Through a Contemporary Lens: Lella Vignelli’s Jewelry for San Lorenzo
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Julia Abbonizio is a recent graduate of RIT’s Advertising Photography program. Her photographic work is inspired by notions of performance and surrealism, delivered with elegance and curiosity. Abbonizio’s imagery expands beyond the photographic medium. From events and commercial advertising to commissions and personal work, she focuses on art direction and styling to create unparalleled spaces and experiences.
“From it's conception, the goal of the project was to capture the timeless allure of Lella’s designs so that they can live on with every new generation. I was honored to have the opportunity to illustrate these pieces through my own personal vision. Creating spaces that are nondescript and introspective was integral to the vision and allows the jewelry to speak for itself. I was inspired by the different forms that the pieces assume and wanted to mirror that versatility by depicting them on a variety of models. Each brings their own air of individuality and style which honors that of the Vignelli legacy. I hope you are inspired by my interpretation of the elegance, sophistication, and simplicity that truly makes these pieces shine.”
![Two arms intertwined with fingers flared wearing rings](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/2022-01/Abbonizio_VJ-3.jpg)
![Seicento Necklace, Lella Valle Vignelli, 2003, Sterling Silver Close up of woman's face that leans to right with sculptural necklace around neck](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2022-01/Abbonizio_VJ-2.jpg?itok=HTsacMAp)
Seicento Necklace, Lella Valle Vignelli, 2003, Sterling Silver
![6 and 8 Rings, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver View of outstretched arm from finger tips to below elbow. Hand in elegant pose with silver ring](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2022-01/Abbonizio_VJ-16.jpg?itok=fXIj1I0g)
6 and 8 Rings, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver
![6 and 8 Rings, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver Woman's hand on her shoulder with a silver ring](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2022-01/Abbonizio_VJ-15.jpg?itok=V2OZJKih)
6 and 8 Rings, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver
![Senza Fine Bracelet, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver Person's arm with silver wrap bracelet](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/Abbonizio_VJ-17_0.jpg?itok=qfQFIaTU)
Senza Fine Bracelet, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver
![Senza Fine Necklace, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver View of person's back, short dark hair, white scarf with long silver snake like necklace form](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/Abbonizio_VJ-1.jpg?itok=bJElB_mU)
Senza Fine Necklace, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver
![6 and 8 Rings, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver Profile of person with arm bent up toward face, wearing large silver ring](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/Abbonizio_VJ-4.jpg?itok=CdLJinAJ)
6 and 8 Rings, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver
![Parallele Rings, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver Close up of hand with knuckles wearing silver rings](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/Abbonizio_VJ-13.jpg?itok=uSZ6h4Rs)
Parallele Rings, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver
![Senza Fine Bracelet, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver Closeup of arm with silver bracelet coiled around three times](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2022-02/Abbonizio_VJ-11.jpg?itok=jgJpqNhL)
Senza Fine Bracelet, Lella & Massimo Vignelli, 1992, Sterling Silver