The Movie Theatre: A Tribute to Marilyn Monroe

A Unique Fine Jeweled Egg by Larisa Zolotova

August 5, 2017, marked the 55th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death. Larisa Zolotova, a renowned designer, pays homage to the iconic actress with her latest creation, The Movie Theatre. Inspired by Richard Avedon's 1957 photograph of Marilyn Monroe with ostrich fans and the famous jeweled eggs by Faberge, Zolotova combines art, sculpture, and fine jewelry to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

The Movie Theatre is a stunning piece consisting of three parts: the theater, a spinning inner section, and a sculpture of Marilyn Monroe. The exterior of the egg is adorned with red gemstones, symbolizing the cinema stage and the red carpet, which were integral parts of Marilyn's life. The white gemstones on the spinning part represent stage lights, adding a touch of glamour to the design. At the top of the egg, five stars serve as a reminder of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring Marilyn's status as a legendary actress.

The centerpiece of The Movie Theatre is the sculpture of Marilyn Monroe herself, captured in a moment of performance with her iconic ostrich fans. This exquisite sculpture can be removed from the egg and displayed on its own pedestal, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The Movie Theatre is crafted from silver and set with 193 cubic zirconia gems, combining traditional hand-made techniques with modern digital fabrication. Larisa Zolotova's expertise in CAD modeling, 3D printing, and casting allowed her to create a large-scale piece of fine jewelry that seamlessly blends artistry and technology.

The creation of The Movie Theatre presented its fair share of challenges. The most significant hurdle was achieving a likeness of Marilyn Monroe through CAD modeling while incorporating moving parts into the design. Zolotova's dedication to finding the simplest and cleanest solution paid off, resulting in a mechanism that enhances the jewelry's functionality without compromising its aesthetic appeal. The use of a plastic prototype allowed for testing and refining the design, ensuring smooth movement and ease of assembly.

The project, which began in May 2016 in Carlsbad, was completed in February 2018. Throughout the process, Zolotova conducted extensive research on CAD modeling, hand-made and digital fabrication techniques, stone setting, soldering, 3D printing, casting, silver plating, and polishing. The meticulous attention to detail and the development of innovative techniques contributed to the realization of this exceptional design.

The Movie Theatre Fine Jeweled Egg is a testament to the timeless beauty of Faberge jewels and the enduring legend of Marilyn Monroe. Larisa Zolotova's creation seamlessly merges art, sculpture, and fine jewelry, resulting in a unique and captivating piece. This remarkable design was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Limited Edition and Custom Design category in 2018, recognizing its exceptional craftsmanship, practicality, and innovative qualities.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Larisa Zolotova
Image Credits: Ilya Chyrski - photo editor Image credits: Larisa Zolotova Graphic design credits: Larisa Zolotova 3D animation and video editing credits: Larisa Zolotova
Project Team Members: Larisa Zolotova
Project Name: The Movie Theatre
Project Client: Larisa Zolotova


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