Cleopatra’s Vault, Lauren Harwell Godfrey Revives a Myth
The myth of Cleopatra inspires the latest collection by Lauren Harwell Godfrey, who has created new talismans with a strong seductive power
Cleopatra's Vault, the new collection by Lauren Harwell Godfrey, brings the myth of Cleopatra to life through jewels with a strong evocative power. The designer gives us a contemporary interpretation of the style in vogue in ancient Egypt, through jewels befitting a modern-day queen. The saturated colors and the seductive large-scale gemstones, so loved by one of the most powerful women in history, come to life in new talismans full of energy and charm. Some pieces exhibit spectacular Muzo emeralds from Colombia, or lapis lazuli and turquoise, ubiquitous stones of the time. There is no shortage of black onyx (reminiscent of Cleopatra's kohl-rimmed eyes) and malachite (which, when ground into paste, was used as the first version of eye shadow). And then there are the dramatic "Totem" pendants - by traditional Egyptian symbols created for each province that signified the people’s spiritual connection to their land — act as stately anchors to the collection.
