When conceptualizing the pearl-weave segment for this collection, we went back to to reference a narrative of Cleopatra, steeped in political propaganda, aimed at tarnishing her legacy with tales of excess and poor judgment. One such story recounts Cleopatra’s infamous wager with Mark Antony over who could host the most opulent dinner. After Antony marshaled every indulgence imaginable, Cleopatra is said to have ended the contest decisively. She removed one of her pearl earrings, dissolved it in a goblet of vinegar, and drank it—a singular gesture that symbolized exorbitance, power and excess beyond comprehension. The pearl, as the tale goes, was valued at the price of a small country.
At the oasis, this story brought to mind the Egyptian beadnet dress, pictured on the last slide, guiding our exploration of creating an intricate weaving technique. From here, the klouvion technique to us, became representative of the narrative of purity and condemnation that eons of women before us had been raveled within. . Each generation's plight adds a layer to the last, much like the formation of a pearl within the protective confines of a clamshell. From here, we built the structure of klouvion: cage-like silhouette made entirely of pearls, delicately handwoven with our in-house technique into a gilded cage, or rather a pearl cage - the pearls representing the layered nuances as well as the gilding.
Worn with the kome corset.
Colourway: Eggshell.
Fit: Body Hugging. Mini Length.
Fabric Composition:
Acrylic Pearl
Wire
