We are now in the second half of August, how are you doing?

This time, I'd like to introduce you the new collection【Gustave Moreau - Cléopâtre】

Gustave Moreau

Gustave Moreau is one of my favorite painters, he was born in Paris in 1826 and is known for his very fantastical works.

The Musée Gustave Moreau in the 9th arrondissement of Paris was originally his mansion and is now his museum.

It's not a big museum, but it's a very nice one, and I've been there many times.

The collection is themed around one of his works titled Cléopâtre.

Cléopâtre

Cleopatra, painted in 1887.

The first things that caught my eyes when I saw this piece were the blue stones and then the drape of the dress.

I already had a collection themed on Cleopatra VII, using the semi precious stone lapis-lazuli, but as I was looking through this collection of Gustave Moreau's works, I was intrigued by a piece, coincidentally, that was also Cleopatra.

It took me a little bit of thinking, but I found some vintage Swarovski crystals that perfectly matches the theme, so my new collection also ended up with the Cleopatra - Gustave Moreau version.

The Swarovski packaging is a little worn out, but different from what we have now.

The packaging for this one is still in pretty good condition, whereas the wrapping paper of some vintage Swarovski crystals I found previously were on the verge of really falling apart.

Swarovski also releases a new Swarovski Elements collection every season, with new crystal colors and shapes.

At the same time, some shapes and colors will be discontinued.

In the past, when creating collections, I find some times that the Swarovski crystals I ordered was out of production.

This cabochon crystals I found this time is a deep navy blue color that is no longer available.

Cabochon-type crystals such as rose cut and pearly ones are still exist, but this type of crystal has never been seen before,  it was the first time for me.

The base of the blue stone is relatively simple to make the vintage Swarovskis stand out.

The next step is to figure out how to create a drape effect for jewelry.

I could also use fabric, but I decided to create the drape effect using chains.

And this is what comes out.

In the picture the draping is from the center to the side, but after trying, I found that the jewelry looked best when it comes from the side to the center.

I first create a masterpiece first that will be the core of the collection.

In my way, I draw a rough design sketch, but then I work directly with the materials.

That's because, when I started, I would draw designs, but without realizing it, I would end up designing jewelries that ignored the gravity.

With clothes, too, there are times when the fabric falls off differently from what you would expect, but with jewelry, there are much more when you think, "No matter how you, this is just impossible!"

In the end, I found that  it is more efficient to directly work with materials and create pieces, and it is easier to come up with new ideas and find solutions to problems.

The masterpiece jewelry is a one for special occasions, so I will use this masterpiece as a base to create jewelries that can be fit for everyday use or for going out.

For special occasions

When you need to be dressed up

For going out, dinner

Everyday Use

Keeping the spirit of the collection theme, jewelries are created to be suitable for any occasion, and a collection is completed.

I have briefly explained how a collection is created. What do you think?

I hope you will like this new collection.

Please take a look at the Gustave Moreau - Cléopâtre collection .