Gucci's high jewellery collection Hortus Deliciarum ("garden of delights" in Latin) can mean a lot of things - a nod perhaps to the myriad of references that creative director Alessandro Michele typically employs in his rich, textured collections. It is also the name of a mediaeval manuscript compiled by a nun named Herrad of Landsberg. This illuminated encyclopaedia was filled with poems, coloured illustrations. music and text a kind of compendium of knowledge at the time. Perhaps the idea of it was the source of inspiration for Michele's wide-ranging jewellery collection - the first and second chapters of his Hortus Deliciarum reference the animal kingdom as well as the majesty of nature.
This third collection is based on the idea of an imaginary Grand Tour. Inspired by the far-flung travels of artists, scholars, and thinkers as they embarked on a search for knowledge and beauty over two centuries ago, the collection highlights places of wonder and specific historical and architectural eras that are suspended in time and space, and immortalises them now in high jewellery. The result is romantic, maximalist jewellery dripping in glamour and ripe with symbolism and memory. With rich coloured gemstones combined with diamonds and even architectural motifs or landscapes as centrepieces, these eye-popping jewels are certainly not for wallflowers.
By blending different cultures and restoring the splendour of rarities, the pieces are like memories of travels that are distilled into beautiful objects. The jewellery here combines the past and the present in order to evoke a multi-faceted modernity. With inspiration starting from the mid19th century and continuing to the 1970s, the collection creates a journey that is suspended in time, what the brand dubs a "memory of memories".
This story is from the October 2022 edition of ELLE Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2022 edition of ELLE Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Miami Vibes
Urban art, dreamy beaches, Latin flavour...find out why these have made MIAMI a sought-after destination.
The Language Of Flowers
Young designers are falling for the subversive power of a classic motif.
The Joy Luck Club
The duo behind YanYan takes play very seriously. Phyllis Chan and Suzzie Chung share how they are shaking up the world of knitwear while having absolute fun.
Wild West
For its latest collection, WEEKEND MAX MARA teams up with American actress Lucy Hale to embrace the season's rustic charm.
Men Of The Hour
Fresh off the success of their drama, 4MINUTES, Thai actors Bible Wichapas Sumettikul and Jespipat Tilapornputt are on the cusp of international stardom.
Conquer The Day
As a versatile everyday watch with panache, LONGINES' new Conquest collection gets the job done very nicely.
Woman On A Mission
Rebecca Lim may have taken a step back from showbiz to settle into her new role as first-time mum, but the actress wants everyone to know that they haven't seen the last of Becks. She talks to ELLE about reconciling motherhood and career.
The Making Of An Icon
"SHOUT, SHOUT, LET IT ALL OUT," sings Fann Wong as glittering creations from Buccellati are carefully put on her.
Million Dollar Woman
With her dazzling confidence and supermodel aura, GIGI HADID is the embodiment of Rabanne's new Million Gold For Her fragrance.
Breast practices
Cancer coach ISABEL GALIANO offers five coping strategies to help women survive and thrive after a breast cancer diagnosis.