All That Glitters: 2018’s Most Dazzling Jewels, Bags, and Shoes to Inspire Your New Year’s Eve Look

We’re not in the business of mandating dress codes here at Vogue, but if we had to apply a rule for New Year’s Eve, it would be sparkle. Crazy sparkle. When else do you get the chance to wear a lamé minidress, glitter eye shadow, and bedazzled boots all at the same time?

Of course, it helps that there are so many ways to sparkle in 2018; the runways have been caked in glitter for a few seasons now, from Saint Laurent (in an ultra-sexy, ’80s-ish way) to Simone Rocha (a quirkier kind of shine). If you’re pressed for time—or just can’t justify head-to-toe metallics—a light-reflecting accessory can get the job done, too. On the jewelry front, there are Dries Van Noten’s stacked-up cocktail rings, Ralph Lauren’s layered heirloom necklaces, and Gucci’s nipple-grazing earrings—or consider a glitzy boot, like Christopher Kane’s crystal-studded pair or Miu Miu’s party heels. Celine and Rodarte made the case for sparkling veils and hair accessories, too.

Above, we’ve pulled 20 of the year’s best, flashiest accessories to inspire your New Year’s Eve look. With extras this dazzling, no one will even notice you’re wearing last year’s dress.

Meet the Thai Superstar Who Stole the Show at Valentino’s Pre-Fall Extravaganza in Tokyo

Valentino’s star-studded Tokyo Pre-Fall show brought out a well dressed crowd of international celebrities, but no one stood out quite like Nittha Jirayungyurn, aka Mew. The Thai actress arrived at Terrada Warehouse in one of Pierpaolo Piccioli’s frothy pink, sequin-butterfly-covered creations for the Italian house. Unapologetically feminine, the off-the-shoulder gown was a dreamy moment of fantasy that capped off Mew’s 48-hour whirlwind trip. Since arriving in the Japanese capital earlier this week, she has worn everything from a logo-covered Valentino capelet to one of the brand’s elegant floral cocktail dresses, completing each outfit with her signature dark waves and bright red lips. An official Valentino ambassador, she flaunts Piccioli’s designs with ease. That said, the rising star is hardly limited to a singular aesthetic. A luxury aficionado with a taste for Chanel, Dior, and Proenza Schouler, Mew is certainly not shy about sharing her expansive closet and exceptional good taste on Instagram.

As it happens, the 28-year-old actress’s love of clothing runs deeper than mere gossamer silk. A graduate of Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok, she received her bachelor’s in fashion design. Though acting remains her primary focus, with roles in films and on the wildly popular lakorn series—the high drama Thai equivalent to telenovelas—style still plays an important part in her life. Whether she’s sitting front row, posing for an editorial, or snapping a behind-the-scenes photo with Pharrell, Mew keeps her fashion interests in the frame.

The actress has no trouble leaning into a bold fashion moment—see the transparent crimson Dior look with oversize belt that she wore to the Headlines Person of the Year ceremony in Bangkok earlier this fall, for example. Though she’ll just as easily go classic, as she did elegantly dressed in all black at the OK! Awards just a few weeks later. Her off-day wardrobe is laced with luxurious fashion, too: When it came to getting dressed for Sam Smith’s concert at the Impact Arena in Bangkok only a plunging Chanel jumpsuit would do. And even lazy-afternoon selfies are totally chic in her hands: Picture the gorgeous young starlet lounging on a sofa—not in sweats, but a sleek navy and red midi dress.

How a Farm Girl From Sweden Became One of the Season’s Biggest Models

If you followed the Spring 2019 fashion shows through New York, London, Milan, and Paris, you saw the rise of Sara Eirud. The 22-year-old Swedish newcomer was front and center at the season’s most significant collections, rubbing shoulders with seasoned runway stars at Calvin Klein, Prada, Valentino, and Dior among others. Like many budding models, Eirud lived a life far removed from the world of high fashion before she was discovered. “[I] had never even tried on a pair of heels!” says Eirud, a competitive rider back home in Sweden, who was approached by scouts at an equestrian event in 2013. “I was never a girly girl; I was a horse girl—but after thinking about it for a long time I decided that I should at least try [modeling].”

