For his enigmatic multimedia project for NOWNESS, photographer and filmmaker Sebastian Faena played on the similarities he spotted between frequent muse Eniko Mihalik and screen siren Isabel “Coca” Sarli, a former Miss Argentina who became known for her sexually charged appearances in husband Armando Bo’s films until his death in 1981. “I’m always inspired by the idea of not just films but characters,” explains the Buenos Aires-born Faena, whose previous work includes editorials for V and Pop, as well as his debut feature film, La Mujer Rota, which was released in 2007. Today’s story showcases (with minimal distraction, ahem) the finest gems on offer from six ultra luxe jewelers chosen by stylist Beth Fenton: Bulgari, Cartier, De Beers, Fabergé, Tiffany & Co, and Van Cleef and Arpels. “We tried to find the most exquisite pieces that represented each house in a unique way,” Fenton explains of the multitude of karats on display. While Faena pioneers a new technique with this piece—subverting the magazine spread format by disrupting his stills with subtle movements—it is Eniko for whom he saves most praise: “She’s very expressive, one of those girls who totally enjoys being in front of the camera. She cares, she pays attention, she understands, and then she can perform whatever you’re asking her to do.”

Hair: Esther Langham at Art + Commerce
Make up: Kaoru Okuba at Management Artists

Spread 1 

Left: dress, New York Vintage; Mala pure white earrings, Magnolia ring, Charmeuse rose bangle and poppy petal brooch, by Fabergé. Right: white gold and diamond necklace and white gold Panthère earrings with diamonds and sapphires, both by Cartier.

Spread 2

Dress, Junko Shimada; Princess Lea necklace, bracelet and ring with Pear and round brilliant diamonds, all by De Beers. 

Spread 3

Cape, New York Vintage; Hands necklace and Apollo Ear Clips in gold and platinum with diamonds, both by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. 

Spread 4

White gold earrings with diamonds, spinels, emeralds and sapphires, platinum necklace with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds, yellow gold bracelets with fancy color sapphires, yellow gold rings with diamonds, emeralds, mandarin garnet and purple sapphire, all from BVLGARI High Jewelry collection.

Spread 5

Dress, Peter Jensen; white gold Boboli necklace with rubellites and diamonds, platinum Arbre Aux Songe ring with 75.26 karat peridot and diamonds, both by Van Cleef and Arpels.