A model presents a collection from designer Bian Huizhong’s Saint.Joy during China Fashion Week in Beijing on March 30.
Sunday’s Best
I’m not sure how this fascinating work of art was left on the model’s head, but it doesn’t matter. shown in late March as part of Chinese designer Bian Huizhong’s collection at China Fashion Week in Beijing, the metal headpiece depicts several world landmarks – including Big Ben, the Sydney Opera House and, I think, the Chrysler Building just suddenly on the back – presenting magically tiny, steampunk-esque proportions: headpieces, but with buildings. Doesn’t fit well into most people’s everyday lives, but oh, it looks fun.
The Great Britain and Ireland Girl Tiara was a wedding gift to the Duchess of York, the future Queen Mary, in 1893.
The crown was a gift to Mary from a committee chaired by Mary’s future lady-in-waiting, Lady Eva Gravel.
The Great Britain and Ireland Girl Tiara is adorned with several diamond spikes and often appears in portraits of the Queen on Commonwealth coins and banknotes.
The Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara can be worn in three ways, with an emerald setting, a pearl pendant, or without any stones, creating a “mourning” setting.
On how it came into the hands of Queen Mary, Queensmith gemologist and design consultant Adele Narcisi said, “This iconic piece was smuggled out of Russia after the fall of the Tsar, and it perfectly embodies the wealth of the Russian monarchy.
“The crown was acquired by the British Crown in 1920, and it became part of Queen Mary’s collection.”