Eirud spent her teenage years surrounded by animals on her parent’s expansive farm in Sala, a picturesque region of the Scandinavian country. “I pretty much grew up in the stables with the horses—at one point we had 10 at the same time,” she says. “We’ve had dogs, cats, hens, turkeys, goats, and rabbits too! So yes, I’m a farm girl!” Proud of her agrarian roots and passionate about animal rights, Eirud still rides in her downtime. “Since I was 3 most of my free time has been dedicated to being in the stable. Whether I was injured or not, that’s where you would find me,” she says. “Growing up like I have, seeing animals have a great life, it is impossible not to care.”

Her love of the outdoors helped her overcome her greatest obstacle: injuries sustained during a riding accident late last year when she was thrown from her horse. On the cusp of fashion fame, the determined beauty wasn’t about to let anything stop her. “I had my eyes set on modeling and of course being able to ride again,” she says. “I am an incredibly competitive person, something I think is common for all athletes on the serious level, especially in horseback riding. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a rider that has been in a horse accident and didn’t get back up in the saddle.” Though the rehab process was “long, tough, and so painful” for Eirud, it was all worth it. “I just decided I wasn’t going to sit at home—within six months, I was back to competing.”

Perhaps almost as tough as the physical challenges, were the emotional hurdles she faced after ending a serious relationship several months ago. “It wasn’t a bad [relationship], but I wasn’t being myself,” says Eirud. “I was scared to travel; I didn’t want to leave home. I didn’t want to put everything into modeling because I was always thinking about someone else. It sounds crazy but if we hadn’t broken up I don’t think I would have ever attempted Fashion Week.”

Free to do her own thing, Eirud opened herself up to new experiences. When her agents at Mikas Stockholm asked if she felt ready to hit the road for the Spring shows, she didn’t hesitate. “When he asked, it just felt so natural,” she says. “I signed with Next, went to New York, and didn’t look back.” The season that followed was packed with memorable experiences—opening Dries Van Noten, chatting with Victoria’s Secret angels backstage in Milan. The most thrilling aspect of it all? Exploring four major fashion capitals. “You meet so many kind and interesting people and you see places you never thought you would get to go,” she says. “I consider myself really lucky and grateful.” Despite her whirlwind success, Eirud hardly has her head in the clouds. “Before [my grandfather] died, he told me, ‘Sara, stand up for yourself, or someone will stand on you.’ I always have that in that back of my mind now.”

This Paris Runway Will Change the Way You Think About Bangs

“It was a full-on assembly line of models,” laughed Sam McKnight, recalling the scene backstage at the Dries Van Noten show inside the Palais de Tokyo this afternoon.

The hair pro had his work cut out for him: McKnight was tasked with creating 30 individualized styles that hinged, most notably, on customized curtains of rigid trompe l’oeil bangs and a flurry of plume hair pieces in shades of neon cobalt, crimson, and tangerine, as well as deep onyx.

Steering clear of a neat, polished updo, models with long hair had their finger-raked lengths secured into a low, elastic-tied ponytail looped through itself with ends sticking out, almost like a loose post-workout knot. “I wanted the hair to be wispy, echoing the outline of the feathers as they [waft] down the runway,” explained McKnight, who either wove the feathered pieces into the base of the low-slung twists (as seen on auburn-haired Sara Grace, with bursts of matching feathers trailing behind her) or pinned just above one ear. But the plumage was taken to the next level for girls with pixies and buzz cuts, who wore dense, close-cropped crowns of monochrome feathers like modern fascinators—including Adut Akech, whose headpiece was a scene-stealing confection fashioned from bright Yves Klein–blue feathers.

The inspiration behind all McKnight’s imaginative feather adornments? The dainty chapeaus worn by Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor—but with a subversive twist. And that’s where the off-kilter, abbreviated bangs (slightly mussed with mists of McKnight's Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist, which hung above the graphic jet-black eyes by makeup artist Peter Philips, came into play. “We needed a bit of toughness,” he explained of the eye-level punk twists. “I wanted it to look like the girl just hacked off her own bangs.”

Therein, perhaps, lies the true genius of the look, which was enough to inspire even trepidatious types to reach boldly for the shears: “This is a woman who does exactly what she wants,” confirmed McKnight of the idiosyncratic fringe, which encourages imperfections—and rewards a fearless hand. “She doesn’t care what anyone thinks—everything she does is for herself.”

