Image: The Dolly Sisters, 1920s | Walery, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sequins have long stitched their shimmer into the fabric of fashion history—tiny discs with a big story to tell. In ancient times, shiny metal circles adorned garments as a symbol of status and wealth. By the 20th century they were no longer reserved for the elite, and their popularity reached dazzling new heights. From the jazz-fuelled nights of the 1920s to the neon-lit runways of the 1980s, sequins have mirrored the mood of the times, catching the light - and the eye - with every step.
The Roaring Twenties swished with flappers flickering in sequin-strewn silks, while the 1930s offered quiet sparkle in uncertain times. The 1940s saw sequins glint with resilience, winking from collars and cuffs, returning in full flair through the cinched elegance of the 1950s and the bold mod and futuristic looks of the '60s. Sequin drenched disco divas dazzled on dance floors in the 1970s, and the '80s turned up the shine with unapologetic sparkle on every stage and shoulder pad.
Across every era, sequins were more than decoration, they were expressions of joy, rebellion, elegance, and everything in between. Check out our members sparkly selections below.
