Things that make you go hmmmmm????

June 05, 2013


Just a few months ago my globe-trotter uncle gave me fabulous t-shirt he got in his travels.  I actually have a photo of it on Instagram here.  He got it when he visited this Salvador Dali museum.  I was intrigued by these lips- so extravagant and flamboyant, and really kind of sensual with a hint of scary as well.  I had no idea Dali had designed any jewelry.  So, I began to research a little to understand what these jewels were about.  And a few days ago I came across this Lulu Frost ring.  Hmmmm??  This seems familiar!

Dali is best known for his surrealist paintings for sure, but between 1941 and 1970 he designed 39 pieces of fine jewelry. He even designed pieces for Coco Chanel.  And do you know what was the inspiration behind these lush ruby lips and shiny pearl teeth?  Marilyn Monroe. He was reportedly obsessed with her.  There are 8 to 10 of these ruby lipped brooches.  

So, Dali's inspiration was Marylin Monroe and Frost's inspiration?  Well, its obvious, no?  I just wish she could have given her ring a name to somehow make reference to the source. It's human nature to imitate and further anything that calls our attention by adding our own interpretation, our own vision.  But its always nice to know the history behind a design.  So now you know!  Dali's brooch....ooh probably around $10,000, Lulu Frost's ring....$60 (you are welcome!)  And perfect for this lips trend revival we had earlier this year (or is it still going?)

So, where do you gather inspiration from?  

[Dali's Brooch | Lulu Frost ring ]
[for more information on Dali's jewels visit here]

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18 comments

  1. Yes maam, those lips definitely made me go hmmmmm. And that Dali's were inspired by Marilyn M. loving the Frost ring and the price for sure.

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  2. How cute! I promise to send photos of the chairs today!

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  3. very cool rings. I'm a huge art fan, and get alot of inspiration from art and artists, and of course shopping and diving into color!
    xo Nancy
    Powellbrowerhome.com

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  4. These rings are really awesome:) and yes about tea!

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  5. That was some pretty cool info, art history and jewelry shopping all in one! Love it!

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  6. There's such a fine line between being inspired and copying, and in my opinion it's such a complex topic that could spark a looooong conversation. Especially in fashion, who was the first? how do you know so and so was the first? Sometimes someone already invented something but because they are not famous they don't get the credit. And what about bringing high fashion to the masses, is that copying? or is it allowing the vast majority to enjoy fashion acceptable? Where do you draw the line? (I'm not asking you all this, these are questions I often ask myself!)
    Interesting info about Albertina ;)

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  7. Very cool post... Great info my dear!

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  8. This is so interesting. I had no idea that Dali ever designed jewelry. Not sure what I think about the imitation/inspiration issue here. I agree with Gaby that it's a fine line. I have to say that it makes me cringe how people toss around the word surreal so often without understanding its meaning.

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  9. OMG! love these lips. Dannijo has a really cool bracelet out right now with lips like these too! Lips in baubles must be a summer trend? I would say I definitely get inspired by art and magazines.... and Pinterest!

    XO, Stefanie
    Life on the Squares

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  10. outta this world. i had no idea he made jewelry. what a fun little fact to share down the road!

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  11. Wow the resemblance is uncanny. I agree...you have to be very careful about how you incorporate your inspiration. I had no clue that he designed jewelry either. He would be such a fascinating and unusual person to meet, right?

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  12. I read an interesting article not long ago titled "How to Steal Like an Artist." Here's a link: http://austinkleon.com/2011/03/30/how-to-steal-like-an-artist-and-9-other-things-nobody-told-me/ Basically, the author's point was that there are no new ideas. Everything is just being recycled and it's OK to find inspiration from everything. I agree with him to a point, but I feel like I see new and brilliant ideas all the time. Hmmmmm, it does make you think though! :)

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  13. Love those lips!!! So sexy and thank you for explaining a part of the story behind those lips!

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  14. OMG I had no idea! That's incredible and I love those lips.

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  15. I am just loving this little history lesson, Albertina! I really love the Lulu Frost lips pieces, very unique and now I know the inspiration!

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  16. Thank you for the insight! I had no clue Dali designed jewelry! What a fascinating artist! Love those Lips!

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  17. omg those are gorgeous. I had no idea Dali ever designed jewelry!

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