La Siciliana
Until now, all of my collections have been inspired by my adopted home, Spain, but his time, I’m taking you across the turquoise seas of the Mediterranean to steamy Sicily, Italy. I had a deep urge to go to Sicily (season two of The White Lotus definitely added to that), so off I went last summer for some exploring and to visit a family in Catania who handmake stunning little ceramic adornments that beautifully capture Sicily. While I savoured the gelato their mum brought into the shop for me (which took me back to my Chai Tea in shops days in India), I knew I was onto something perfectly Sicilian, and La Siciliana Collection was officially in motion.
To add to this new collection, some Saturday Campari Spritzes in the studio of my friend, Oscar Carrillo, inspired a collaboration between us: a practical, hands-free, pickpocket-proof, stylish, modern bumbag (aka fanny pack), which can also be worn as a crossbody bag or as a clutch. Each one is custom-made by the talented Oscar using locally sourced Spanish leather. There is no going back for me — I haven´t taken our first prototype off.
I´ve always been an Italian vintage lover, I´ve scoured every market and store I´ve come across for years on end hoping to find some Italian treasures. So for this collection I upcycled a vintage Italian belt. I had the plastic coloured jewels removed and I replaced them with top quality mother-of- pearl pieces. I also found some gorgeous clip-ons from the 90´s.
I’ve always admired beautiful Italian women with their silk headscarves, big sunglasses and red lipstick flying around on their Vespas. I even bought myself a little Vespa when I last lived in Brisbane. I wasn’t as glam, obviously, but I had little glimpses of what it must feel like to be one of them. Sicilian women are never shy about celebrating fashion, feminity and sensuality, but at the same time they’re strong and matriarchal and I wanted to capture that spirit in this collection.
I felt instantly at home in Sicily — maybe it was the takeaway Campari Spritzes on every corner or that sultry, humid breeze that reminded me of Brisbane. The history there is immense, dating so far back it’s hard to get your head around. I loved all the myths, especially the story of the ceramic Sicilian head pots (Teste di Moro) — a tale of passion and revenge.
The landscapes were stunning, with rocks and lava spilling into the sparkling sea, always with Mount Etna huffing and puffing in the background. I spent my days huddled under an umbrella with my friend, making up for lost time while cooling ourselves down in the crystal-clear sea. We explored the cobblestone streets and made daily trips to the supermarket — my happy place. I’ve never been anywhere where the food tasted so damn good. The Prosecco was exceptional and we made lavish picnics for the lingering golden sunsets.
Take me back! My dream is to have a little apartment on the water in a village where I’ll be greeted with Ciao Bella day in, day out. Like the Spanish, the Italians know how to live. Their positive language and larger-than-life hand gestures make you feel like you’re truly living. I hope this collection tickles your Sicilian fancy or becomes a souvenir that perfectly captures your experience there.
With love from Spain,
Annabelle xo
Limited edition, handmade by Annabelle, fine gold stainless steel chain and findings with a bronze coin. This necklace is 36cm long from the back of the neck to the bottom of the coin, the stainless steel chain is hypoallergic and doesn´t lose it´s colour or tarnish. This is on PRE ORDER for the moment, delivery may take up to 6 weeks.
Perched up on a hill with turquoise sea and Mt Etna views, Taormina is one of those you have to go before you die places. Rich in history it has seen many civilizations settle there. If you are a White Lotus fan it´s like you have seen it all before. It´s one of Sicily´s slices of gold.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, pink/yellow, blue/yellow, blue/red, pink/red or black/red handmade Sicilian ceramic hearts on hypoallergenic zamak teardrop studs custom made in Menorca, electroplated in 18k gold. They have a stud system for pierced ears only, measure 4cm in length and each earring weighs 1.5 grams. The pieces on PRE ORDER may take up to 4 weeks for delivery.
These gorgeous ceramics are handmade by a family business from Cantania in Sicily which the young sons have started taken over with lots of fresh, fun ideas. When I went to visit them the whole family was there, their son´s dog, their cousins and papá. Their mum ran out to get gelato for everyone, it reminded me of my similarly sweaty India days when I would drink 10 Chai Teas a day visiting craftsmen and suppliers. I love how welcome they made me feel.
