Using the symbolic Christmas star as initial inspiration, Selfridges settled on constellation and astrology as the main creative driver to run throughout the store. The stars of the London store’s window displays are 12 windows on Oxford Street which feature the 12 signs of the zodiac. Presented in a highly stylised way each window references the relevant planets influencing the zodiac signs.
Ada Zanditon, an award winning couturier renowned for her unique modular couture aesthetic, has created three cosmically inspired mermaids for the Pisces themed window.
The hand constructed mermaid tails are a dazzling ombre from bold white pearlescent scales with a golden hue graduating into delicate softer silver scales finishing in each tail fin’s unique metallic – bleached gold, Turquoise and Aquamarine.
Ada used about 15,000 Preciosa crystals – her exclusive crystal partner – to embellish the mermaids tails and fascinator’s which were all applied individually by hand in elegant repeat patterns.
Adorning the mermaids heads are Ada Zanditon’s signature modular couture fascinators made in sparkling silver. The headpieces are created using Ada Zanditon’s unique method of couture construction and inspired sea shells and deep sea life. The aesthetic was a perfect match between the cosmic theme for the Selfridges window and Ada Zanditon’s futuristic innovative couture.
Ada choose to use the finest quality of crystal components, proceeding from Bohemia, to give the best twinkle to her creations.
leather and has her intricate designs laser cut to perfection with her ornate illustrations. GS-UK laser cut all three thousand (plus) of the various shapes required to create Ada’s intricate designs for the three mermaids.
Curiosities:
– Selfridges’ Journey to the Stars scheme was over a year in development, with the London window displays alone taking over 500 people to set up and the in-store decorations over 30,000 hours to install.
– About 15.000 Preciosa Crystals for Mermaid’s embellishment. MC Chaton Rose Viva 12 Crystal AB and Crystal, MC Chaton Rose Viva 12 – White Opal MC Chaton Rose Viva 12 – Rose Opal, Chrysolite AB finish (MC Chaton Rose Viva 12) and Alexandrite (MC Chaton Rose Viva 12) are the Preciosa Crystal Components used by Ada Zandinton for this exclusive creation.
