This October a serendipitous collaboration came about with independent clothing label Olivia Annabelle Apparel. The brand creates just two or three capsule collections each year with a handful of thoughtfully designed dresses and separates. I'd seen and admired the whimsically beautiful clothing designed by Olivia Welsh on social media at the start of this year, and then had the chance to see and try on some of her exquisite creations at a pop-up in London's Shoreditch during the summer reprieve from lockdown.
This is fashion that makes you feel something. Her designs tell stories about local traditions and meaningful moments from our past, and feature beguiling prints and playful silhouettes. They immediately warmed my heart. After spotting a teaser about her upcoming collection, Gloriana, on Instagram, I got in touch, offering to create a small edit of original and reworked vintage jewelled accessories for her festive campaign. Wonderfully, she said 'yes'.
Inspired by The Faerie Queene, the 16th century story of Queen Elizabeth I by Edmund Spenser, Gloriana draws on imagery from Elizabeth's 'Golden Age' and the symbolism from her elaborate gowns and magnificent portraits. There are all-seeing eyes and all-hearing ears among celestial motifs in the stunning print that unites all pieces in the collection. These elements became my starting point.
My favourite piece is probably the all-seeing eye hair slide created from an early 20th century paste dress buckle combined with an art deco mother of pearl circle element salvaged from a broken necklace and an iridescent green Swarovski crystal pearl 'iris'.
There are other hair slides and combs too, perfect for adding to your festive outfits as well as earrings and bold statement necklaces.
Oh, and then there is the Gloriana halo itself, featuring nine vintage jewelled elements from the early 1900s to the 1980s.
I love how the jewellery becomes part of the festive feast in the campaign. Perfect indulgent opulence!
The edit is currently exclusively available through a festive pop up on the Olivia Annabelle website - each one-of-a-kind. You can also read an interview I did with the lovely OA team.