Zamak is an alloy blend of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper which makes it suitable for sensitive skin types, very durable and great for silver and gold plating. These earring bases were made to order on the beautiful Belearic Island of Menorca by a family run studio that started back in 1945. I like to keep my designs as Spanish and local as possible.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, big or small handmade Sicilian ceramic oranges on 18k gold plated brass baton studs. They have a stud system for pierced ears only, measure 6.5cm or 5cm in length and each earring weighs 1.5 grams. The large pair are on PRE ORDER only atm, delivery may take up to 4 weeks.
These gorgeous ceramics are handmade by a family business from Cantania in Sicily which the young sons have started taken over with lots of fresh, fun ideas. When I went to visit them the whole family was there, their son´s dog, their cousins and papá. Their mum ran out to get gelato for everyone, it reminded me of my similarly sweaty India days when I would drink 10 Chai Teas a day visiting craftsmen and suppliers. I love how welcome they made me feel.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, handmade by Annabelle, miniature freshwater pearls and an 18k gold plated T clasp necklace with a pearl and miniature lemon, orange or cactus adornment. This necklace is designed to wear the clasp at the front but you can also wear it reversed which looks great layered with other necklaces. It measures 45cm. The cactus and lemon necklaces are on PRE ORDER only atm, delivery may take up to 4 weeks.
These gorgeous ceramics are handmade by a family business from Cantania in Sicily which the young sons have started taken over with lots of fresh, fun ideas. When I went to visit them the whole family was there, their son´s dog, their cousins and papá. Their mum ran out to get gelato for everyone, it reminded me of my similarly sweaty India days when I would drink 10 Chai Teas a day visiting craftsmen and suppliers. I love how welcome they made me feel.
This necklace is inspired the classic beautiful Italian women in silk headscarves whizzing by on a Vespa along the coastline in the 80´s. Although intense, I love how the Italians celebrate beauty through languauge. I guess that´s why I love Argentina so much, the firey combo of Italian and Spanish blood.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, red, yellow, blue and green handmade Sicilian ceramic starfish on hypoallergenic zamak discs studs custom made in Sicily, electroplated in 18k gold. They have a stud system for pierced ears only, measure 6cm in length and each earring weighs 2 grams.
These gorgeous ceramics are handmade by a family business from Cantania in Sicily which the young sons have started taken over with lots of fresh, fun ideas. When I went to visit them the whole family was there, their son´s dog, their cousins and papá. Their mum ran out to get gelato for everyone, it reminded me of my similarly sweaty India days when I would drink 10 Chai Teas a day visiting craftsmen and suppliers. I love how welcome they made me feel.
Zamak is an alloy blend of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper which makes it suitable for sensitive skin types, very durable and great for silver and gold plating.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, red and blue handmade Sicilian ceramic large and mini starfish on hypoallergenic zamak teardrop studs custom made in Menorca, electroplated in 18k gold. On one side the large starfish is red on the top and the other side is blue on the top. They have a stud system for pierced ears only, measure 7.5cm in length and each earring weighs 2 grams. These are on PRE ORDER only atm, delivery may take up to 4 weeks.
These gorgeous ceramics are handmade by a family business from Cantania in Sicily which the young sons have started taken over with lots of fresh, fun ideas. When I went to visit them the whole family was there, their son´s dog, their cousins and papá. Their mum ran out to get gelato for everyone, it reminded me of my similarly sweaty India days when I would drink 10 Chai Teas a day visiting craftsmen and suppliers. I love how welcome they made me feel.
Zamak is an alloy blend of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper which makes it suitable for sensitive skin types, very durable and great for silver and gold plating. These earring bases were made to order on the beautiful Belearic Island of Menorca by a family run studio that started back in 1945. I like to keep my designs as Spanish and local as possible.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, handmade by Annabelle, oval freshwater pearls and Sicilian ceramic cactus and sicilian face (woman or man) with an 18k gold plated T clasp. This necklace measures 80cm in length. PRE ORDERS can take up to 4 weeks to be delivered.
These gorgeous ceramics are handmade by a family business from Cantania in Sicily which the young sons have started taken over with lots of fresh, fun ideas. When I went to visit them the whole family was there, their son´s dog, their cousins and papá. Their mum ran out to get gelato for everyone, it reminded me of my similarly sweaty India days when I would drink 10 Chai Teas a day visiting craftsmen and suppliers. I love how welcome they made me feel.
