The Art of Styling Modern Heirlooms for Spring
I designed a collection of timeless treasures—here's how I'm wearing each piece this season.
We often think of heirlooms as something inherited, but increasingly, I find myself drawn to the ones we choose for ourselves—the pieces we begin living with now, long before they are ever passed on. I like to think of these items as “modern heirlooms,” the treasures that are destined to gather meaning over time.
This desire for longevity and intentionality, especially in contrast to the speed and disposability of contemporary fashion, has recently become a main focus of mine.
Over the past few years, I’ve found myself particularly fixated on the idea of objects as adornment—the ability for a piece of jewelry to also serve a function within daily life. It led me to dive deeper into the history of the chatelaine, an accessory dating back to the 16th century and widely worn throughout the Victorian era, designed to hold everything from keys and watches to scent bottles and small personal tools.
On a more personal note, this fascination feels deeply rooted. My grandparents designed packaging for luxury beauty products, and both then and now, I’ve held onto their designs and personal vintage objects—including flat lay boxes, pill cases, lipstick holders, and mini perfume bottles. They are small, beautifully made things that were built to last.
So, when the opportunity arose to collaborate with jewelry designers Nina and Alexa Runsdorf, it felt like a natural fit to explore these concepts further. The mother-daughter duo offers incredible modern heirloom fine jewelry, and I had the pleasure of working alongside them.
What began as a conversation quickly became something more. We found ourselves spilling out collections of vintage objects, particularly pieces from my grandparents. We explored my grandmother’s magazines from the 1940s and ’50s, and even revisited references and workshopped how these forms might exist today.
Together, we created something I truly feel is everlasting: the Chatelaine Capsule.
The collection is comprised of three objects, each designed to move across the body—worn at the neck, held in the hand, pinned at the shoulder, or styled entirely as the wearer chooses. Each may be worn individually as a singular statement or layered in combination.
Inspired by the form of a compact pillbox or cigarette case, it features an oval cabochon green topaz set into its side, framed by a starburst motif.
This piece draws from lipstick cases, lighters, and vials—opening and closing with a dark green topaz sugarloaf crowning the form, with a linear motif running throughout.
Inspired by perfume bottles and lockets, it centers a small round cabochon onyx, evoking memory, scent, and the act of carrying something unseen but deeply personal.
How I’m Styling Modern Heirlooms Now
The beauty of these pieces is that they’re not fixed—they move with you. I’ve found myself styling them less like traditional jewelry, and more like objects that can shift depending on the moment.
As a Focal Point
Set against timeless, swanlike color-block silhouettes.
As a Belted Element
Cinch a scarf at the waist and introduce objects as belts or waist brooches, clipped or draped around the body.
Layered All at Once:
Create your own modern chatelaine, layering objects and cords as desired
