QUINTA ESSENTIA
QUINTA ESSENTIA
THE ALCHEMY OF THR FEMALE ARCCHETYPE
Ancient alchemists believed that beyond the four elements, earth, water, air, and fire, there existed a subtle substance that connected everything: the Aether, or Quintessence. The soul of the universe.
This editorial is not a recreation of fairy tales, but an exploration of the female psyche through myth. Inspired by the pictorial aesthetics of the Renaissance and Pre-Raphaelitism, I collaborated with Ángela Pedregal's “Mousai” collection to dress not princesses, but Archetypes.
From dreamlike curiosity to the wisdom of the forbidden fruit, each headpiece is a sculptural symbol. Here, the woman does not wait to be saved; she embodies nature, knowledge, and transformation.
QUINTA ESSENTIA II
THE 5 ARCHETYPES
ALICE
THE DREAMER & CURIOSITY
The ability to imagine impossible worlds. To represent infinite curiosity, I created a piece of textile surrealism that defies botanical logic: from a base of artisanal blue flowers emerge two sculptural structures in organic cotton evocative of the White Rabbit, the eternal keeper of time and guide to the subconscious. An ode to fantasy and creative freedom, blurring the boundary between waking and dreaming.
MERIDA
THE FIRE & THE ORIGIN
Destiny is not found; it is forged. Representing the indomitable spirit, I crowned the wild mane with a tiara of porcelain roses. The piece has been treated with an aging patina that simulates oxidized bronze and copper: the passage of time on metal. The turquoise of the oxide dialogues with the skin tones, symbolizing resilience and the beauty of weathering the elements.
MULAN
THE WARRIOR & BALANCE
The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all. This archetype embodies the perfect duality: tradition and avant-garde. The headpiece is where the past (traditional silk thread crochet) embraces the future (3D printed base). It is the armor of the contemporary woman: a hybrid where technological precision rests upon the wisdom of tradition.
SNOW WHITE
THE KNOWLEDGE
Is it innocence or wisdom? This look revisits the myth of temptation. Resting on dark hair is a crown of hand-waxed apples. It is not the fruit of sin, but of knowledge. Accompanied by pearl embroidery and winter florals, the piece evokes the strength of one who bites into life to understand it.
RAPUNZEL
THE METAMORPHOSIS
Confinement as a chrysalis for rebirth. For this archetype of transformation, I designed an XL silk botanical crown, invaded by textile butterflies. Butterflies are not mere ornaments; they are symbols of psyche and evolution. The moulage technique allows the rain of flowers and golden beads to appear to grow organically over the body, narrating the exact moment the woman spreads her wings.
Headpieces & Art Direction: Lucía de Gustin | Dresses & Art Direction: Ángela Pedregal (Mousai Collection) | Photography: NewFrame | Floral Decor: Vikenzo Nature | Styling & Decor: Hojaraska | Hair & Makeup: Susana Pena | Models: Irene Heiwa, Lucía Fernández, Linda Yu, Irene Gutiérrez, Ana Eva Cobos.