Australian-born, British-raised actress Leila George has always felt a connection to the moon. It's one of the reasons why she was the perfect candidate to become the face of Paspaley's new Moonlight collection. “As a woman I feel very connected to the magical phenomenon of the moon and the tides,” she tells Vogue Australia. 

It's a collection that honours the Heritage of the Australian House, where in 1920, Nicholas Paspaley first collected a mother-of-pearl shell. For the campaign, starring George, Paspaley returns to the landscape where it all started on the Western Australian coast.

Below, Vogue gets ready with Leila George at Crown Sydney as she prepares to celebrate the launch of the Paspaley Moonlight collection.

“I loved getting ready for the Paspaley event at Crown Sydney. The room was stunning, with an incredible view of the harbour. I had an awesome team helping me get ready. My hair and makeup artists Nadine Monley and Richard Kavanagh were also on the Paspaley campaign shoot with me in the Kimberley, so it was great to hang with them again.”

“I wore the Crescent Moon Collier, which is a 750 White Gold Collier with Australian south sea pearls, Australian white crystal opal, purple sapphire and white diamonds. It's a stunning piece. I also wore the Keshi Pearl Stud stack featuring Baroque Keshi Australian south sea pearls—this is one of my everyday staple looks, because it goes with anything. We decided to add the Wild Strand Bracelet and Touchstone Diamond Ring; an Australian south sea pearl ring set in 750 white gold with white diamonds.”

“Emma Kalfus styled my look for the event. We've worked together before, so she already knows what I like and don't like. I love to work with people that I know—it takes the pressure off. My look was the perfect mix of relaxed, chic Australian designer pieces from Venroy and Studio Amelia paired with the most beautiful Paspaley pieces.”

“The event was beautiful. Every detail felt very luxurious and uniquely Paspaley. Listening to Christine Salter, Paspaley's Creative Director and third generation Paspaley, talk about the history of Paspaley and the new Moonlight collection was inspiring. She is so knowledgeable and passionate about the natural beauty of pearls. It was very exciting to see everyone's positive reaction to the new campaign, which was projected onto the facade of the historic Cell Block Theatre, National Art School where the event was held. It was a lovely celebration. I feel very proud to be part of the Paspaley family.”

“My favourite piece from the new collection is the Crescent Moon Diamond Keshi Pendant. It looks effortlessly beautiful, feminine and elegant.”

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