When Demi Moore made her front-row appearance at the Armani Privé Spring 2025 couture show in Paris last month, her outfit was a masterclass in modern glamour.
The metallic jacket, with its exaggerated shoulders and sculptural hemline, paired with plush black velvet trousers and towering Christian Louboutin heels, was a study in opulence. Yet, it was the cascade of glossy, black beaded necklaces artfully layered from chest to torso that truly captured the imagination. Extravagant yet undeniably chic, the look posed a compelling question: Why settle for one necklace when you can wear many?
This trend of multi-strand necklaces, oscillating between decadence and subtlety, has been embraced by style icons and royalty alike. Just weeks after Moore’s show-stopping appearance, the Princess of Wales demonstrated the quieter, yet equally powerful, side of layered jewelry. While attending a ceremony at London’s Guildhall to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, Kate Middleton chose a five-strand pearl necklace by Susan Caplan, a Jewish-owned brand renowned for its vintage-inspired designs. The necklace, with its understated elegance, served as both a poignant tribute and a sartorial highlight, adding a touch of luminosity to her all-black ensemble. Her outfit, which included wide-leg Roland Mouret trousers and a long coat by Catherine Walker, was a testament to the timeless appeal of layered pearls.
The Royal Seal of Approval
The Princess of Wales’s choice of a Susan Caplan necklace sparked a surge in interest for the brand. “Our pearl necklaces, in all variations, have always been popular, but interest surged worldwide when the Princess of Wales wore ours,” Caplan explains. “We’ve been flooded with emails, direct messages, and phone calls from people eager to learn more about the piece.” While the exact style she wore has since sold out, Caplan’s site offers a wealth of unique finds, and similar designs are cropping up on the high street and at luxury labels like Alessandra Rich.
The royals have long understood the power of layered jewels. A three-strand pearl necklace was a signature of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who favored it for nearly all her daytime engagements during her historic 70-year reign. Multi-strand chokers also hold a special place in the royal jewelry box, most notably the piece Princess Diana wore with her iconic “revenge dress,” accessorized with a diamond-and-sapphire brooch gifted by the Queen Mother.
Fashion Royalty’s Love Affair with Layered Pearls
For fashion icons, layered pearls have long been a route to subtle glamour. Coco Chanel famously championed the look, while Jackie Kennedy’s timeless style often featured multi-strand pearl necklaces. Designers, too, have embraced the trend. John Galliano, during his tenure at Dior, showcased the dramatic potential of layered pearls in his Spring 1998 couture collection at Paris’s Opéra Garnier, pairing them with backless velvet gowns and opera coats.
Today, the trend is taking a more maximalist turn, bolstered by Demi Moore’s jet-black beaded statement. The key to pulling off this look is sticking to one shade, whether black or a bold color, to maintain cohesion. For those looking to add a pop of vibrancy, colorful gemstones can breathe life into neutral palettes, a trick Anna Wintour employed recently. At a ceremony where she was made a Companion of Honor by King Charles, the Vogue editor-in-chief paired a grey Alexander McQueen skirt suit with a double-strand amethyst necklace, reportedly once owned by Queen Mary.
How to Master the Multi-Strand Trend
The appeal of multi-strand necklaces lies in their versatility and ability to make an effortless statement. According to Caplan, “Depending on the length and design, they can be worn as chokers, draped loosely, or wrapped for a layered effect.” She adds that the drama can be dialed up or down depending on the occasion. “They pair beautifully with high-neck sweaters for a refined, contemporary look, or with off-the-shoulder dresses for an effortlessly glamorous feel.”
For those looking to experiment with the trend, layering existing necklaces from your collection is a great starting point. Mixing different shapes and sizes can work, but to avoid a chaotic effect, it’s best to stick to the same tone or metal for each strand.
A Timeless Trend with Modern Appeal
From the red carpets of Paris to the solemn halls of London, the multi-strand necklace has proven its versatility and enduring appeal. Whether worn as a bold statement or a subtle tribute, it is a testament to the power of accessories to transform an outfit—and convey a deeper message. As Demi Moore and the Princess of Wales have shown, this trend is not just about adornment; it’s about expression, elegance, and the art of layering with intention.
In a world where fashion often leans toward the ephemeral, the multi-strand necklace stands as a timeless reminder that sometimes, more really is more.