Recent design school graduate, Eleonore Habsburg has collaborated with famed Vienna Jewelry Atelier, Schullin Wien to create a collection that reflects the essence of Mediterranean Flora & Fauna. The line appropriately titled “IVY” is the first jewelry collection to be designed by the 26 year old Salzburg native. Habsburg, who recently completed her Masters degree in Fine Jewelry at Instituto Marangoni in Milan, has undoubtedly created a collection that is reminiscent of the finest designs of Van Cleef and Bulgari, yet somehow entirely unique and original.
Speaking on the collaboration Habsburg says “I am thrilled to be working with a brand I can identify with, one which shares a similar appreciation for interesting gems in contemporary elegant design. Working together with their exceptional team and highly experienced goldsmiths helped me bring my first collection to life. The IVY Collection. I have been working hard on this for the past months and I am very excited to finally be able to share it.”
Photographer: @irina_gavrich
Eleonore’s passion for nature, which has led her to travel to some of the world’s most remote regions, is very apparent in the IVY Collection that combines the best of cultural and ecological design elements. For Habsburg, jewelry is a deeply personal statement. Speaking on the subject, Eleonore says, “Jewelry, to me, is a means of self expression that can surpass generations. Fortunately, growing up I have been able to travel to many different places around the world and explore how jewelry is worn across different cultures. My inspiration was fuelled by paying attention to the details of cultural heritage, architecture, art, fashion and nature.” One particular place that became the central influence in the IVY Collection, is the homeopathic medicinal gardens of the Franciscan monks. The gardens which are situated within a 15th century former monastery on the shores of the Mediterranean sea in Lopud, Croatia, have benefited from a passionate two decade long renovation carried out by Eleonore’s mother. The late Franciscan Monastery that is located on a small island near Dubrovnik is now a 5 suite boutique hotel named LOPUD 1483.
The Former 15th century Monastic Garden at LOPUD 1483 | Credit: Igor Zacharov
Shortly after finishing her education in Milan, the newly married Austrian designer was offered the chance to conceive her first line with Vienna based firm Schullin, well known for their collection of custom jewels and selection of renowned timepieces. “Over the past six months we have developed a collection made of 18 carat gold with Ms. Habsburg. These are rings, bracelets and earrings – some with diamonds or gemstones. The pieces are limited and made by hand, “says jeweler Lukas E. Schullin about the “IVY” line. The delicately crafted pieces are principally made from rose gold and showcase fine feminine lines and unique elements of Mediterranean flora. Two pieces that we believe are particularly noteworthy are the IVY VIII Earrings, priced from just € 3,800 and the IVY IX Bracelet, priced from € 6,500.
Photographer: @irina_gavrich
Habsburg, who is the granddaughter of renowned art collector, Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, grew up surrounded by a family with a passion for art and imaginative design. Something the young designer undeniably put to good use when developing her first collection. “From childhood I have been collecting minerals and stones everywhere I went. Gemmology never ceases to amaze me, and the synergy of taking nature’s creation and making them wearable is an idea I adore.” Speaking further on the subject of inspiration for the IVY collection, Eleonore says “I drew my inspiration for the IVY collection from a Mediterranean Franciscan herb gardens going into blossom. The different pieces are composed with 18 carat gold, black, champagne and white diamonds, sapphires and aquamarines. It was important for me to incorporate different colors into the collection, giving life to the pieces. My dream is to create jewelry for every generation. It is about valuing timelessness and sentimentality, whilst still fitting comfortably to every occasion.”
Eleonore Habsburg captured by: @irina_gavrich
The IVY Collection, which is available from Schullin both online and in store, is likely to be just the first of many unique collections we will see developed by this talented young Austrian designer.
All images provided courtesy of: Eleonore Habsburg, featured image photographer: @irina_gavrich
