex brand’s collection is built around them. But this pointy piece — a single, statement-making earring — is actually inspired by the shape of a harmonic tuning fork. Genius!

Aeyde Tania Silver Nappa Kitten Heel

Rarely do you see a kitten-heeled mule with so much going for it: that silver-y sheen, loafer-style fringe and of course, grommeted eyelets. Wear yours with a midi skirt or a 90s-style slip dress to give it the full spotlight.

Ted Baker Meida Eyelet Detail Swag Bag

Level up your standard black leather bag with a series of gleaming grommets. Ted Baker’s clean-lined approach means the atypical adornment will blend in in even the most conservative environments (read: the office.)

Mugler Silver Spike Necklace

It’d be impossible to miss this sculpturally spiked piece hanging around your neck. Nodding to Mugler’s future-forward design codes, it offers a punk-y element that can elevate any white-tee-and-jeans outing.

Gianvito Rossi Studded Leather Knee Boots

Find us a more beguiling pair of boots — we’ll wait. Punctuated by steadily-growing-in-size grommets, Gianvito Rossi’s runway-ready pair do all the talking for you.

Louis Vuitton Sheer Detail Beaded Tank Dress

Louis Vuitton’s tank-style dress — a runway piece worn by the Haim sisters among others — is a study in contrasts: airy tulle ends in an asymmetrical, abstract hemline while all-over, high-shine bubble studs add dimension. A true masterpiece.

H&M Studded Bucket Bag

The early 2000s are calling — they want to check in on their signature handbag silhouette. Easily slip in Y2K style with this studded bucket bag by H&M that features both a long strap and wide one for total ease of wear.

Kate Cate Luna Mule

Add this pair of buckled mules to any look — truly anything — and it’ll look like the effort levels were sky high. We love the idea of softening the hard exterior with a pair of woolly socks or amping up the punklike feel with sheer black stockings.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s October 2023 issue. Find out more here.