Turns Out Kanye West’s Too-Small Yeezy Pool Slides Are Dangerous

It’s the footwear news that never ends. Last week, Kanye West wore a slick mint green suit custom-made by Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton to the wedding of 2 Chainz—and paired it with concrete-gray pool slides from his label Yeezy that looked like a miniature blow-up pool floats. The kicker? They appeared to be several sizes too small, so small that the whole back of his foot hung off the edge.

West has since acknowledged that his shoes did not fit. Today, in response to the flurry of questions about them, West tweeted a diptych including a photograph of what appeared to be a modern version of the traditional Japanese shoe, the geta. (Typically, geta sandals have two raised “teeth” in the middle of the shoe.) It also showed an illustration of the foot of the wooden thong sandal with the description, “Your heal [sic] sould [sic] extend 1-2cm off the back of the wooden sole.” I emailed Dana Buntrock, Department of Architecture chair, Center for Japanese Studies at UC Berkeley, for insight. “I’m actually not sure why the shoe is worn like that, but Mr. West is right to say it often is,” wrote Buntrock. “However, I have not seen the practice carry over to pool sandals.”

West’s explanation aside, questions have been swirling around the Internet about the tiny slides. Maybe they actually were his wife Kim Kardashian West’s. Kardashian West did don the footwear a few weeks ago with her signature bike shorts and yes, with socks. Maybe, just maybe, they didn’t have enough samples in West’s size. And perhaps, after seeing those puffy aeronautic cushions of hype on his wife, the rapper liked them so much that he couldn’t wait to wear them out himself! To a paparazzi-flanked wedding, no less. If that was the reason—impatience—we can’t blame him. We’ve all been there. Vogue Runway Director Nicole Phelps shares a bunion-minded story. “I used to squeeze into an especially spindly pair of Christian Louboutin stiletto booties that my Style.com colleague, the living legend Candy Pratts Price, gave to me,” she writes. “Circa the late 2000s, I thought they were the height of chic, but they were a half size or maybe a whole size too small, and when I took them off at the end of the day my toes would be numb.”

Small shoes or not, could this all be just a genius marketing ploy on West’s part? After all, the Internet has been buzzing with memes and fired-up comments wondering whether West dug into North West’s shoe rack. Either way: A small shoe with a big impact is not the healthiest choice. Dr. Rock Positano, the director of the Nonsurgical Foot Service at Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan—the same doctor who had a lot to say about the troubles of Kardashian West’s favorite plastic boots a few months back—says that the practice of wearing bite-size footwear is also dangerous. “Wearing shoes that are too small poses many dangers to the wearer,” he wrote in an email. “For instance, this may cause a postural imbalance which can lead to unsteady walking resulting in falls and other underfoot accidents. In addition, the important biomechanical relationship between the front (big toe) and the back (heel, ankle, Achilles) of the foot is altered, thus resulting in overuse injuries involving tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones. Sometimes wearing a cool-looking shoe can put you in hot water.”

So, are West’s tiny slides cool? Sure. Unhealthy? Probably. Does his Japanese sandal argument even hold court in the debate about shrunken footwear’s safety? No. Either way, I have to ask: When are these shoes dropping? Are there different colors? Size aside, those cushy things do look kind of comfortable. It appears as if Kanye is yet again on the heels of something.

Only Lauryn Hill Could Make a Big Tulle Skirt and Cowboy Hat Work Together

Lauryn Hill’s tour for the 20th anniversary of her debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, has proven to be a nonstop parade of colorful looks. She wore a pastel patterned Marc Jacobs ensemble (turban included) to her show at Harlem’s Apollo Theater a few months back, and just the other weekend she layered two Balenciaga pieces—a canary yellow blouse and a wraparound floral dress—underneath a massive tulle skirt. And lest you think that her admiration for the Demna Gvasalia–helmed brand needs to be made any more explicit, she added a surprisingly casual finishing touch with a hot-pink baseball cap with the label’s name printed in black font.

