Erotica, goth, grotesque, resurrected spirits from the underworld – are common, acceptable themes among jewelry designers lately — and thanks to more vanguard names like Delfina Delettrez Fendi and labels like Alexander McQueen, the trend isn’t going anywhere.
I must applaud society for embracing the more dark — if you will — side of fashion with a grain of salt, because it is indicative of the world’s openness and frankness with the reality of death and sexuality — issues that until recently were taboo – at least in terms of wearble art.
This week, we feature designers like Schield’s Diego Diaz Marin and Roberto Ferlito, who have made a name for themselves with their designs fashioned with jeweled and gilded body parts and secretions. In doing so, they take subjects that are difficult to discuss and interpret them with grace, levity and luxury Florentine craftsmanship.
Bliss Lau is a New York-based designer from Hawaii. I had the pleasure of meeting her at Pitti W earlier this month and was surprised to find out that she is a pioneer of the body chain trend. Kinky – yes, at first blush. But once you begin to open your mind a bit, you see that her chains and wearable jewelry can also enhance a dull black dress and turn it into memorable evening wear.
Also on a more somber note, in Southern Italy, Gaia Petrizzi of Tupi Tupi is channelling the past and the dearly departed to craft something truly exquisite, artisanal, one-of-a-kind, beautiful yet haunting.
This issue of BACO is all about overcoming social norms and inhibitions and finding beauty where you least expect it.
BACI,
Sofia
