Sofia Coppola’s recent film Priscilla, a coming-of-age biopic, reveals the journey of Priscilla Presley with a poignant symbol— a gold heart-shaped locket on a black ribbon. Worn during Priscilla’s school days, this significant accessory visually encapsulates her enduring love for Elvis Presley. Coppola’s inclusion of this element is a nod to the lasting emotions experienced by teenage girls, showcasing her ability to blend modern nuances into historical narratives.
A Revival of the ’90s Chunky Pendant
While the heart locket takes center stage in Priscilla’s narrative, the real-life Priscilla Presley adorned a similar chunky pendant in the ’60s. Fast forward to the ’90s, and renowned fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Valentino, and Givenchy revived this iconic piece.
Despite its decline in the 2000s, the spring of 2022 witnessed Saint Laurent reintroducing the silver talisman. Simultaneously, Prada launched the Eternal Gold fine jewelry collection, featuring a substantial puffy gold heart on a black ribbon. Contemporary celebrities like Rihanna, Doja Cat, and Diana Silvers also have embraced this heart symbol’s resurgence in 2023.
A Trend Reimagined in Everyday Fashion
Capturing this cultural moment, A24, the distributor of Priscilla, collaborates with J. Hannah, a Los Angeles-based jewelry brand, to craft a distinctive Priscilla locket. Unlike conventional movie merchandise, this unique piece, inspired by Presley’s real-life necklace, bears the engravings “Priscilla” and the J. Hannah logo on the back.
However, the front is deliberately left blank, encouraging owners to personalize it— a practice similar to the original Priscilla locket, believed to have held a photo of her father rather than the anticipated image of Elvis. Despite the higher cost of $1,280 for the special necklace, the Priscilla heart locket trend has reached everyday stores catering to budget-conscious teens. Urban Outfitters, Mango, and Amazon, alongside more expensive choices like Catbird, Gorjana, and Mejuri, now offer different versions of this romantic symbol.