Maud Traon is a ground-breaking jewellery artist who launched her new collection into the world of fashion by combining precious and unexpected materials. Instantly creating an innovative approach to jewellery design, Traon’s variety of craft techniques used help to convey dynamic, imaginative themes of dream landscape and fantasy. This collection see’s her expand on her trademark concepts of explosive colour fusions and surprising usage of mixed-media, effortlessly creating otherworldly jewellery at its finest.
Have you always wanted to be a Jewellery designer?
Oh, no! It kind of happened really.
When did you realise that jewellery making was your calling?
I had a shy start at making jewellery. So I started a course an afternoon a week while studying Communication in Paris, it soon started to be the only thing I was looking forward to doing. At the end of the academic year I decided that was it, I left everything and started to do jewellery.
Photography by Nina Kadatko
Photography by Nina Kadatko
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You launched your career by studying Communications and Jewellery in Paris and then came to London in 2005 for an MA. How do you think the two cities have influenced your unique style?
The cultural differences had a massive impact on my work. One of the first projects I started, when I first arrived in London, was on packet of crisps. I had an ambiguous attraction to them. They represented at the same time the junk, the bad, but such a natural thing to snack on here. It almost started to become a symbol of freedom to me. The other thing about them was the vibrant colour of the packets, that I at any point could relate to food or something edible. So I suppose this complex relationship between fake and real, the confusion between the inside and the outside, is something that is still very present in my work. And of course a fascination for colours.
Describe the process of creating a piece of your jewellery, how do you go about designing them and who creates the actual piece?
I create the pieces, they are all handmade. Concerning the design that is a tricky question. I have in fact started sketching only very recently, but I collect lots of things. From pizza flyers and wrapping paper of chocolate bars, to tacky object. And I am permanently chasing unusual glitter…stone shapes with interesting colours. I suppose the act of collecting on such a regular basis creates informal thoughts and guidelines that very often become the starting point of a piece.
What are your favourite materials to work with?
I would say glitter. But I guess it is more the entire process of making really.
Photography by Nina Kadatko
Photography by Nina Kadatko
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A series that really stands out is ‘Dreams: Rings and other shocking things’ where each piece is so flamboyant and complex that it looks like it could be found in space. Where did the inspiration for that come from?
[By thinking] what ring would I wear on my “I want to be a princess” day? In an imaginary ideal planet, where the Milky Way would create stardust for us to wear. A way to escape the reality of the inevitable value system.
What is next on the horizon for you?
I will take part to an exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris next September and [I] will take part in Goldsmith’s Fair next October.
How do you hope Maud Traon will evolve?
For the moment I am really happy being able to present jewellery collections, as well as some more artistic and more exhibition based work. And I truly hope to be able to maintain this balance, as to me these two directions are really feeding each other.
Photography by Nina Kadatko
Photography by Nina Kadatko
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Words / Caroline Schmitt Follow Caroline on Twitter @caro_schmitt
Tucked away in the heart of Mayfair, the new Helen Anthony flagship store stands as a striking symbol of the brand’s unwavering dedication to luxury, elegance, and contemporary refinement. Spanning three thoughtfully designed floors, the boutique captures the spirit of the Helen Anthony identity — offering a sophisticated, immersive space that invites clients into a world of timeless fashion and artisanal craftsmanship.
Each floor unveils a unique ambiance: the sleek, minimalist main showroom sets a modern tone, while smaller, curated rooms offer a more intimate setting where the meticulous details of each collection can be fully appreciated. With its refined aesthetic and elegant simplicity, the store provides the ideal canvas for Helen Anthony’s expertly tailored creations to shine, allowing clients to experience the brand in its truest form.
More than just a retail destination, the boutique offers bespoke services within a carefully curated environment, appealing to those who seek exclusivity, personal attention, and an elevated fashion experience. Renowned for its precision tailoring and graceful silhouettes, Helen Anthony masterfully fuses bold design with timeless sensibility. Each collection, crafted from the finest fabrics, reflects a harmonious balance of modernity and tradition — designed for individuals who appreciate enduring style and confident elegance.
