Dario 1-Large
Elegant Curiosities
Look / Queen

Queen

“Queen” extends beyond royalty to encompass drag queens. In this look, the designer sought to retain the connection to a crown, which traditionally symbolizes monarchy. This look is an ode to a special Queen, Marsha P. Johnson (August 24, 1945 – July 6, 1992), was an influential American gay liberation activist and self-identified drag queen. Recognized as a vocal champion for gay rights, Johnson played a significant role in the historic Stonewall uprising of 1969, making her one of the key figures in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.

The crown itself is crafted from filigree ornaments, embellished with settings adorned with 24k gold leaf and coated with epoxy. This motif is echoed throughout the rest of the ensemble. The stones used in this look are Swarovski crystals, adding a touch of sparkle and brilliance.

The metal used in this piece is a bronze alloy. The pasties feature a backing that already includes a layer of skin glue. Following wear, a new layer of skin glue should be applied (which will be provided with the piece).

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

Included with his look: *Pasties *Body chain *Belt *Skirt *Face-chain *Crown *Gloves *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: @catharina_love_x
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.