My Sicilian dream purchase (apart from an apartment by the sea) is a pair of Siclian head pots. The Sicilian Heads, or in Italian Teste di Moro (Moor’s Heads), are iconic ceramic vases born from an 11th-century legend of passion, betrayal and revenge during Arab rule in Palermo. The story goes that a young Sicilian girl fell in love with an Arab who she then decapitated after discovering he had a family back East. She used his head as a pot to grow basil so that he would never leave her.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, big or small handmade Sicilian ceramic cactus, on hypoallergenic zamak teardrop studs custom made in Menorca, electroplated in 18k gold. They have a stud system for pierced ears only, measure 5cm or 3.5cm in length and each earring weighs 2 grams.
These gorgeous ceramics are handmade by a family business from Cantania in Sicily which the young sons have started taken over with lots of fresh, fun ideas. When I went to visit them the whole family was there, their son´s dog, their cousins and papá. Their mum ran out to get gelato for everyone, it reminded me of my similarly sweaty India days when I would drink 10 Chai Teas a day visiting craftsmen and suppliers. I love how welcome they made me feel.
Zamak is an alloy blend of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper which makes it suitable for sensitive skin types, very durable and great for silver and gold plating. These earring bases were made to order on the beautiful Belearic Island of Menorca by a family run studio that started back in 1945. I like to keep my designs as Spanish and local as possible.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, big or small handmade Sicilian ceramic cactus, on 18k gold plated brass baton studs. They have a stud system for pierced ears only, measure 8cm or 4cm in length and each earring weighs 1.5 grams.
These gorgeous ceramics are handmade by a family business from Cantania in Sicily which the young sons have started taken over with lots of fresh, fun ideas. When I went to visit them the whole family was there, their son´s dog, their cousins and papá. Their mum ran out to get gelato for everyone, it reminded me of my similarly sweaty India days when I would drink 10 Chai Teas a day visiting craftsmen and suppliers. I love how welcome they made me feel.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, handmade by Annabelle, pebble freshwater pearl and an 18k gold plated T clasp necklace with a pearl and Sicilian handmade miniature lemon, orange or cactus ceramic adornment. This necklace is designed to wear the clasp at the front but you can also wear it reversed which looks great layered with other necklaces. It measures 40cm and is a little longer than it appears in the photos on the model. PRE ORDERS can take up to 4 weeks to be delivered.
These gorgeous ceramics are handmade by a family business from Cantania in Sicily which the young sons have started taken over with lots of fresh, fun ideas. When I went to visit them the whole family was there, their son´s dog, their cousins and papá. Their mum ran out to get gelato for everyone, it reminded me of my similarly sweaty India days when I would drink 10 Chai Teas a day visiting craftsmen and suppliers. I love how welcome they made me feel.
This necklace is inspired by the pebble beaches of Sicily. The Medditeranenan water is as clear as crystal and teeming with tiny little sea creatures. The pebbles massage your back under the umbrellas. A takeaway Campari Spritz takes the edge off though, it´s all part of the experience.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, sterling silver sleepers made in Jaipur, India, plated in 0.5 microns of 18k gold. They have a lever system for pierced ears only. They measure 0.07cm in diameter are the perfect day-in-day-out sleepers.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
One off, vintage gold plated clip-ons that I found in El Rastro, Madrid´s biggest flea markets that are held on Sundays. I´m always on the lookout for vintage pieces - vintage shopping is my favourite past time.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, sterling silver studs made in Jaipur, India, plated in 0.5 microns of 18k gold or rhodium and studded with three tiny pearls. They measure 0.8m in length and also look amazing in a second piercing!
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, sterling silver sleepers made in Jaipur, India, plated in 0.5 microns of 18k gold or rhodium and studded with pearls. They have a lever system for pierced ears only. They measure 1.5cm in diameter. These are on PRE ORDER atm, delivery may take up to 4 weeks.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, hypoallergenic zamac 90´s style studs custom made in Menorca, electroplated in 1 micron of 18k gold or with 5 microns of sterling silver. They have a stud system for pierced ears only, measure 2cm in width and each earring weighs 4 grams. The gold pairs are on PRE ORDER only atm, delivery may take up to 6 weeks.
Cefalú was the first beach town I went to in Sicily and it stole my heart. Everywhere I went I could imagine an Italian woman whizzing by on her Vespa with these earrings on. Cefalú´s tiny cobble stone streets hanging off the cliffs and arches (some scenes from White Lostus were filmed in them) along the beach that framed the aqua blue waters were oh so Mediterranean. It was steamy in every way but the takeaway Campari Sprtizes kept us cool as we huddled under the beach umbrella solving world problems. The lingering sunsets were unmatched with homemade brimming focaccias washed down with bubbly local Prosecco. Take me back!