To celebrate the latest collection, an intimate photoshoot was staged in and around the flagship store’s prestigious Mayfair setting. This location was chosen not only for its visual appeal but also as a tribute to the brand’s roots and its deep connection to the neighborhood — reinforcing Helen Anthony’s ties to heritage, sophistication, and elevated design. By seamlessly blending fashion with place, it highlighted how each garment reflects Helen Anthony’s core values — transforming clothing into a narrative of identity, purpose, and refined taste.
full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
full look. Helen Anthony
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full look. Helen Anthony
full look. Valentino
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full look. Brioni
shoes. Loro Piana
full look. Valentino
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full look. Brioni
shoes. Loro Piana
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“Sometimes life doesn’t choose you, a role chooses you.” For Emanuela Postacchini, acting is more than just playing a character in front of the camera. Her journey, which began in a small town in the Marche region of Italy, now puts her in the same frame with giants like Jennifer Coolidge and Bill Murray. Her role as Marina in ‘Riff Raff’, which had its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, reveals both her vulnerability and her creative power.
‘Riff Raff’ made its worldwide premiere at TIFF to great buzz. What drew you to this project, and what was it like stepping into this gritty crime world alongside such a legendary ensemble cast? It feels like the kind of film that doesn’t come around often.
Absolutely—it really doesn’t. As you said, opportunities like this don’t come by very often. To be part of a film with so many legendary actors—people I grew up watching—was surreal. I remember showing up on set and just thinking, “Wow, they’re all really here.” When I first received the script, I loved it. I had never read anything quite like it in my entire career. I was already familiar with the screenwriter, John Pollono—I’m a big fan of his work. ‘Small Engine Repair’ was brilliant. The script for ‘Riff Raff’ was such a compelling blend of comedy and darkness, with these really raw and complex family dynamics running throughout.
What especially stood out to me was the relationship between DJ and Louis Coleman—there’s such emotional depth there. That father-son dynamic plays out in multiple layers and scenarios, and it was fascinating to explore. Also, Marina being pregnant drew me in—I had never played a pregnant character before. I thought it would be interesting to explore that physically and emotionally. I wanted to learn how a pregnant woman sits, walks, eats—just how she navigates the everyday. I talked to friends who had been pregnant to understand those nuances. And of course, the cast! Jennifer Coolidge was already attached, and I immediately thought, “Yes, this role was written for her.” No one else could’ve played Ruth the way she did. She brought that character to life in such a unique, hilarious way. Ed Harris was also part of the cast, and Bill Murray joined later. At the time of my audition, he wasn’t attached yet. But even being considered for a role in such a stacked ensemble felt like a dream come true. It was one of those rare opportunities.
Speaking of Marina being pregnant, what was it like navigating that, especially while acting alongside big personalities like Jennifer Coolidge and Bill Murray? What’s one memorable moment that really stayed with you from the set?
I absolutely adore Bill Murray. He’s such a gentleman, incredibly gracious, and really embraces everyone—even newer actors like myself. He pushes you to bring your A-game in the most supportive way. He’s humble and hardworking, and I had an amazing experience working with him. One moment that always makes me smile—we used to sit on the couch during breaks and flip through fashion magazines together, just chatting about trends. I would’ve never imagined that one day I’d be sitting on a movie set, commenting on fashion with Bill Murray! I think I even have a photo of that moment somewhere—it was hilarious and unforgettable.
Jennifer is also just… Jennifer. So authentic, so uniquely herself. I always say she reminds me of Marilyn Monroe—not in a direct comparison, but in that she has this rare charisma mixed with a kind of innocence and genuineness. She’s incomparable. And we share a deep love for pizza. We even promised each other we’d go on a pizza marathon one day. I hope we still do that!
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jacket. Institution
full look. Ferragamo
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jacket. Institution
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From ‘The Alienist’ to ‘Riff Raff’, your roles span thrillers, satire, drama, and now crime-comedy. How do you approach choosing such diverse characters? Your choices reflect both range and boldness.
Honestly, I feel like the roles choose you as much as you choose them. Sometimes, something just clicks when you read a script, and that’s the beauty of acting—you get to live so many different lives you wouldn’t experience otherwise. Each role comes with its own color palette, emotions, and energy. The approach always depends on what the script makes me feel and what I believe I can bring to that character—or what that character might bring out in me. Sometime,s you connect deeply, sometimes, it challenges you in a completely new way. Ultimately, I think it’s a dance—part instinct, part preparation, part surrender.