Hill’s latest look once again adds an unexpected twist to an otherwise girlish white tulle skirt. Performing at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago over the weekend, the singer-songwriter wore a black cowboy hat and layered a boxy striped polo shirt atop the voluminous garment. Even when Hill repeats an element of an outfit, she makes it look completely fresh—and who else could make tulle skirt look fit for the frontier?

Victoria’s Secret Angel Martha Hunt Breaks Down Her Summer Style Strategy

When it comes to clothes, Martha Hunt doesn’t do complicated. Though she's regularly seen on the runway in all things glitzy and pink thanks to her status as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, Hunt prefers to keep her off-duty look comparatively pared-down. “My fashion strategy is to keep it simple,” shared Hunt via email from Los Angeles. “Not in a basic way, but by showing how simplicity can be beautiful and a statement in itself.” With that mission and a designer-filled wardrobe that steers clear of the usual suspects, she has been on a roll as of late. Whether wearing Thom Browne on the red carpet at the CFDA Awards last week, stepping out in slinky Jacquemus for Russell James’ book launch back in May, or keeping things unexpected with forays into vibrant Sies Marjan during fashion month, she doesn’t adhere to any of the model off-duty formulas.

Hunt's style icons range from classics like Brigitte Bardot to modern cool girls like Zoe Kravitz. “As cliché as it may be, I would definitely raid Kate Moss’s closet it I could,” adds Hunt. The North Carolina native takes a page from classic European beauties when it comes time for summer. “I think of Jane Birkin and a cool French girl on the Riviera," she says. "I like to try to dress very effortlessly sexy with really nice denim and a lacy bra poking out of my tank top. Lately I’ve been really into wearing sleepwear as outerwear, which is really great for flying—Victoria’s Secret has some really cute matching sets with fun prints.”

Hunt credits her years of modeling with giving her an insider’s perspective on dressing creatively. “My work has definitely impacted how I want to present myself day to day,” she says. “I’ve become more interested in fashion throughout the years because I’ve become inspired from what I see on set.” Her fellow angels have also played a role in her development. “[They’ve] led by example,” says Hunt. “In terms of how they’ve led their lives and worked so hard while taking such great care of themselves and having successful careers. The best advice I’ve received has probably been from Lily Aldridge, who has been a mentor to me. She’s always been there to support me; I can ask her questions about anything. It’s so important to have these girls to look up to and to aspire to be like.”

Hunt is currently exploring her bohemian side together with her stylist Emma Jade Morrison: floral-print dresses by Proenza Schouler, flowing blouses from Altuzarra, and a few pieces of vintage Ossie Clark. But even though her outfits are often displayed on Instagram, her closet still contains still contains a few surprises. “[I have] my whole box dedicated to Burning Man. It’s still very dusty,” she says. “I’ll never be able to get rid of all that dust!”

Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert Serve Up the Cutest Couple Sneaker Moment

When a couple loves fashion it shows. And Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert are a perfect example. Though they can certainly hold their own in the fashion department, they take things to the next level with their distinctive streetwear and designer-filled wardrobes as a duo, continuously finding inventive ways to coordinate. Taylor took to Instagram earlier today to share a behind-the-scenes snapshot herself and Shumpert in matching Balenciaga sneakers. With Taylor opting for the neon colorway, the same shade of green as the shirt beneath her sweats, and Shumpert selecting the all-white version, they were a study in his-and-hers sneakerhead style.

On social media the couple is constantly experimenting with their style—the hashtag #TheShumps is a testament to that—but they’re at their best when they settle on a singular look. Whether it’s chilling at home in identical Fear of God track pants, or sporting couples Kith front row during Fashion Week, they’ve made an art out of matching. Still, their Balenciaga moment is maybe their best yet, thanks to Shumpert doing the chivalrous thing and fixing his wife’s shoes. Captioning the gesture with “when dad checks out mom’s steezzzzzz,” it’s clear Taylor was impressed. If finding someone who ups your sneaker game isn’t true love, then what is?

