Mayfair Gallery is delighted to showcase our collaboration with Glass Magazine titled ‘Gilded Lily’. The beautiful photographs have been captured by the renowned fashion photographer Simon Lipman who has worked together with stylist Harriet Nicolson, to create a fashion editorial full of contrasts and sophistication.
An empty, concrete warehouse filled with sharp edges and evocative of industrial setting creates the backdrop for luxury antiques from Mayfair Gallery’s collection positioned alongside high fashion pieces. Clothing and jewellery from world-famous fashion labels such as Zimmerman, Valentino and Christian Louboutin are placed together with 19th century antiques from around the world.
Above left: The model, Anna Haestrup leans back against Mayfair Gallery’s rare Louis XV style ormolu mounted marquetry double sided desk, the vibrant and eye-catching marigold colouring predominating the design of the Carolina Herrera dress, superbly matching the antique piece. Opened to reveal the usually hidden numerous compartments, it seems as if the model is revealing all her secrets.
Above right: Made by Pleyel, Wolff, Lyon & Cie, one of 19th century greatest makers of musical instruments, Mayfair Gallery’s ormolu mounted harp creates a stunning composition with the shimmering ornamentation of the see-through clothing. The linear patterns portrayed on the fabric play cohesively with the vertical strings inside the delicately hand-crafted frame, accentuating the luxurious qualities of all pieces.
Above left: The elegant and paired down clothing shaded in block colours, emphasizes the detailed decoration adorning our large Chinese lacquered screen. The antique piece is inset with cloisonné enamel plaques featuring a pale blue ground with polychrome patterns. Pierced panels surmount the folding screen, creating a mysterious backdrop for the model.
Above right: The piece in an embrace of the model is an exceptional example of Japanese cloisonné enamel. The large antique Meiji period blue cloisonné enamel vase is intricately ornamented in flowers, exotic birds, and grasses on a dark blue enamel ground. Its high-quality craftsmanship is a demonstration of why the late 19th century Meiji period in Japan is often referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ of this manufacturing technique.
Above left: Looking into the distance, Haestrup is standing in deep thought with a still life painting of fruit and flowers by J. Panneel positioned in front of her. The backdrop of this photograph mirrors the tones of reds, blues, and greens predominating the colour palette of this beautiful still life painting. A gold bracelet with green detailing is framing the model’s hand, just like the giltwood frame surrounds Panneel’s work.
Above right: One of a pair, our porcelain and champleve enamel mounted onyx pedestal takes centre stage alongside the voluminous yellow and white garments. Its opulent and masterfully crafted ornamentation creates a fascinating contrast between the simplicity of a 21st century industrial space and 19th century craftsmanship of the highest quality. The eclectic combination of styles featured on the antique, such as Renaissance, Neoclassicism and Rococo beautifully fit into a modern world setting.
Above: The rich blue field overlaid with cream and blue detailing of Mayfair Gallery’s woven wool antique Peking carpet is the surface on which the Anna Haestrup is leaning. The positioning of the model’s body creates geometrical forms and straight lines, corresponding to the angular design of the rug and warehouse detailing. Pearl straps on the Chanel jumpsuit evoke feelings of luxury so prevalent in the imagery depicted on the gallery’s fine antique rug where images of birds, flowers, and phoenixes dominate.
Above left: The model is reclining on our large French Rococo revival style carved giltwood sofa. The grand giltwood frame of the sofa, lavishly carved with scrolling acanthus foliage is framing the model as if she was part of a painting. Textures and colours of the rich blue upholstery fabric complement the smooth and silky design of the high-fashion clothing.
Above right: Haestrup poses surrounded by a pair of large canton famille jaune porcelain vases. Her arms are elegantly leaning against the tops of the vases decorated with figural scenes portraying an idealised impression of country life. The rich colour palette and decoration of the vases is balanced out with the bare industrial surrounding and muted design of the clothing.
Above: As the model’s arm is stretched across the Russian Nicholas I period ormolu and malachite gueridon, purple fabric drapes down from its ‘Russian mosaic’ tabletop. Ormolu legs are cast with intricate detailing, and the employment of complex techniques used to manufacture this furniture piece exemplifies the skill of mid-19th century Russian manufacturers. Black and yellow lines painted on the wall of the warehouse are positioned as if mirroring the gilt bronze stem and legs of the gueridon and the model’s legs, adding further contrasts to the photograph.
It has been an absolute pleasure to work with a group of such talented people who have demonstrated an appreciation for antique pieces in Mayfair Gallery’s vast collection. Thank you to Simon Lipman, Harriet Nicolson and the team at Glass Magazine.
Photographer & Video Director: Simon Lipman
Stylist: Harriet Nicolson
Model: Anna Haestrup at IMG Models
Casting: Emma Somper at Gary Represents
DOP & Video editor: Kai Gurung
Makeup Artist: Brooke Simons
Hair Stylist: Sophie Sugarman
Styling Assistant: Charlotte Malley
