The "Ugly" Celeb-Approved Accessory Trend You Either Love or Hate

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(Image credit: Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images; MEGA/GC Images; Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin; @jaimexie)

Before you dive into this story, I want you to stop and think about social media. It's not hyperbolic to assume that, after reflection, most can conclude that we're living in one of the most polarizing periods in recent history. In part, that's due to the larger issues at play around the rise of misinformation and the erosion of civil discourse. But it's fair to say that pop culture, specifically celebrity trends, has played its part in lighting up conversations on social platforms. We're all used to how the comment sections pop off when a celebrity is spotted wearing a "controversial" look. Even some of us aren't afraid to admit we love to live-tweet our judgments about what someone's donning on the red carpet while we're on the couch wearing sweatpants. And while it's now "normal" to weigh in on what stars are spotted in, there's one peculiar accessory trend that's divided people like never before: surrealism. 

Are you wondering exactly what this trend is? Ahead, I've done some research to define surrealism and show how it went from being a trend on the runways to becoming beloved among the celeb set. If you thought that the naked-dress trend or even the return of low-rise denim had people fighting in the comments, then I can assure you this next trend will have people in their feelings

On the runway: 

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(Image credit: Imaxtree/Puppets and Puppets; Imaxtree/Loewe; Imaxtree/Moschino)

Unless you've majored in art history, you might not know how to define surrealism. In short, it's an art movement that began between World War I and World War II that was meant to combine reality and fantasy through various creative mediums. In the context of fashion, that means taking everyday objects and incorporating them into garments and accessories to create whimsical and bizarre pieces. Some of the most famous designers to bring surrealism into the realm of fashion were the late Elsa Schiaparelli and Salvador Dalí. But this style movement isn't just something of the past; designers have brought surrealism back into the conversation. 

Surrealism's continued relevance in fashion is due to designers such as Martin Margiela, Thom Browne, Jeremy Scott, and Jonathan Anderson continuing to champion it. But its popularity can be boiled down to its prevalence in recent seasons.

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(Image credit: Imaxtree/Off-White; Imaxtree/Collina Strada; Imaxtree/Blumarine)

For example, in the fall/winter 2022 collections, we saw everything from shoes adorned with balloons at Loewe to bags and belts adorned with china and cutlery at Puppets and Puppets and Moschino. It wasn't just fall collections that had a touch of surrealism. In the spring/summer 2023 collections, we saw it too. There were shell belts at Blumarine, a broccoli bag at Collina Strada, and knee-high boots with a slinky heel at Off-White. 

One could come to a conclusion from runway collections alone that this trend is back. But really, what's cemented this trend's resurgence is the fact it's already been spotted on the celeb set. Keep scrolling to see how this trend is being worn right now. 

On the celeb set: 

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(Image credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin;GC Images)

WHO: Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw

WHAT: On the set of season two of And Just Like That…

WEAR: JW Anderson Pigeon Clutch Bag ($890)

Confession: My initial rationale for pitching that surrealism is back was this lifelike pigeon clutch from JW Anderson. I've messaged my loved ones an embarrassing number of times about wanting this clutch, only to be told they weren't fans. So I felt vindicated when paparazzi images were released of Sarah Jessica Parker on set for the second season of And Just Like That. Sure, the internet was (and still is) divided about this bag, but you have to admit there's nothing more on-brand for this Carrie Bradshaw than a surrealist accessory. 

Re-create the look:

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(Image credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

WHO: Taylor Russell

WHAT: Governors Awards

WEAR: Schiaparelli fall 2022 couture gown

Of course, there are a few non-cringe-inducing ways to embrace surrealism, one being through jewelry. The most recent example of surrealist jewelry taking center stage is the look above from Taylor Russell. The rising star wore these oversize eye-shaped earrings with a black gown from Schiaparelli's fall 2022 couture collection. This look is proof that she's someone to keep your eye on and that this trend is one to watch. 

Re-create the look:

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(Image credit: Jose Perez:Bauer-Griffin:GC Images)

WHO: Doja Cat

WHAT: Fashion Media Awards

WEAR: Viktor&Rolf fall 2022 couture suit; Puppets and Puppets Cookie Leather Top Handle Bag ($475); Versace Leather Platform Strappy Pumps ($1825)

Another bag I talk about incessantly with my loved ones? This Puppets and Puppets cookie bag. I was told by loved ones to set aside my obsession with this bag and that it was too "niche," but they were wrong (again). Once I saw Doja Cat donning this bag, I knew that this trend was happening for real. And not even comments from my loved one or the internet could stop me from buying this purse. 

