Go behind the scenes of Gloria Balensi’s “ROME-ANTIQUE” photo shoot, mixing tradition and modernity through baroque pearl jewellery and silk scarves, capturing emotions and trends.
Welcome to “The Diary”. I’m delighted to introduce you to this new section of my website. Through “The Diary”, I’m going to share my passions, my inspirations and what goes on behind the scenes of my creation. Many of you are wondering what I like to do in life, what inspires me, how I create my jewellery and design my scarves, which artists I admire, or my favourite places in Paris, France and around the world. I’m honoured by all these questions, which is why I’ve decided to tell you a little more about myself, so that you can better understand the themes behind my creations.
As you can see, I’m very inspired by an antique theme, an antique spirit and aesthetic that are now back in fashion. In particular, the baroque freshwater pearl is very fashionable, as is the whole antique aesthetic. I enjoy being able to follow current trends while adding my own personal touch.
Behind the scenes of the "ROME-ANTIQUE" photo shoot
To inaugurate this section, I wanted to take you behind the scenes of our latest photo shoot, which was one of my most beautiful, carried out with the talented photographer Omri and my wonderful assistant Laurent.
The excitement was palpable from the first light of dawn. The venue, carefully chosen for its natural light and Haussmann charm, with its parquet floors and ceiling mouldings, was a veritable showcase for the collection we were going to photograph. Every detail had been meticulously prepared, from the selection of outfits to the accessories and the staging.
The day began with a hair and make-up session over coffee and croissants, to get things started in true French style! The models slowly transformed into inspirational muses. There was lots of laughter and good humour, creating an atmosphere conducive to creativity. What I love about these moments is the chemistry between the team, where everyone brings their own personal touch, making each photo unique and alive.
The photographer, with his expert eye, and I, with my artistic vision, were able to capture the essence of the collection. Every click of the camera immortalised not only the jewels and scarves, but also powerful emotions. Through these images, I want to offer you an aesthetic, a journey into an artist’s studio, a romance.
A unique adventure with every photo shoot
For me, every shoot is an adventure, a mixture of stress and satisfaction, but above all the immense joy of seeing a vision come to life. It’s this behind-the-scenes magic that I wanted to share with you today, so that you too can experience a little of the passion that drives me.
Photo shoots with exceptional models
For this shoot, I called on three exceptional models: Charles, Noémie and Maroussia. The atmosphere I wanted to create had an antique feel, but with a quirky, colourful pop touch. It was an extraordinary experience, and I’m delighted to tell you all about it.
Charles: The Inclusion of a Male Model
One of the most important aspects of this shoot was the introduction of a male model, Charles, and a plus-size model. In 2024, it’s essential to go beyond gender boundaries in fashion and offer unisex collections. I therefore imagined a silk scarf worn by a man, to show the mix in style and celebrate this creative freedom.
Charles was also crucial in embodying the themes of love, passion and complicity, which are at the heart of my scarf designs. Alongside Maroussia, he perfectly represented the idea of a romantic relationship, bringing romance and sensuality to the shoot. Their chemistry enhanced each photo, making the emotion I wanted to convey palpable.
Questions to our models
We had the pleasure of asking a few questions of the models who lit up the shoot with their unique presence.
What do you think of your male presence on this shoot?
What do you think of your male presence on this shoot?
"I think my male presence in a shoot that is mainly dedicated to women's products can bring an interesting and versatile dimension to the shoot. By including male models, it creates unique contrasts and visual dynamics, while reflecting an inclusive and modern image of the brand. What's more, it can attract a wider and more diverse audience, highlighting the complementary nature of the women's and men's products. It also shows that each of us has a feminine side, enriching the interpretation of the products. This approach encourages a symbiosis between women and men, illustrating a unique uniqueness where men and women become one. My aim is to add value to the project while remaining respectful and aware of the importance of the feminine products highlighted."
CHARLES, model
CHARLES, model
What jewellery did you prefer to wear for the shoot?
What jewellery did you prefer to wear for the shoot?
"During the shoot, I really loved wearing the pearl jewellery. They're simply beautiful, and I really liked the coloured pearls, especially the terracotta which matches my hair colour perfectly. Stainless steel is a perfect choice for me, as I'm the kind of woman who never takes her jewellery off, and it's crucial that it's water-resistant.
Being passionate about art, I found a real affection for the style of this collection. It is subtly reminiscent of the elegance of ancient works, such as Vermeer's 'The Girl with the Pearl', where the simplicity and grace of the pearls are beautifully highlighted. It also evokes paintings from the Italian Renaissance, such as those by Botticelli, where women often wear pearl jewellery, a symbol of purity and refinement. This artistic connection adds a historical and aesthetic dimension that I particularly appreciate."
MAROUSSIA, model
MAROUSSIA, model
How do you like wearing a silk square? How can fashion become more inclusive?
How do you like wearing a silk square? How can fashion become more inclusive?
"What I love about wearing a scarf is the infinite possibilities it opens up. As a top, as bag jewellery, in the hair, for me it's an asset that enhances all my outfits, giving a boost to even the most classic looks. My favourite choice is coloured, as a colourblock, to bring out my complexion and my hair colour, a detail that's not just a detail.
A lot of women like me love fashion, and feel good about their bodies, but the clothes on offer aren't always up to scratch, or less 'trendy'.
But any body has the right to be shown off to its best advantage. I wear a lot of short things, and being chic or sexy is above all a desire, a state of mind. Beauty standards are changing and opening up, and it's important to allow everyone to feel good and shine. Being a plus-size model means making my contribution, offering other images and imposing other standards.
NOÉMIE, model
NOÉMIE, model
The Antique and Modern Spirit
I chose Charles because his profile evoked both the ancient athlete and the contemporary man. His appearance was a perfect match for the atmosphere of columns and antique sculptures that I had imagined. He added an extra dimension to the décor, creating a bridge between history and modernity.
Current trends and know-how
For this shoot, I wanted to dress the models in a modern, trendy way, while using neutral colours and tones so as not to distort the jewellery and scarves. My aim was to respond to current trends, particularly in the colours of the scarves in the collection, which are perfectly in keeping with this season’s palettes. This makes it easy to match them with your summer outfits and transition into September.
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Silk Scarves: Tradition and Modernity
For me, these silk scarves represent Italian know-how, as they are printed near Lake Como and made in France, in Lyon, my home town. It was important for me to do something in this city, which has a rich textile and silk tradition.
Baroque Pearl Jewellery
As for the jewellery, I’ve decided to focus mainly on baroque freshwater pearls and stainless steel. These jewels, which I make by hand, add a sophisticated, bohemian touch to any outfit. The big news this season is the introduction of coloured freshwater baroque pearls, which are still very rare on the market. I’m delighted to be able to offer you some exclusive designs, as well as creating made-to-measure pieces.
This photo shoot reflects my commitment to combining tradition and modernity, while showcasing unique and refined creations. I hope these pieces inspire you as much as they inspired me.