Zamak is an alloy blend of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper which makes it suitable for sensitive skin types, very durable and great for silver and gold plating. These earring bases were made to order on the beautiful Belearic Island of Menorca by a family run studio that started back in 1945. I like to keep my designs as Spanish and local as possible.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, handmade Sicilian ceramic lemons, big or small on 18k gold plated brass baton studs. They have a stud system for pierced ears only, measure 6.5cm or 5cm in length and each earring weighs 1.5 grams.
These gorgeous ceramics are handmade by a family business from Cantania in Sicily which the young sons have started taken over with lots of fresh, fun ideas. When I went to visit them the whole family was there, their son´s dog, their cousins and papá. Their mum ran out to get gelato for everyone, it reminded me of my similarly sweaty India days when I would drink 10 Chai Teas a day visiting craftsmen and suppliers. I love how welcome they made me feel.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
One off, upcycled vintage gold belt with mother of pearl adornments and a clip extension system to adapt the size. I found this beautiful belt from the 80´s in El Rastro, Madrid´s biggest flea markets that are held on Sundays and replaced the plastic coloured jewels for high quality mother of pearl pieces. I´m always on the lookout for vintage pieces - vintage shopping is my favourite past time and upcycling them is my next favourite thing!
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, hypoallergenic zamak hoop studs custom made in Menorca, electroplated in 1 micron of 18k gold or with 5 microns of sterling silver. They have a stud system for pierced ears only, measure 1.5cm in width and each earring weighs 2 grams.
Zamak is an alloy blend of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper which makes it suitable for sensitive skin types, very durable and great for silver and gold plating. These earring bases were made to order on the beautiful Belearic Island of Menorca by a family run studio that started back in 1945. I like to keep my designs as Spanish and local as possible.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, handmade by Annabelle, black padded headband with handsewn gold adornments and freshwater pearls. If you would like a different colour please get in touch with me and I can custom make one for you as there is a rainbow of colours available. PRE ORDERS may take up to 2 weeks for delivery.
This headband is inspired by the Godfather films. A wink to the classic elegance of the 50´s but with a modern twist. A Sicilian woman is never to be crossed and should always be treated like a queen.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
Limited edition, hypoallergenic zamac bangle custom made in Menorca, electroplated in 1 micron of 18k gold or with 5 microns of sterling silver. Stack them and feel the Sicilian breeze in your hair.
Cefalú was the first beach town I went to in Sicily and it stole my heart. Everywhere I went I could imagine an Italian woman whizzing by on her Vespa with these bangles on. Cefalú´s tiny cobble stone streets hanging off the cliffs and arches (some scenes from White Lostus were filmed in them) along the beach that framed the aqua blue waters were oh so Mediterranean. It was steamy in every way but the takeaway Campari Sprtizes kept us cool as we huddled under the beach umbrella solving world problems. The lingering sunsets were unmatched with homemade, brimming focaccias washed down with bubbly local Prosecco. Take me back!
Zamak is an alloy blend of zinc, aluminium, magnesium and copper which makes it suitable for sensitive skin types, very durable and great for silver and gold plating. These earring bases were made to order on the beautiful Belearic Island of Menorca by a family run studio that started back in 1945. I like to keep my designs as Spanish and local as possible.
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa
A Campari Spritz fueled brainchild, limited edition, three-in-one fancy bumbag/handsfree cross body bag/clutch, custom made by Oscar Carrillo x Annabelle Hardie with an adjustable strap. Each bag is handmade by Oscar using Spanish leather sourced from Madrid. There is a rainbow of colours, enter your prefered colour when prompted and I will be in touch to confirm the colour based on the leather available. These bags are all I wear now, they're safe, stylish and modern and I'm never going back. Since they're made to order it could take up to 6 weeks for delivery. Good things are worth the wait.
Oscar Carrillo is a self-taught bag craftsman based here in Madrid. He works out of his boutique which is also his workshop in Mercado de la Cebada in La Latina Madrid. Every piece he makes is unique and handmade with love. If you're ever in Madrid you must go and visit him!
Photography: Santi G Barros | Models: Sara Madoz & Silvia | MUAH: Raquel Bueno & Vanessa