While vacationing in Venice, model Kendall Jenner made a sophisticated style statement by wearing rare 1955 Alexander Calder earrings. the hammered silver and steel wire pieces were purchased from London-based gallerist Guinness, signaling a deep interest in wearable art rather than mere brand names.
The 1955 Alexander Calder earrings made of silver and steel
Kendall Jenner's recent Venice trip featured more than just standard luxury accessories. The model wore a pair of abstract silver earrings that are actually miniature works of art dating back to 1955. According to the report, these pieces were crafted from hammered silver and steel wire by the renowned American artist Alexander Calder.
These specific earrings were sourced through a complex chain involving the Calder Foundation, New York collectors,and Jenner’s stylist, Dani Michelle. The pieces were eventually provided by London-based gallerist Guinness, who noted that earrings and rings by Calder are particularly scarce in the current market. Guinness even admitted that the earrings were "hard to let go of" because they are so easy to wear despite their sculptural nature.
A Venetian connection to Peggy Guggenheim's eccentric style
The choice of location for Jenner's accessory reveal was highly symbolic. Venice served as the backdrop for a look that echoed the legendary art patron Peggy Guggenheim, who famously championed Calder's work. As the report states, Jenner also wore flared, pointed sunglasses that recreated the iconic shades worn by Guggenheim.
Peggy Guggenheim's influence in Venice remains profound, as her palazzo once housed Calder's sculptural works. By wearing these earrings in the same city where Guggenheim once famously paired a Calder earring with a piece by Yves Tanguy,Jenner is participating in a storied history of avant-garde fashion. For those in the know,Guinness noted that "Calder jewellery is like a little club."
From 2026 runway trends to Jenner's existing art collection
Kendall Jenner's interest in these pieces aligns with her established reputation as a serious art collector. her current collection already includes works by Barbara Kruger, Richard Prince, and a neon light installation by Dan Flavin, as well as a James Turrell sculpture. This move suggests that her fashion choices are increasingly driven by fine art appreciation rather than mere trend-following.
The appreciation for Calder's aesthetic is also seeing a resurgence in the broader fashion industry. While the earrings are nearly 70 years old, Calder's brooch designs have already been identified as a significant trend for the Fall 2026 runways, with designers like Giorgio Armani, Tory Burch, and Simone Rocha incorporating similar elements.
Will the next acquisition be Anish Kapoor or Lucio Fontana?
While Jenner has successfully integrated Calder into her wardrobe, her next move in the world of wearable art remains unconfirmed. Gallerist Guinness has suggested that the model might eventually look toward minimalist statement pieces by Anish Kapoor.
There is also speculation that Jenner could continue her "Guggenheim thread" by seeking out vintage pieces from avant-garde sculptors like Lucio Fontana. For now, the question remains whether this is a one-off acquisition or the beginning of a more consistent trend of Jenner wearing museum-quality sculpture as daily jewelry.
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