At the 2026 Academy Awards, one accessory quietly stole the spotlight. Not a watch. Not cufflinks. Not even a tie.

The brooch.

Seen pinned to lapels across the red carpet — from classic diamond sprays to sculptural, modern designs — the brooch has officially returned to menswear. And this time, it feels intentional.

Why It Works

Menswear has long favoured restraint. Clean tailoring. Neutral tones. Minimal embellishment.

A brooch disrupts that simplicity — in the best possible way. It draws the eye upward, creates a focal point and adds individuality without overwhelming the look. Unlike a bold tie or pocket square, a brooch feels architectural rather than decorative.

On the 2026 Oscars red carpet, actors styled brooches on sharp tuxedos and monochrome suits. The result was elevated and modern, not theatrical. The key was scale and placement — considered, not excessive.

A brooch signals confidence. It suggests the wearer understands proportion, detail and intention.

Michael B. Jordan wears three David Yurman High Jewelry brooches during the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Mark Guiducci at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on March 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

How to Style a Brooch

Placement
Traditionally worn on the left lapel, just above the pocket line. It should feel anchored, not floating.

Proportion
The brooch should complement the width of the lapel. Too small and it disappears. Too large and it overwhelms.

Metal Harmony
Coordinate with your watch case, cufflinks or signet ring. Cohesion matters.

Keep the Rest Refined
If the brooch is intricate or diamond-set, simplify other accessories. Let one piece lead.

For The Block Auction Night, we sourced a striking brooch for Mat Johnson to wear with a tailored brown suit by Oscar Hunt. The sculptural design and diamond detailing added personality without disrupting the sharpness of the tailoring. It elevated the look from classic to memorable.

The key was intentional contrast — structured tailoring paired with expressive detail.

When to Wear a Brooch

• Gala dinners and awards nights
• Weddings (particularly for the groom or father of the bride)
• Formal race day events
• Milestone celebrations
• Editorial or high-profile appearances

For corporate settings, opt for something subtle — brushed gold, minimal diamond accents, or a refined sculptural form.

A Modern Expression of Individuality

Brooches were once considered old-world. Today, they feel directional.

The resurgence at the 2026 Oscars confirms what we are already seeing: men are embracing jewellery as part of their identity, not merely as an afterthought.

At James Thredgold Jeweller, we work with clients to source or create statement pieces that feel authentic to the wearer. Whether diamond-set, sculptural or symbolic, a brooch offers an unexpected way to define a look.

Leonardo DiCaprio wears a gold Boucheron pin in tribute to Bee:wild, a social movement dedicated to saving bees and other pollinators, during the 98th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 15, 2026.

Bespoke or Sourced — Crafted With Intention

We are able to design and create bespoke brooches tailored to your vision, or source exceptional pieces through our trusted international suppliers — as we did for Mat Johnson.

If you are considering a statement piece for an upcoming event, visit our Norwood boutique or contact our team to begin the conversation.

 

Hudson Williams at the 2026 Oscars wearing an all black Balenciaga tuexedo and Bulgari Jewellery