- BY ISSIMO
- July 12, 2024
We love seeing how Hotel Il Pellicano inspires different creative minds around the world. And what a surprise it was to discover recently that visionary jewellery designer and friend of ISSIMO Bibi Van Der Velden has dreamed up a very special bespoke creation for us in secret. What could it be? A glorious Pelican pendant named ‘Roberto’, of course!
Reflecting her signature design approach based on ‘sculptural jewels’ with a touch of transformational magic, this piece is inspired by the spirit and ‘personality’ of Hotel Il Pellicano, a place that’s very close to Bibi’s heart. You might have seen some of Bibi’s hand-crafted treasures at the hotel and during her trunk shows at Hotel Il Pellicano, and we were delighted to chat with her about this superb new design, which is exclusively available at La Boutique.
A very special Pelican
Radiating joy and charisma, this Pelican is a companion we want to have with us every day. Crafted in 18-carat gold with white diamonds and an ‘Il Pellicano’ tone of yellow sapphires, it’s an irresistible ode to vibrant summer days beneath those iconic striped umbrellas at our villa. And that’s not all – its beak even opens to reveal a little swimmer it has plucked out of the Tyrrhenian Sea! This bird is a character in more ways than one, and an utterly chic piece of fine jewellery.
“For me, a piece of jewellery should have a life of its own beyond the wearer. It should have a spirit of its own. Although this Pelican is a small pendant, it has a lot of charm, and it’s a piece you’d proudly display on your dressing table. It’s one of those pieces you want to keep close both by, physically and spiritually,” Bibi tells us.
Hotel Il Pellicano as creative inspiration
The name ‘Roberto’ is of course inspired by Hotel Il Pellicano’s owner, the brilliant Mr. Roberto Sciò, father of our CEO and Creative Director Marie-Louise Sciò. Marie-Louise and Bibi have developed a close friendship over the years Bibi has been a guest at Hotel Il Pellicano, and the jewellery designer has drawn inspiration from the villa’s heritage and its innate ‘personality’ that creates a deep sense of connection with guests. She describes it as a place that feels like a second home every time she returns.
“It’s a place where you collect stories, and for me, that is in direct relationship with my approach to jewellery design. For me, jewellery is about the stories behind the pieces I create – whether it’s life, death, love, or even something small but personally significant. When you map someone out with their jewellery there’s always a story behind it,” she says.
“Hotel Il Pellicano reflects this idea. It’s a place where you create memories, both significant memories and also memories of small moments and simple pleasures in life that are worth treasuring.”
In the studio with Bibi
Celebrated for her immaculate bespoke jewellery creations that reflect her deep sensibility for sculpture and visual art, Bibi van der Velden finds enduring inspiration in nature and the animal world. And this Pelican is no exception! Each of her pieces become symbolic ‘amulets’ for the wearer, offering them a sense of energy, protection, companionship, and of course, joy. She describes this Pelican piece as a ‘second skin’ piece, one that she would wear around the clock and rarely take off. And in true ‘Bibi style’, there’s certainly more to it than meets the eye, especially once you discover its transformational magic!
"Jewellery is a very personal way of expressing yourself, of being different to everyone else. I like jewellery to be super personal, to speak without words, and bring you joy when you wear it" Bibi says.
Working from her Amsterdam-based studio, the designer uses the finest ‘haute’ materials including recycled 18kt gold and precious stones, upholding an enduring commitment to sustainability through her brand. Her process of creation honours traditional craftsmanship techniques, with her meticulous attention to detail resulting in precious pieces that redefine the idea of ‘fine jewellery.’
Whether this gorgeous, glittering Pelican called Roberto is a gift to yourself or a surprise for someone special in your life, it’s a charismatic and superbly-crafted Bibi van der Velden treasure that’s sure to bring a smile to the face of everyone who encounters it.
