Delve into the dazzling history of costume jewelry through the extraordinary collection of Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo. In the early twentieth century, New York became the center of costume jewelry design, as craftsmen fleeing a war-torn Europe rebuilt their craft in the United States. Their expertise placed the city at the forefront of fashion and marked the beginning of an era of bold, beautiful, and accessible costume jewelry.
This magnificent book, with texts by Carol Woolton and Maria Luisa Frisa (who offers a personal reflection on Patrizia and her collection), showcases nearly 600 of the finest pieces from the 1930s to the new millennium.
With stunning photographs by Luciano Romano, it traces the history of the democratization of jewelry, as women embraced striking accessories and displayed a new freedom in dress. Beyond their beauty, these jewels embodied rebellion and transformation: they adorned the most iconic figures of Hollywood and became symbols of identity and creativity.
We will examine the visionary designers and cultural movements of each era, reflecting the artistic, economic, and social changes that shaped them. We will discover how innovative materials such as lucite and bakelite, along with the introduction of vivid tropical colors, inspired new design trends. We will learn about the extraordinary skill of designers who incorporated meticulous details and striking motifs into their creations, often avant-garde, blurring the line between fine jewelry and costume jewelry, and transforming accessories into wearable art. A source of inspiration for collectors, designers, and jewelry lovers.
