While Art Basel and countless events pack the social calendar, Elie Top is showcasing his latest creations at his rue Saint-Honoré space—and I couldn’t resist stopping by for a visit. Desirable is an understatement—after trying on two rings, I was completely captivated. But it was a piece from his continuing collection, La Dame du Lac, that stole the show—a thin chain suspending a sword (could it be Excalibur?) with an emerald embellishment on the hilt. It was so beautiful and desirable that my companions were soon battling over who would claim it.
I’ll keep this note brief since Elie has already teased that his Spring Haute Couture collection in January will mark the celebration of ten years of his own label.
The quality of his craftsmanship is undeniable, but what truly sets his work apart are the stories woven into each piece and his dedication to constant evolution. On this visit, colour was the star of the show, shimmering and sparkling across many designs. The richness and intensity of the hues felt both sophisticated and striking. One of the rings I tried featured a blood-red ruby at the center of a shield that wrapped around my little finger. The gold and black heraldic details were intensified by the deep red, giving the piece a passionate, almost sensual energy. There’s a sense of legend in his jewels—think Borgia, King Arthur—imbuing them with a timeless, narrative quality.
Elie’s salon is always a delight, with his displays as integral to the experience as the pieces themselves. This time, delicate glass “test tubes” holding single blooms surrounded the jewels, with the colours evoking a rich, medieval, wintery mood rather than something light or summery.
Thank you for the enchanting visit, Elie—I’m already looking forward to Spring, when I might just find myself wearing a mouche adorned with a diamond on black velvet.