Re-create the look:

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(Image credit: Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

WHO: Jaime Xie 

WHAT: Premiere of Bling Empire Season Two

WEAR: Roberto Cavalli fall 2022 ready-to-wear boots

Another way I've seen surrealism bubble up with the fashion set is through 3D florets. Here atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , we dubbed flowers as a rising trend a while back, and our hunch has been further confirmed. The receipts can be traced to this red carpet look from Bling Empire star and model Jamie Xie. Her donning a pair of mint-green knee-high Roberto Cavalli boots with appliqué florets proves this accessory trend is only growing from here. 

Re-create the look:

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(Image credit: Rachpoot:Bauer-Griffin:GC Images)

WHO: Julia Fox

WEAR: Reality Eyewear glasses; Seks dress; Harley Davidson gloves; Thom Browne bag; Junya Watanabe boots

When it comes to wearing a "controversial" trend out of the jump, you already know that Julia Fox will be on it. So it should come as no surprise that the starlet recently wore a fox-shaped bag while out on a casual evening. It may be a bit campy, but it further proves that this fantastical trend can fit into reality and everyday life rather well. 

Re-create the look:

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(Image credit: RB/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

WHO: Tessa Thompson

WEAR: Loewe Flower Sunglasses ($380); MM6 Maison Margiela Pre-Fall 2022 outfit; Giorgio Armani La Prima Hobo Bag ($1495)

If you've made it to this point in the story, you might be thinking, How is someone supposed to wear this trend for everyday life? And while I'll admit that surrealist accessories aren't for everyone, there are more subtle ways to incorporate them into your life. Take, for example, the look from Tessa Thompson above. A simple outfit can be transformed with the addition of uniquely shaped sunglasses. 

Re-create the look:

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(Image credit: MEGA/GC Images)

WHO: Kylie Jenner 

WHAT: Paris Fashion Week

WEAR: Schiaparelli fall 2022 couture gown

Again, surrealist-inspired jewelry remains a fan favorite among the fashion set, including with Kylie Jenner. While everyone may not have an occasion that requires them to wear a Schiaparelli velvet gown, that doesn't mean you can't draw inspiration from her look. If you have upcoming weddings or special parties on your calendar, try adding a lifelike piece of jewelry to your outfit. It can ensure you wow the crowd and gives you a chance to test-drive the trend without committing to it beyond the evening. 

Re-create the look:

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(Image credit: Jacopo Raule/GC Images)

WHO: Maude Apatow 

WHAT: Paris Fashion Week

WEAR: Loewe fall 2022 ready-to-wear outfit

While many brands have contributed to the return of surrealism, my favorite is Loewe. With Anderson as the creative director, this trend has reached higher heights (quite literally). Just look to the designer's whimsical fall collection, which includes the usage of real and lifelike ballons on everything from gowns to shoes to jewelry. And while I hold the designer's take on surrealism in the highest regard, I'm not alone in it. These pieces have been spotted on everyone from Hailey Bieber to Gabrielle Union to Maude Apatow, showing that this trend's popularity is destined to float up from here on out. 

Re-create the look:

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(Image credit: @beyonce)

WHO: Beyoncé 

WHAT: Shawn Carter Foundation Gala

WEAR: David Koma gown; Judith Leiber Couture Game Day Stack of Cash Billions Crystal Envelope Clutch ($1295)

Last but certainly not least, the final example of how surrealist accessories are here to stay is from the queen herself—ahem, Beyoncé. While this look is from a few years ago, it proves this trend's staying power and continued relevance. Sure, these accessories may be divisive, and some may even say they're "unnecessary," but at the end of the day, all that matters is how you feel about it. In the words of Beyoncé herself, always stay gracious; the best revenge is your paper. And I say that wearing a money-shaped clutch or any surreal accessory is worth the investment, even if it causes a stir in the comment section. 

Re-create the look:

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Next: We Can No Longer Ignore Them—These 6 "Ugly" Trends Are Blowing Up for Fall

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.