by Ann Covode
Feathers are in the air this spring with the fashion world revealing it’s new fresh looks. Eve Alfillé is no exception with the launch of her new “Feathers” series. Fascinated with the variegation in bird’s plumage, Eve designed these opal earrings to mimic that effect.
These “Aquila non capit muscas” earrings in 18 karat white gold feature two gorgeous Boulder opals, two Paraiba tourmalines, two green diamonds and three diamonds. $4320 The drops were designed for fluidity and movement. Small Blue Topaz beads and apatite are strung on silk and move languidly through the air, contrasting with the decisive swing of the chains. The drops are anchored with labradorite briolettes and Sleeping Beauty turquoise beads. $575.
The first Monday in May marks a crucial event for the fashion world: it’s Met Gala night. This year’s theme, Camp: Notes On Fashion is an ode to the quirky, funny, and subversive corners of fashion, which means that attendees weren’t afraid to break out their most over-the-top ensembles on the red carpet. Rosie Huntington Whitley donned this elegant gown at the Met Gala from Oscar de la Renta with a feather cape.
The royals are having having fun with feathers as well! Kate debuted a new hat by milliner Rosie Olivia. No one pulls off a statement hat quite like Kate Middleton. Attending the annual Anzac Day service at Westminster Abbey, the stylish royal mom debuted a new hat by the British milliner Rosie Olivia. “I feel so honored that Kate likes my work and that she wanted to wear one of my creations,” Olivia states. “As always, she looked stunning and incredibly stylish. I’m so happy!”
The design, called Varick — a felt hat with a pheasant-feather trim featuring a clear elastic that sits behind both ears, beneath the hair — perfectly matched Kate’s bespoke teal coatdress by Catherine Walker & Co. “She always looks good in colors. She’s just so elegant,” says Olivia, who also has a showroom in Manchester, England. The hat is available to buy online now (yes, the exact same one) for $568 and takes between 2-4 weeks for delivery.
At this year’s Kentucky Derby, feathers were flying as well.
Eve enjoyed designing these “At the Mercy of the Wind” earrings. They mirror the fine pattern of a feathers barbules with Chrysocolla and diamonds from Eve’s new “Feathers” series. $1580 The “Dancing Feathers” drops are an additional $110.
Feathers are always popular with hats at the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky. These outrageous hats stole the show at this year’s event.
Actress Victoria Justice wore a crisp white suit to the 144th Kentucky Derby in 2018. Her hat is mostly black with a white top, and features a black feather halo.
“Feathers are at once flexible and rigid, capable of withstanding high winds in flight, yet bend gracefully.,” states Eve.
In these “Glorious plumage” earrings the movement of the chains encircling the fine “Sleeping Beauty” top reflects that of the curving feathers. Blue Topaz tops off this ensemble with blue topaz cubes below. These earrings will add flair to any ensemble. $1650
Actress Sarah Hyland rocked this beautiful red fascinator to the Kentucky Derby in 2015. The unique headpiece features red velvet, red netting, and some long feathers.
In spring, a male bird’s fancy turns to display their nuptial plumage, the better to capture a female’s attentions – to the point of discarding its drab colors in favor of striking colors.
In this “Spring Flight” pendant Eve captures this transformation with rubies, spessartite garnets and 8 diamonds in 14 karat gold. $1840
She pairs an Ethiopian opal and a Mexican opal with 3 diamonds in 14 karat blush gold in the “Graceful” ring . $1980
These “Down Feathers” earrings in 18 karat gold shimmer with drops of Sleeping Beauty opal, blue topaz and mandarin garnet. Earrings $465. Drops $240.
Eve acquired this stunning black Brazilian opal several years ago and was waiting for just the right moment to debut its luster. This “Gentille Plume”ring with a black Brazilian opal shimmers with Tsavorite garnets in 18 karat gold. $8240
Stay tuned to learn more about Eve’s inspiration for her new “Feathers” series.
