The Art of GRILLZ

If eyes are said to be the windows to the soul, then teeth are the canvas for self-expression. From crystal embellishments to custom designs, our smiles have become the new accessories. What was once a niche trend rooted in street culture has evolved into a symbol of individuality, creativity and confidence.

- WORDS BY LETHIWE NHLANGOTHI

Where it all began

Grillz have found their way from hip-hop videos and Y2K red carpets to TikTok feeds and beauty studios around the world. But where did it all begin?

For those new to the dental accessory, grillz are removable gold, silver or diamond caps that fit over the teeth. They first gained popularity in the 1980s hip-hop scene of New York City - thanks to jewellers like Eddie Plein, who designed custom mouthpieces for artists such as Slick Rick and Big Daddy Kane. These accessories became the ultimate flex of wealth, power and self-made success all captured in a grin. By the early 2000s, artists like Nelly brought grillz into the mainstream with his hit anthem “Grillz” (2005), transforming a symbol of street pride into a global marker of style and confidence.