Status to stone
Designer Handbags Recalling Renaissance Extravagence
In her series of marble designer handbags, Ségal merges luxury with legacy, drawing inspiration from European cathedrals. Infused with gold leaf and Byzantine jewels, her pieces evoke the elegance of sacred architecture.
Ségal's focus on the iconic Birkin handbag over the past decade transforms ephemeral luxury into enduring art. Through meticulous technique, she challenges societal obsessions with status symbols.
The stone purses, adorned with intricate details reminiscent of cathedral artifacts, serve as poignant reminders of humanity's pursuit of fleeting prizes, prompting viewers to question the allure of material possessions.
CROWNED JEWELS, 2019
Semi Precious Blue Onyx, Rubies, White Sapphires, Gold Leaf over Silver
19”H x 18.5”W x 9”D
PORTA DEL PARADISO, 2018
Savoie and Bardiglio, Statuario Marble
24”H x 22”W x 10.5”D
PERSIAN CANDY, 2017
Persian Marble, White and Red Marble Mosaics
24”H x 23”W x 10”D
Divine Inspiration
Following her Designer Handbag Series, Ségal delves into Renaissance art and architecture with a series of Birkin bags. Inspired by Venetian cathedrals and Byzantine churches, she infuses each bag with historical and cultural significance. Ségal's collection juxtaposes the status of the Birkin bag with the sanctity of religious and architectural masterpieces, prompting viewers to contemplate the connections between consumer culture and sacred reverence.
Pairs of white marble columns of the cloister, alternately plain and decorated by bands of patterns in gold and colors, made from glass tesserae.
Ségal adorns the Belgian Black Marble Birkin with gold and red glass mosaics while she sculpts ‘Byzantine Candy.’
BYZANTINE CANDY, 2023
CALACATA GOLD
Calacata Marble with White Gold Leaf
22.5”H x 21”W x 10”D
EYE CANDY
Orange Calcite and Gold Leaf
21”H x 20”W x 10”D
PINK KELLY, 2021
Pink Onyx
15”H x 14.5”W x 5.5”D
SNOW WHITE, 2014
Statuario Carrara Marble
13”H x 20”W x 6.5”D
CRIMSON NIGHT, 2024
Portoro Marble
20”H x 22”W x 10”D
L.V.B.S., 2017
Greek White Marble
19”H x 22”W x 10.5”D
PORTORO OPERA, 2023
Portoro Marble
33”H x 30”W x 14”D
BlUE CANDY, 2015
Sodalite
23"W x 22"H x 11"D
THOU SHALL NOT COVET, 2019
Marble
33”H x 30”W x 14”D
The status quo
In her Designer Handbags Series, Ségal infuses Birkin Bags with profound meaning, echoing the spirit of Renaissance masters. Through the carving of stones and marbles, she transcends their utility, challenging societal fixation on status. Ségal's contemplation extends to how status symbols evolve across cultures and epochs, from the Pope's ring to modern fashion icons like rappers, reflecting shifting societal values and aspirations.
Verde Smeraldo Onyx
‘Candy Verde’ 2016