Noir

Elegant Curiosities

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Black takes center stage in this captivating look. The designer purposefully limited the use of materials to pearls, green amethyst, sterling silver, and subtle 14k gold accents, allowing the deep black tones to command attention. The choice of black in this collection holds personal significance for our designer.

The color black carries a rich historical significance. In Roman times and the Middle Ages, black symbolized authority and dignity. However, during the 13th century, it became associated with sinister connotations and death, often linked to black animals like cats and crows, which were considered symbols of evil.

Producing black dye was a costly and labor-intensive process, primarily utilizing bark, roots, and fruits. However, the resulting dyes were often bluish, grayish, or brownish in tone. The most desirable black dye was obtained from Oak apples, requiring a significant quantity of these small objects to yield a small amount of dye.

In the 14th century, black clothing gained popularity. In certain regions, rules prohibited wearing specific colors unless one held a high social rank. Wealthy individuals without noble titles sought a way to display their affluence, and black, being an expensive and unrestricted color, provided them with an avenue to do so. Consequently, the demand for black fabric grew, leading to advancements in dyeing techniques.

The allure of exquisite black clothing did not go unnoticed by society. The elegance and depth of the color captivated the European nobility, and by the end of the 14th century, foreign kings and princes also embraced black attire. Thus, black became the preferred color for noble young men, establishing its association with wealth and prestige for centuries.

The designer’s love for history and luxury inspired the selection of black for this collection.

The top is predominantly crafted from chiffon, with an additional underlayer to ensure opacity.

Adornments on the top include sterling silver beads and freshwater pearls.

A layered Venice lace necklace is incorporated into this ensemble, featuring a green amethyst set in a four-prong sterling silver setting, encircled by freshwater pearls.

The belt features exquisite Venice lace, complemented by 14k gold beads, sterling silver beads, and freshwater pearls. Its centerpiece is a stunning green amethyst measuring 16×12 mm and weighing approximately 7.5 carats, elegantly set in a sterling silver prong setting.

The earrings are crafted with delicate lace and sterling silver, adorned with lustrous freshwater pearls, adding a touch of sophistication to complete the ensemble.

The skirt is made with Punta di Roma (70% viscose and 30% polyamide)

Included with his look: *Tops *Skirt *Belt *Gloves *Necklace *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: Mythe Entjes

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 / Noir

About the collection

Why is my collection black?

Elegant Curiosities

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