XL Hoops "Helena"

The guidance of the sun god

…and at one point, I go to a beach in Santorini and I notice how the golden sunlight touches the cliff face. The way it bounces off the rock and hits the ground makes me realise how perfect my jewellery would look if it, too, were cast in gold. The sudden image comes to me of Helen of Troy. I’ve always liked her, ever since I was a child learning about ancient history in school. Each week, I would go to class eager to hear more about her exploits and those of the Trojans. What I envisaged is a collection that would be fit for Helen to wear herself.

    Back in Athens, I climb up to the Acropolis and marvel at how it is still standing even after thousands of years. As I watch, it begins to glow, becoming whiter and whiter, and I wonder briefly what is happening. Then I see: it’s the sun again, powerful enough to break its way through the city smog and turn an ancient building into a place of rejuvenation and beauty. Mystical, magical, uniquely Greek. By the time I climb down again, I have all the inspiration I need.

by designer Alexandra Manini