Margaret

Elegant Curiosities

Look / Margaret

Drawing inspiration from the Titanic and its era’s high society fashion, this look blends historical charm with a contemporary twist. Named ‘Margaret’ after Margaret Tobin Brown, an American socialite and philanthropist often known as ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown’, it honors her bravery and progressive spirit. Known for urging lifeboat no. 6 crew to rescue survivors from the 1912 Titanic wreckage, and for her influential role in the National American Women’s Suffrage Association and the Denver Woman’s Club, Margaret is an emblem of strength and advancement.

In the past, our designer collaborated with the National Geographic on the Titanic artifact exhibition, creating a jewelry collection featuring genuine wood from the RMS Titanic. This collection inspired the incorporation of Titanic wood in the Margaret ensemble.

Both the belt and body chain showcase pieces of wood in a setting enveloped in epoxy. A comprehensive nine-page certificate will accompany this look, detailing information about the Titanic wood.

Embellishments of freshwater pearls and sterling silver beads enhance this ensemble’s allure. The adornments continue with filigree ornaments accentuated by hand-plated 24k gold and sterling silver details. Antique garnet beads circa 1880 and additional freshwater pearls add a touch of sophistication to the headdress.

Fashioned predominantly from chiffon, the top is paired with an underlay to maintain modesty.

The skirt is made of a flowy polyester fabric with silky look.

Included with his look: *Head chain *Skirt *Gloves *Tops *Belt *Body chain

About the collection

These creations cater to anyone wishing to embody their feminine side or make a statement with luxurious, distinct, and exclusive attire. Each garment doubles as a piece of jewelry in its own right. Elements in her designs incorporate historical artifacts, 24k hand-gilded and silver-plated details, precious gemstones, freshwater pearls, sterling silver, and 14k gold. All these elements converge to ensure that you’re not simply donning an item of clothing, but adorning a jewel, each bearing its unique narrative and source of inspiration.

Designer: Laila van den Dageraad / Elegant Curiosities

Model: @Licka_Lolly

Photograpy: Laurens van Riel

Intern Coupeuse (skirts): Julia Eliene Vos

Music Production Showcase: Robin Post & HermanusArtisticus

Why is my collection black?

Most of the time, roughly 90%, I choose to don black attire because of its timeless elegance and sophisticated style. However, black is more than just a fashion statement, it has a profound significance that can be understood better through a historical lens.

During the era of the Romans and the Middle Ages, black was often symbolized as a color of power and respect. As time moved into the 13th century, the perception of the color black underwent a transformation, becoming associated with malignity and mortality. This notion was often reinforced by creatures of the dark, such as cats and crows, which were seen as omens of evil.

Creating the color black was a highly costly process, typically achieved by extracting pigments from bark, roots, and fruits. However, these sources often yielded shades that leaned more towards blue, gray, or brown. The most effective method to procure black dye was through the use of Oak apples. Despite their potency in producing the desired hue, their minuscule size meant that a vast quantity was required to generate a relatively small volume of dye.

During the 14th century, the popularity of black clothing began to rise. In those times, especially in Italy, societal norms prohibited the wearing of specific colors unless you belonged to the upper echelons of society. Affluent individuals without such status desired to distinguish themselves as well, and they found a loophole in the absence of any restrictions on the costly color black. This allowed them to subtly flaunt their wealth. As a consequence, the demand for black fabric soared, and this in turn refined the expertise of the dye-makers.

The captivating allure of black attire was not lost on society. Its deep, refined hue captivated the aristocracy of Europe, who quickly adopted it as a part of their attire. By the close of the 14th century, even foreign monarchs and noblemen began to show an inclination towards black clothing. Consequently, black established itself as the preferred color among noble youth for many ensuing centuries.

My love for history and luxury made me choose this color for my collection.

Elegant Curiosities

Look / Margaret

Margaret

About the collection

Why is my collection black?

Elegant Curiosities

Subscribe to our Newsletter