Chokers have been popular for many years now. It is a trend that never fades and keeps evolving. Almost everyone, from high-profile celebs and supermodels to the general fashionistas on the streets, is spotted wearing various versions of the choker, including ribbon, bejeweled, velvet, and tattooed forms. There is no uncertainty that choker necklaces existed even before the 16th century, as Anne Boleyn, 1507-1536, was portrayed wearing a choker necklace in paintings of that era. Her famous neckpiece consists of a string of pearls with a letter “B” pendant.
In fact, this trend probably dates back to the dawn of humanity. Ancient cultures such as Egypt and Mesopotamia wore choker-like jewelry as well.
However, in this article, I have briefly outlined choker trends that developed after the Renaissance. Check them out.
FRENCH REVOLUTION
Female French expatriates wore red ribbons around their necks to honor those who had died by the guillotine. The French Revolution brought back the popularity of chokers around 1798, but not in the manner of the Victorian era.
CHOKERS IN VICTORIAN ERA
During the Victorian era, wealthy ladies wore chokers as a fashion statement, many of which contained precious jewels. Several portraits of Queen Victoria from 1819 to 1901 depict her wearing a collar neckpiece during her reign. Additionally, Princess Alexandra, the Princess of Wales from 1844 to 1925, wore choker necklaces to conceal a scar on her neck, which appeared to have been caused by a childhood surgery. Princess Alexandra influenced fashion, setting trends for nearly fifty years, as society ladies replicated her style.
CHOKERS DURING THE 1900s
The trend of chokers stretched deep into the roaring 1920s with ladies wearing ribbon chokers, and in the 1940s, chokers made another comeback in the form of “dog collars.” Then, chokers began with various materials, such as lace, ribbon, velvet, pearls, and even diamonds.
Later, Jennifer Love Hewitt, the famous movie star from the 1990s, rocked the choker trend back in the day. Celebrities such as Gwyneth wore a piece of diamond choker necklace at the 1999 Academy Awards.
DURING THE 2000s and TODAY
The chokers of the 2000s are about a combination of textures, patterns, materials, and colors. And today, the runways are adorned with choker necklaces made of heavy chains, brass, stripes, jewels, and pearls. In the modern world, almost everyone wears a choker! It is no surprise that chokers have reappeared as the hottest trend since late 2016 and 2017.
You can always slay the Choker Trend no matter what you wear!!
You can check the YouTube video by Safiya Nygaard, where she presents a brief history of chokers.