WHISPERS OF EDEN
Words HILLARY KANG
For all that’s been said and written of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, little concrete evidence shows that the Gardens — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — actually exists. But it’s easy to see why they’ve captured the imagination of poets and historians throughout time: Lush vegetation cascading down tiered terraces thought to be over 20 metres tall. Exotic plants snaking between statues and stone columns. All this in the arid land of ancient Babylon, due south of the capital of modern-day Iraq.
Historians note that there have been no first-hand accounts of the ancient wonder, and that the exact location of the Gardens — if they ever existed — remains a hotly-disputed topic among academics.
But the mythos of the Gardens persists in part because of the quixotic story behind them. Popular culture attributes the creation of the ancient wonder to Nebuchadnezzar II, who purportedly built it as a gift for his homesick wife, Amytis; she was born in a mountainous region filled with lush vegetation, and missed her homeland — Nebuchadnezzar wanted to build a monument to her proportionate to his affections.
This story is from the L’Officiel Jewellery 2022 edition of L'OFFICIEL Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the L’Officiel Jewellery 2022 edition of L'OFFICIEL Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SLEEPING BEAUTIES
Louis Vuitton releases two fresh versions of its Bed Trunk, which have been designed in collaboration with Nicolas Ghesquière and Pharrell Williams
TRUE BLUE
Back in 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra motif was born.
WHAT MAKES A MAJESTIC ESCAPE?
The answer: These Harry Winston jewels, which are inspired by the breathtaking appearance of dawn in the Indonesian province of Bali, from the Majestic Escapes Collection.
Leaping FORWARD
Movements described as \"feline\" come with an extra element of grace and elegance.
Enchanted WOODS
A magical connection blooms right here as L'OFFICIEL SINGAPORE meets South Korean actress Kim Min-ha-dressed in Dior's Cruise 2025 collection, the Pachinko star shares why the series is so close to her heart and how she would love to fill her world with Haribo
Life of the PARTY
The new Andy Warhol Clou de Paris timepiece pays homage to the Piaget Society, celebrating the Maison's golden era
Best Foot FORWARD
Having always set itself apart by combining shoe-making and smart engineering, FitFlop goes a step further by announcing a new partnership with Song Hye Kyo. The South Korean star was so enamoured with the stylish yet comfortable designs that she handpicked her favourite styles for her ambassador shoot
Standing TALL
With its striking elongated silhouettes, inventive takes on couture, and clever tie-ups, the Balenciaga Spring 2025 parade couldn't be dampened even by the day's rainstorm
Extraordinary EVERY DAY
As SHANGHAI TANG celebrates 30 years, there is no better time to embrace the Friends of SHANGHAI TANG Collection and its touches of contemporary chinoiserie, timeless elegance, and joie de vivre
A City That NEVER SLEEPS
30,000 square metres, 10 \"designer neighbourhoods\", 10 unique Moncler Genius collections, and one stunning \"The City of Genius\" concept, in which one can soak in different artistic and cultural viewpoints of the diverse creative talents assembled
