Marilyn

Elegant Curiosities

Look / Marilyn

Marilyn Monroe, the epitome of female beauty, has been a significant inspiration for our designer who is an ardent fan of the fashion from Marilyn’s iconic era. Hence, it was essential to integrate a showgirl look, influenced by Marilyn, into the collection, radiating glamour and old Hollywood luxury.

Incorporated in the setting of the necklace and the body is a fragment from a stocking worn by Marilyn Monroe herself. This fragment was acquired from the Shaw Family Archives, Ltd. Limited Collection, originating from a stocking sold at a Christie’s auction in London on December 17, 2002. This stocking traces back to the time when she was residing at Parkside House with her then-husband Arthur Miller, during the making of “The Prince and the Showgirl” with Laurence Olivier.

This unique piece is accompanied by an Elegant Curiosities certificate of authenticity.

The lightweight headdress is fashioned from a flexible metal base, adorned with an array of sterling silver beads, grey and cream freshwater pearls.

The body piece showcases a beautiful cascade of sewn-together lace, with plentiful sterling silver beads and gray and cream freshwater pearls meticulously sewn onto the piece, enhancing its luxurious and glamorous appeal.

Included with his look: *Headdress *Body *Gloves *Necklace *Freshwater pearl sterling earrings.

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: Laila van den Dageraad

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 / Marilyn

Marilyn

About the collection

Why is my collection black?

Elegant Curiosities

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