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
Check mate
For DIOR's cruise 2025 collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri weaves Scottish heritage into modern fashion, creating a dialogue between tradition and rebellion.
Glow-Up Goals
Expert-approved aesthetic treatments to get you looking refreshed, natural, and party-ready.
All The Right Notes
Singapore’s biggest Mandopop star to date, JJ LIN reflects on his two-decade career before embarking on the final leg of his world tour.
Dubai: Capital Of The Future
The most visited megalopolis in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a vibrant oasis of modernity; a hotbed of exciting new openings and endless plans.
ARTFUL Indulgence
Le Pristine Singapore IS THE NEW EPICUREAN ESCAPE FOR ART AND DESIGN AFICIONADOS.
Talk of the Town
Miu Miu CONTINUES DEEPENING ITS TIES TO THE art world WITH A PROJECT THAT BRINGS TOGETHER FILM, MOVEMENT AND CONVERSATION.
See Her At N°5
Margot Robbie embodies timeless chic as the new face of Chanel N°5. In this ELLE exclusive, the actress shares her take on the iconic scent.
A closer look at...
You don’t have to be a Warhammer or Arthurian legend geek to appreciate Roger Dubuis’ latest Knights of the Round Table timepiece.
BLUE Paradise
With the support of Rolex and Mission Blue, the Nusa Penida Hope Spot has become a sterling example of ocean conservation.
Counting the Métiers
In this ELLE Singapore exclusive, artistic director of watches and jewellery Francesca Amfitheatrof lays bare what goes into the making a LOUIS VUITTON high jewellery collection.
