Cord Necklace: Revealed at New York Fashion Week

The cord necklace for women and men is emerging as a key jewelry trend for 2025/2026 following New York Fashion Week. Discover its history, designers, and our styling tips. During the latest New York Fashion Week, a simple yet expressive piece of jewelry captured attention: the cord necklace.

“The cord necklace is simplicity turned into a style statement.” – Orzyla

During the latest New York Fashion Week, a simple yet expressive piece of jewelry captured attention: the cord necklace. Suspended from a leather, fabric, or silk cord, often accompanied by a minimalist or symbolic pendant, it reinvents elegance with simplicity.

In 2025/2026, this piece of jewelry is more than an accessory: it becomes a symbol of personality and style, appealing equally to women and men. Its return is part of a broader movement toward minimalism, craftsmanship, and personalization, and its retro-bohemian aesthetic draws inspiration from the 70s and 90s.

The historical origins of the cord necklace

The cord necklace has a long history:

• In the 70s, artisanal jewelry was worn as a talisman or festival souvenir, often handcrafted from natural materials.
• Elsa Peretti, at Tiffany & Co., popularized pendants suspended from a simple cord in the 80s/90s, such as the famous “Bean” designs or suspended medallions, combining minimalism with visual impact.
• This type of jewelry has often been associated with self-expression, whether wearing a symbolic pendant or a natural stone, and continues to charm through its ability to tell a personal story.

Thus, the modern cord follows a lineage where simplicity equates to style and meaning.

Why is this trend such a massive hit in 2025/2026?

We are seeing a major return to minimalism and craftsmanship
In a world saturated with ostentatious jewelry, the cord provides a contrast of simplicity and authenticity.

Celebrities and social media play a major role
Stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Bella Hadid have been spotted wearing cord necklaces with pendants, propelling the trend across Instagram and Pinterest.

Versatility and unisex appeal
The cord adapts to all styles: casual, bohemian, retro, urban chic. It suits both women and men depending on the length, color, and chosen pendant.

A jewelry piece with personal significance
The pendant on a cord allows the wearer to showcase a symbol, a talisman, or a family heirloom, reinforcing the emotional and identity-driven aspect of the jewelry.

Characteristics of the cord necklace

A few designers and houses selected for you by Orzyla

• Agatha : an accessible and elegant model, perfect for a contemporary style. Long cord necklace in black cotton with a central organic pendant in rhodium-plated brass. Worn single or layered, with or without a knot, this modular piece of jewelry enhances all your looks with originality.
• Marie Lichtenberg : colorful cords with engraved pendants and enameled charms, very bohemian and modern.
• Agmes & Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen : cords paired with sculptural pendants or natural stones for a sophisticated look.
• Ready-to-wear brands : Zara, Mango, Free People also offer inspired models for every budget.

Shopping Selection – Orzyla

Silver-black Odyssée cord long necklace – Agatha
Long black cotton necklace with a central organic pendant in rhodium-plated brass.
👉 the Agatha necklace

PONT DES ARTS long necklace
Waxed cotton and fine gold-plated metal necklace featuring a medallion symbolizing a horse.
👉 The necklace

Adjustable black cord minimalist necklace – Amazon
Simple and versatile unisex models, worn alone or layered.
👉 The necklaces
Click to watch the video

Styling tips: the cord necklace

• Alone or layered : the cord on its own is enough for an understated outfit, or combined with other necklaces for a layering effect.
• Adjustment according to the look : short under a collar, long over a neckline or t-shirt.
• Materials & colors : black/brown leather for a neutral style, colored cord for a statement effect.
• Unisex : choose a discreet pendant for men, more elaborate for women if desired.

FAQ – Cord Necklace

What is a cord necklace?
A piece of jewelry where the chain is replaced by a cord (leather, fabric, natural or synthetic thread) with a suspended pendant or medallion.

Is it unisex?
Yes. Depending on the length, pendant, and color of the cord, it suits both women and men.

Which pendant should I choose?
Small and minimalist for discretion, or a stone and sculptural shape for a bolder statement effect.

Does it suit all styles?
Yes. Casual, bohemian, retro, urban chic, or even casual formal.

Where to buy?
Designers (Marie Lichtenberg, Agmes, Ole Lynggaard), Agatha, or accessible models on Amazon, etc…