Kendall Jenner's Artful Accessory: The Story Behind Her Rare Calder Earrings

Kendall Jenner made a splash at her debut Venice Film Festival appearance with a standout accessory that resonated deeply with art aficionados. While her outfit—a smoke-gray Vivienne Westwood dress paired with a woven Maison Ola bag and vintage Manolo Blahniks—was stunning in its own right, it was her earrings that truly captured attention.

The abstract silver earrings, crafted by the renowned American artist Alexander Calder in 1955, are not just jewelry but miniature masterpieces made from hammered silver and steel wire. Their rarity and artistic significance make them a prized possession that Jenner acquired from Louisa Guinness, a London-based gallerist who specializes in artist-made jewelry.

A Unique Acquisition

Guinness revealed that acquiring the Calder earrings was no simple task. The request originated through the Calder Foundation and was funneled through a New York collector before reaching Jenner's stylist, Dani Michelle. "Her stylist said, ‘We’re looking for some Calder earrings,’ and so I sent her a small selection," Guinness explained. The earrings’ scarcity, even within Calder's oeuvre, made them especially difficult for Guinness to part with.

A Connection to Artistic Legacy

The earrings are steeped in history and artistic legacy, reflective of Calder's unconventional approach to jewelry design. Unlike typical fine jewelry of his time, which favored precious materials, Calder's pieces were crafted using humble materials, making them feel both modern and almost ancient. Each piece holds a unique charm, as they were created by Calder’s own hands, setting them apart from much artist-designed jewelry that often involves goldsmiths.

In a fitting twist, Jenner’s choice of earrings pays homage to Peggy Guggenheim, the art world luminary who championed Calder and famously wore his jewelry. During her Venice trip, Jenner even donned sunglasses reminiscent of Guggenheim’s style, further linking her to the legacy of art and fashion. As Guinness noted, for those in the know, the earrings represent a shared understanding of artistry and exclusivity: "Calder jewelry is like a little club."

Source: www.vogue.com