The Crafty, Summer Camp Cheap Replica Handbags of Our Youth Is Back (Again)

Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, April 1993

Back in an article in 2019, I posed to the world: “Is there such a thing as summer-only jewelry?” At the time, a jewelry trend was emerging in street style. Girls and boys were covering themselves in DIY-looking jewelry—friendship-esque bracelets, braided and knotted loops, and brightly colored beaded baubles. It was evocative of the things you might have made and worn in your youth at swim, cheer, or sleepaway camp, things you used to wear on your summer breaks.

Since, these nostalgic accessories have made an annual appearance come the first sign of warm weather, out on full display come Memorial Day. Perhaps it’s the sentimental value of these super-cute and smiley styles that have us going back to them every summer; who wouldn’t want to be reminded of happier and more innocent times?

Many jewelry-only brands are rooted in this joyful aesthetic, like Roxanne Assoulin, who has been creating cheer-inducing rainbow beaded bracelets since 2016 and the Miami-based brand, Eliou—which you might recognize in the music videos of Harry Styles. Meant to be worn in stacks and pairs, this jewelry trend is made all the more layerable given that a handful of these childhood-inspired pieces hit the under $100 mark. Though, even uber-luxury brands like Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta couldn’t help but string together their own (at a much less approachable price) versions of the happy-go-lucky styles. At Camp Balenciaga, letter block beads spelling out the brand’s name are surrounded by hearts and stars, while at Bottega Veneta’s spring 2021 show, necklaces with tiny colored beads knotted into flowers on macrame adorned the necks of the models (or should we say Daniel Lee’s campers?).

Bottega Veneta Spring 2021Photo: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta

Whether you’re striving for a full camp counselor aesthetic this summer (short-sleeve button ups, Teva-inspired sandals, and drawstring shorts) or are simply after a few lighthearted and playful pieces of jewelry to make some memories in, your search begins and ends here. Here’s to an endless summer—one in which you’ll find yourself a happy camper.