Liza Ostanina Wears 'Bulgari Serpenti Collection Jewelry in Grazia International January 2024 AOC Fashion

In these images for a fashion story ‘If It Ain’t Baroque’ — which sounds quite pedestrian for such a beautiful collection of images, model Liza Ostanina is styled by Anna Castan for Grazia International’s [IG] January 2024 issue.

The photographer is not credited anywhere, but we will continue looking. Hair by Jean-Luc Amarin; makeup by Mabs Khakwani; producer Jean-Marc Mondelet

Bulgari’s Serpenti Collections

The Bulgari Serpenti collections exist as a bold and unapologetic embrace of one of human history’s most ‘forbidden’ philosophical and mythological symbols.

The Serpent in Ancient Societies

The serpent holds a prominent place in ancient mythology, often representing dualities such as life and death, creation and destruction. In Egyptian mythology, the ouroboros – a snake devouring its own tail – symbolized eternal cycles of life and rebirth. The serpent symbolized royalty, deity, and protection, often depicted on crowns and bracelets worn by pharaohs and queens in ancient Egypt.

In some ancient cultures, snakes were associated with oracles and prophecy, leading to a perception of ambiguity and uncertainty. In early ancient cultures, women were as likely as men to be associated with oracles. The prevailing belief is that originally, women were more likely than men to occupy these positions of influence and power.

Similarly, in Greek mythology, serpents were associated with healing and medicine due to their ability to shed their skin. This transformative aspect resonated deeply with civilizations seeking spiritual enlightenment, as well as physical healing.