Frances Bean Cobain Brings Wearable Art to the Red Carpet

Jeremy Scott never shies away from a reference. His Pre-Fall womenswear collection for Moschino was filled with the work of Carlo Mollino, the Italian architect and photographer whose Polaroids made their way onto Scott’s dresses and overcoats. Wearable art can make for exciting fashion, and on the back of Frances Bean Cobain, Scott’s unique creations came to life. Stepping out last night at the Daily Front Row’s Fashion Awards in Los Angeles, Cobain wore a series of pieces that highlighted Mollino’s oeuvre. Both her olive trench and gauzy transparent dress were covered in the artist’s erotic portraits, and Cobain brought images that were hidden during the Mollino’s lifetime (his Polaroids were released only after his death in 1973) into the most visible place imaginable: the red carpet.

An accomplished visual artist herself, Cobain brought a personal touch to the look. Taking to Instagram post-event to congratulate Scott on his big win of the night, she termed it the “psychedelic sea witch meets fräulein Maria ensemble,” aptly summing up the outfit’s appeal. With her bright pink waves, fish bone necklace, and glossy high boots, she wore each piece with rebellious flair—exactly the way Scott intended.

How Paris Jackson Pulls Off Casual Dior

When you think of Dior, it’s easy to picture flowing gowns and decadent couture, but last night at a brand beauty launch party in Los Angeles, Paris Jackson put a quirky spin on the iconic house’s aesthetic. Arriving in a pair of patchwork-embellished jeans and a yellow sweater with a serpentine symbol and the word “positive,” Jackson looked effortlessly casual, yet completely in line with designer Maria Grazia Chiuri’s whimsical style. The look came direct from the Spring 2018 runway, which incorporated abstract Niki de Saint Phalle artwork. With a bright Diorevolution bag on her shoulder and sparklers from Djula Jewelry and Tiffany and Co., Jackson enjoyed an epic night out at the bash hosted by Bella Hadid.

Jackson and her stylist Sonia Young have been smart about infusing her designer look with personality, and her Dior outfit was no exception. Rather than opt for the runway styling or a standard take on fancy dressing, they chose to go for something fresh. Given the youthfulness of Grazia Chiuri’s runways, Jackson’s vision of Dior managed to capture exactly the right vibe.

Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan Came as Mr. and Mrs. Grey to Fifty Shades Freed’s Paris Premiere

Dakota Johnson wore Prada with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, Jamie Dornan was clad in Tod’s, and combined, they created the most elegant and notable arrival for tonight’s Fifty Shades Freed premiere in Paris. It was fitting for Johnson to wear white, as in the previous installment of the Fifty Shades trilogy, she and Dornan’s characters tied the knot. And while in the film she chose a princess-style dress from Monique Lhuillier for the big moment, Johnson went streamlined and sophisticated for the night.

The actress wore Prada’s white matte sequin slip, a throwback silhouette that she also wore to the Venice Film Festival in 2015. Where the blush version worn in Italy was more simple, tonight’s version went for glamour with asymmetric ruching and a subtle floral motif. As for Dornan, the actor also went modern, yet sleek in a Tod’s velvet suit. The two-button style was a slick alternative to black tie, while the open-collar, no-tie look amped up the louche vibes.

How Issa Rae’s Golden Globes Gown Took Socially Conscious Dressing to the Next Level

With the launch of the Time’s Up initiative targeting sexual harassment, the majority of the stars at the Golden Globes opted to wear all-black as a form of solidarity. The subdued color palette resulted in an appropriate sense of uniformity, but a truly great dress always stands out from the crowd. When Issa Rae arrived on the red carpet in Prabal Gurung’s liquid chiffon gown, she couldn’t help but make an impression. With its plunging neckline and thigh-high slit, the dress evoked sex appeal while keeping with the night’s overarching theme. Accented by floral ruffles on the shoulders and a dramatic train that caught the light, Rae’s look was a perfect combination of sultry and stately.

Striking the right balance at an event where the stakes were especially high was no small feat, but Rae’s ensemble managed it. With a portion of its sales going to #TIMESUP, her dress took the idea of socially conscious dressing one step further, which appealed to both Rae and Gurung. Taking to Instagram post-show to share a quote from the star, Gurung posted an update that summed up both the look and the motivation behind it. “There’s a new resolve, and it feels like even with the action points that we have with the legal defense fund, and making agencies employ more women in positions of power, that it feels like this can actually get done,” said Rae. “So it’s more than just a color. It’s more than just wearing black. We’re about that action.”