necklace (top) ROSANTICA, necklace (bottom) ALIGHIERI, earrings ROSANTICA

Scenes from Velázquez, the candlelight longueurs of Barry Lyndon (a feast of slowness, not just for Kubrick completists), darkness pierced by Enlightenment art and thought – the restraint and order of neoclassicism has a strong allure for our chaotic times. Up the ante, play your ace and observe, come morning, that pearly beauty and perfection come hand in hand with corruption. 

dress EMILIA WICKSTEAD, earrings ROSANTICA

 

The eroticism of pearls lies in their organicity, and wearing them next to your skin is the old-school way to keep them lustrous. To further nail the neoclassical vibe, sport a cameo ring in Wedgwood blue.

LEFT earrings (top) ESHVI, (bottom) BY ALONA, ringFERIAN

Self-expression became more subversive and creative during the neoclassical period. At the same time, women started to put on façades, wear social masks and consciously consider the multiplicity of roles they played.

RIGHT: dress and shirt ALEXIS MABILLE,earrings ESHVI, necklace BY ALONA

dress CECILE BAHNSEN, shoes SIMONE ROCHA, earrings BY ALONA

The Ancient Romans had the hots for natural pearls, their ultimate status jewellery, and the Enlightenment saw a comeback – this is an adornment that never loses its shine.

LEFT ring PEBBLE LONDON, necklace PEBBLE LONDON;
RIGHT coat ERDEM, earringsSOPHIE BILLE BRAHE

LEFT: shirt and trousers ZIMMERMANN, boots LE MONDE BERYL, earrings SOPHIE BILLE BRAHE;
RIGHT: necklace ALIGHIERI, earrings ROSANTICA, pearl necklace OLIVIA & PEARL

LEFT: earrings BY ALONA

 

RIGHT: shirt BROCK COLLECTION, earrings SOPHIE BILLE BRAHE, necklace PEBBLE LONDON, rings OLIVIA & PEARL, MARIA BLACK, CORNELIA WEBB,
LEFT: shoes MANOLO BLAHNIK

What goes around comes around, even after 200 years. The grand seriousness of neoclassicism, its pretention (in a good way) and elegant sense of manners feel wildly appealing. Call it a contrast to junk culture, call it a return to grace, call it a moment for painterly muses. Let’s just agree these jewels and silks are fit for late-night revels among libertines, rakes and dandies.

dress and bralet SIMONE ROCHA, bag MANU ATELIER, earrings ESHVI

LEFT: Painting by EDOUARD MANET A Matador, 1866-7;
RIGHT: earrings ESHVI, necklace OLIVIA & PEARL

photography SHINI PARK
art direction CAMILO GONZÁLEZ
styling MARIAN NACHMIA
hair & makeup KATE TIGHE
writer SOPHIE DENING

behind the scenes photography SIMON SCHMIDT
bts assist YIANNA HADJIPANAYIOTOU
production CUBE COLLECTIVE
project management ANNA HOLMFELD

assist HANNA YI
assist SABINA WESTON
retouch ALE JIMÉNEZ