SCHIAPARELLI’S LOVE FOR THE HEAVENS LIVES ON
IN AN ETHEREAL COLLECTION OF ZODIAC JEWELRY.
SCHIAPARELLI’S LOVE FOR THE HEAVENS LIVES ON
IN AN ETHEREAL COLLECTION OF ZODIAC JEWELRY.
Even from a young age, it was evident that Elsa Schiaparelli was destined to see life through an otherworldly lens. As a child, her uncle, Giovanni Schiaparelli, a renowned astronomer, would let her gaze through his telescope and observe the boundless cosmos.
Later, the designer used her longtime love for celestial bodies as the theme for her famed Zodiac collection of winter 1938-1939. She introduced the iconic Zodiac jacket that boasted a galaxy of micro-beaded constellations, gold-threaded planets, and 12 rhinestone-framed glyphs for each astrological sign. Embroidered stars following the shape of Ursa Major, a reference to Schiaparelli’s birthmark on her cheek—an observation once made by her uncle—trailed across the jacket’s left shoulder. Another striking piece was the Phoebus cape. Made from wool in a shade of soft shocking pink, it featured Louis XIV’s emblem on its back, a glimmering sunray mask created from tinsel and gold thread that represented the god Apollo. The exquisite handicraft of these garments was by the storied Parisian embroiderers, Albert and Marie-Louise Lesage.
Schiaparelli’s luminary universe is now translated into the world of bijoux.
From Leo (a prowling lion) to Sagittarius (a centaur-archer aiming his bow), the zodiac signs come to life in a rich offering of gilded necklaces, rings, and earrings. Necklaces are constructed with pendants attached to gloriously thick chains. In classic Schiap style – both elegant and playful – the necklace’s clasp takes the clever form of a hand. Signet rings feature three-dimensional engravings of zodiac signs, while earrings as individual horoscope symbols are dreamlike with precious craftsmanship.
DISCOVER
THE SPRING-SUMMER 2021
COLLECTION