Russia

I have been dreaming of things Russian since I saw the Anna Karenina film. last year. The sumptuousness of the costumes, the jewels, the architecture.  And then I found this book, in Pierre Coomans' wonderful antique books shop.  Instant coup-de-foudre.

How fitting that I should be working on a Russian book during the Sochi Winter Olympics. Funny how life sometimes does that to you, themes and ideas converging. Just look at the illustrations.

And this is just one of them.  I have created an exquisite headband, with real pearls - I will add a photo shortly.  And these will not be the only real jewels.  I have some diamonds, and some rough cut emeralds, and I am trying to source some rubies and sapphires. 

And the leathers? Kingfisher blues, emerald greens, burnt oranges, drawn from all my favourite suppliers: Norro in Brussels, Peausserie Poulain and Relma in Paris. This is going to be one hell of a binding, I promise..  Technically devilish, but worth in in the end.