Hollywood red carpets are full of dazzling gowns, sharp suits, and statement accessories. But this year, Damson Idris stole the spotlight with something a little different.
The British-Nigerian actor, nominated for F1: The Movie, showed up at the 2026 Oscars in a sleek custom Prada navy suit. But it wasn't the tailoring everyone was talking about. It was the sparkling diamond brooch pinned to his lapel.
And here's the kicker—he designed it himself. While most celebrities borrow pieces from big luxury houses, Idris brought his own vision to life under his luxury jewellery label, DIDRIS. It was a move that said a lot about his style, his heritage, and the stories he wants to tell.
Behind Damson Idris' Oscars Brooch
This isn't just any brooch. Its centerpiece is a 7.41-carat marquise blue diamond. Two white marquise diamonds and two sets of triangle diamonds are on either side of it. Surrounding them are 42 natural white diamonds, weighing a total of 6.38 carats.
Every stone was ethically sourced and certified under the Kimberley Process, so Idris could be sure no conflict diamonds were involved. It's a detail that matters deeply to him given his African roots.
Even the numbers have meaning. The 42 white diamonds represent seven times six. Six is for the number of children in his family. Seven is for perfection, completion, and the divine, which have long been associated with that number.
The design itself is inspired by a compass searching for the North Star, and the DIDRIS logo is cleverly added to an open space between the centerpiece.
'In our craft, nothing is concealed. Structure, setting and surface must be resolved with care, because what we make carries both material and human value', said Theo Ioannou, founder of CAD-MAN, the London studio that helped Idris bring the piece to life.
DIDRIS: A Brand Built on Heritage
Launching a luxury jewellery brand is a bold move for any actor but for Idris, it made perfect sense. His mother, Silifat Idris, worked in London's jewellery market, buying and selling gold while he was growing up. 'The idea of connection is the biggest thing for DIDRIS. It's more than a brand—it's a legacy, and it's a legacy that started with my mother', Idris told Town & Country Magazine.
He admitted that getting into jewellery wasn't easy and that it felt like everything else was just a way to make money. 'Where is the story? The story is everything', the actor emphasised.
Idris debuted DIDRIS at the 2025 Met Gala with a brooch inspired by a pocket watch, featuring an 11-carat emerald and hundreds of tourmalines, tsavorites and diamonds. Since then, the brand has offered pieces like the Monogram Cuff, Tahitian pearl necklace, and Compass Earrings.
Are Brooches Back in Style?
Brooches, once seen as a traditional accessory, are back in style and no longer hidden away in jewellery boxes. This trend has been quietly making its return over the past few years, showing up on runways, red carpets, and even everyday tailoring.
What's driving the comeback? A mix of nostalgia and reinvention. Designers and celebrities are reworking the brooch into something more personal and expressive. Now, it's used as a main piece, not just an addition. It looks best on sharp suits or simple outfits, where it can really stand out.
When it comes to the red carpet, these brooches are a subtle way to break out of the usual fashion rules. They give an outfit a personality without overpowering, and they can have meaning — whether it's because of history, a symbol, or just a bold design choice.
Damson Idris's Oscars appearance fits right into this shift. His custom piece doesn't just follow the trend. It shows how the modern brooch is evolving into something deeper.
