Image Source: Netflix
Netflix’s House of Guinness was released at the end of last month and there’s already been one breakout star getting everyone talking. No, not the actors portraying the dynasty’s famous history or a specific on-the-edge-of-your-seat scene, but . . . James Norton’s earring.
Norton, 40, plays the famous Irish brewing family’s hunky henchman, Mr Sean Rafferty, who opens the show’s first episode by striding through the factory floor passing plumes of smoke and flames – and has viewers instantly swooning. Aside from his rugged good looks, Irish accent and hard-man antics, the one thing that’s really got fans hooked is his single, silver, hoop earring.
Who would have thought a hoop would hold so much power?
TikToks have begun circulating, with users calling it “the slutty little earring”. One video has amassed 20K likes online (at the time of writing) with the comment section packed with gasp and fire emojis, declaring love for Norton. Worn on the left ear, the thin silver earring could be missed if you’re not looking closely. Be it a quick glimpse of the hoop shining under the moonlight in a poorly lit 1860’s Dublin alley way or during a heart-bounding flirting exchange – the earring steals scenes like a silent seducer.
Who would have thought a hoop would hold so much power?
Image Source: Getty Images / Gareth Cattermole
But it’s not just a last-minute costume add, it’s an essential part of Mr Rafferty. It’s subtle but intentional, which mirrors Norton’s cunning character. It’s unique and small, but holds mighty power just like Mr Rafferty, who is by no means at the bottom of the ranks but he doesn’t hold the social notoriety that the Guinness family does. Although he still throws a good punch that will floor you faster than a pint of the black stuff.
It’s the attitude of the earring. An overly stereotypical, masculine man wearing such a delicate piece of jewellery shows that he is 100 percent, without any shadow of a doubt, comfortable with who he is. The strength of someone secure with who they are with a hint of rebelliousness is what gets viewers going and it has me, pardon the pun, hooked.
Even Netflix are capitalising on the buzz, promoting the show via the earring. It posted on X: “Good morning to James Norton’s little earring in HOUSE OF GUINNESS”. The single post has had over 162K lusting eyes on it.
We’ve seen it before with male protagonists and their jewellery. Who can forget Connell’s chain, worn by Paul Mescal in Normal People?
We’ve seen it before with male protagonists and their jewellery. Who can forget Connell’s chain, worn by Paul Mescal in Normal People, that was so famous and a part of the BBC drama that it bagged its own Instagram account that amassed over 30K followers and caused a surge in men’s necklace sales? That was one mighty chain.
When Harry Styles wore a single pearl earring to the 2019 Met Gala dripping in Gucci, the internet was divided. Some admired his accessory, others ridiculed it. Styles didn’t back down and continued to wear pearl necklaces to TV appearances and red carpets, which sparked a trend among a lot of men and even trickled down to 2023’s Love Island lads.
A small earring packs a lot of power and has had the internet in a chokehold for a while. In 2022, a tweet went viral for referring to British actor Josh O’Connor’s lonely hoop. “Once again thinking about Josh O’Connor’s slutty little earring”, it read – and the phrase was born. Cue a list of endless heartthrobs unable to resist the allure of one earring. Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi and Paul Mescal, to name a few.
Image Source: Getty Images / Laurent KOFFEL
Only a few years ago jewellery was reserved for so-called “alternative” men like Lenny Kravitz or Johnny Depp, to be worn with second-skin leather trousers, bare chests and guy-liner. But the single earring is more powerful than layering chains, hoops and studs like Captain Jack Sparrow and more sexy than a flamboyant, frilly collared Shakespeare and his small ear piece.
The inconspicuousness is what we love. It’s not bold and brash, diamond encrusted and oversized, like David Beckham in the ’00s. It’s just a little, cheeky but sexy addition – similar to adding lipstick to everyday makeup.
Norton is yet to let go of his slutty little hoop wearing it to the show’s premiere in London, promotional interviews and at Milan Fashion Week no less. And who can blame him? Norton can keep his earring for as long as he wants.
Clemmie Fieldsend has worked at a number of newspaper brands and is the former fashion editor of a national newspaper. She has over 17 years of experience commenting, writing and styling fashion and celebrity photoshoots. Clemmie reports on current fashion news, trends and hot takes across the celebrity and style stratosphere in both digital and print publications. She can decode trends to make them wearable, will forever be chasing the perfect pair of jeans and has an unreasonable hatred of rucksacks.