You were born in Italy and now work extensively in the U.S. Has your cultural background influenced how you approach your characters? There’s a certain emotional sensitivity in your performances.
Definitely. Being Italian, there’s a natural passion I bring into everything I do. We’re very expressive, emotional people—we love deeply, argue loudly, and live fully. Interestingly, I’ve often been asked to audition for French roles. In fact, Marina was originally written as a French woman. I even did the first audition in a French accent! But when the director found out I was Italian, he said, “Wait—you’re Italian? Play her as Italian.” And that changed everything. I brought in that big-hearted, family-loving energy. Even little details—like how Marina cooks breakfast while having this sweet moment with DJ—I think those gestures felt very Italian. That cultural texture added something special to the role, and I was really proud to be able to bring that to the screen.
Which city are you from in Italy?
I’m from a small town called Sant’Elpidio a Mare, in the Marche region, on the east coast of Italy. It’s where my family still lives, and I go back every chance I get—especially for holidays. It’s home.
You’ve worked with filmmakers like Sacha Baron Cohen, Roman Coppola, and now Dito Montiel. Does your acting process change depending on the director?
Absolutely. Every director brings something different. Some are very specific and detail-oriented—they’ll tell you exactly what they want and how to get there. Dito, on the other hand, was incredibly trusting. He gave me space to explore, to bring my own ideas into Marina’s character. He wouldn’t say “do this.” Instead, he’d ask questions, lead me into discovering choices on my own. That’s so empowering as an actor. Even though we shot the film quickly, Dito made the process feel fluid and natural. When a director trusts your instincts, it opens up your performance in a completely different way.
You’ve had breakout roles—like in ‘The Alienist’—that introduced you to international audiences. What’s been your most creatively fulfilling role to date?
Definitely Marina in ‘Riff Raff’. Also, working on Who Is America? with Sacha Baron Cohen was incredible because it’s such a rare experience to do satire at that level. But Marina will always have a special place in my heart. It was my first leading role in the U.S., with a dream cast. Coming from a small Italian town, I never imagined I’d get that far—and working alongside actors I grew up admiring was deeply meaningful. When I read the script, I immediately saw Marina. I pictured her with red nail polish, baby bangs, wearing oversized cardigans—this mix of edgy and sweet. I even cut my own bangs to get into character! It was love at first sight.
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full look. Loro Piana
skirt as belt. N21
full look. Mom’s Pants
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full look. Loro Piana
skirt as belt. N21
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And you’re acting in a language that isn’t your mother tongue. That’s a challenge on its own!
True, but I’ve been in the U.S. for a while now, and English feels natural to me at this point. It still isn’t my native language, but it doesn’t feel like a barrier anymore. Plus, I love playing with accents and characters from different cultures—I speak several languages, so it’s actually really fun for me.
You’ve been part of projects like Who Is America? that blend fiction with social commentary. Are you drawn to stories that challenge norms or provoke thought?
Yes, definitely. With Sacha Baron Cohen, for example, that kind of satire is unmatched—he’s a genius. Those kinds of projects don’t come along often. I believe that film and TV can—and should—reflect what’s happening in the world. Art can be a powerful way to give voice to what we’re all experiencing. I’m currently working on a vampire film with Alexandra Casavettes, which I’m also executive producing. It’s got a strong social commentary on the last few years, and I’m excited to see how audiences respond.
You’ve worked with legends like Liam Neeson and Ed Harris. What’s the biggest piece of wisdom you’ve picked up from working alongside actors like them?
Humility. No matter how big your career is, you have to keep showing up and doing the work. Bill Murray recently said something during press in New York—he corrected me and said, “Not just humility—false humility.” But the point is, you don’t rest on your laurels. You keep pushing, you keep bringing everything you have to every role.
Looking ahead, are there any stories you’re longing to tell—maybe something deeply personal or unexpected?
Oh, yes! There are so many stories yet to be told. But one thing I’ve been thinking about lately—maybe something comedic, like a cultural clash between Italian and Irish families. My partner is Irish, and the differences in our cultures are hilarious. Italians are so fiery and expressive, we take three-hour lunch breaks, we’re obsessed with food. Meanwhile, that’s totally foreign to other cultures. I think it could be really fun to explore that contrast in a comedy.
Sounds hilarious—and very real! Italians do it better.
