BROOCHES LAID BARE

Newsflash: brooches just got sexy.

Think brooch and you might think of one nestled neatly onto a royal lapel, or pinned to your grandmother's jumper on Christmas Day (maybe just me?). But, take note: brooches are making a significant, albeit slightly late, entry into the 21st century – and they're pretty sassy to boot.

At least they are in the case of Alicia Brion. Magpies will be flapping over the sparkly new pieces from the clever jewellery designer, who last week unveiled her debut collection at the Grace Belgravia (a women’s-only members club half way between Sloane Square and Knightsbridge). Alicia's introductory line, La Femme, comprises diamond, ruby and emerald-studded nudes, where she aims to 'transpose the movement of life drawing sketches to the jewellery'. Sipping Champagne and nibbling on salmon blinis, we admired the slinky silhouettes as they provocatively winked at us from inside squeaky clean display cases.

So, go big on brooches this season – British Vogue even says so in the December issue. Wear them solo or en masse – on blazer lapels, buttoned-up shirt collars, even on bag straps and hats. Add some shimmer to festive ensembles. Just be daring.

I'm wearing:

Black dungarees | Maje

Shirt | Sisley

Bag | Coach

Black Leather Bracelet | Whistles

Necklace | Katie Rowland