Custom 3-tiered clock headpiece for Sabrina Harrison, worn at the Met Gala.
Composed of laser-cut surrealist ‘Dalí’ inspired Roman numerals and rods in brass, plated with 18k gold, embellished with stone set and hand-placed Swarovski crystals
Whilst on placement with Chris Habana, in New York, we were approached to create a full custom Met Gala look for Sabrina Harrison. This included a bespoke gown, a bag, a pair of gloves, and the headpiece; I was fortunate enough to be fully immersed in the entirety of the creative process that surrounded this project, my focus being predominantly on the jewellery aspects of the look.
Going off the theme for that year (“The Garden of Time", inspired by short story by J.G. Ballard), as well as Sabrina’s concept, there was a vast amount of inspiration taken from Salvador Dalí’s surrealist paintings and depictions of clocks, focusing on the distorted aspects - as shown by her breastplate and the warped roman numerals on the headpiece. My role spanned from aiding in designing, collating mood boards, drawing initial sketches of the outfit and headpiece. As well as the actual making of the headpiece, employing my traditional goldsmithing knowledge, alongside more fashion-forward techniques. I was so fortunate to work on the designing and making of this piece, and it is an experience I will never forget.
Design Development
Adobe Illustrator laser-cutting files for the headpiece that I designed
The Roman numerals laser-cut in brass, and plated in 18k gold
3D renders of initial jewellery ideas that I designed for Sabrina
Finished piece
Photographed by Joseph Bishop