Michelangelo Antonioni's Sartorial Vision

Courtesy Giambattista Valli

With the 50th anniversary of the classic film L’Avventura, by Michelangelo Antonioni, I’m reminded of the Italian director’s aesthetic vision. Besides his innovative cinematography, there’s such a nuanced way to how he portrays women, highlighted by their wardrobes. The polka-dot skirt suit, checked pencil skirt and tailored trench that the stunning Monica Vitti wears in L’Avventura are both modern and classic. You almost forget it’s 1960. Antonioni approached filmmaking like a painter, using clothes to define the characters in their land­scape. When I watch Lucia Bosé in Cronaca di un Amore, I find a contemporary relevance to her style: simplicity in dress meets gobs of jewelry. All these years later, his vision remains the gold standard of elegance.

Egyptian-Inspired Jewelry

Courtesy Fred Leighton

Ancient Egypt’s mysterious religious and architectural symbols have always fascinated me, and they often influence my style. One of my favorite trips was to Luxor, Dendera and Cairo, where I visited the Khan al Khalili market, the best place to unearth rare treasures. I found lapis and turquoise scarabs, scooping them up by the handfuls. In ancient Egypt this beetle, which was often entombed with mummies, was a sacred symbol, its life cycle seen as a metaphor for rebirth and resurrection—hence, its association with immortality. Scarabs were inscribed with hieroglyphics and carried as amulets, or worn as jewelry for good luck. Today they continue to inspire jewelers everywhere. Santa Monica, California–based designer Darlene de Sedle, who carves them from gold and rainbow moonstone, helped me create a flower-shaped turquoise and purple iolite cocktail ring. I also brought scarab beads to New York–based Aurora Lopez Mejia, who used them to craft a one-of-a-kind necklace. I love the idea that these little bugs hold so much power and significance.

A 19th-century scarab and jeweled pendant necklace from Fred Leighton. $145,000; 212-288-1872.