The aesthetics of well-being
beauty as ritual
I think spaces for beauty and health services should carry beauty in their own DNA. While medicine targets physical healing channels through exercise and diet, it often overlooks channels that speak to us on a spiritual level. I believe that this layer of healing is often unlocked through aesthetic experiences.
Historically, well-being rituals were a seamless and elevated part of daily life. The hammam and Roman baths were more than just places for cleansing—they were social sanctuaries, centers of well-being, and rituals of beauty. Rooted in ancient traditions, these spaces offered a holistic approach to self-care, combining steam, exfoliation, and relaxation with communal gathering. The Roman thermae were grand, multifunctional spaces where people bathed, exercised, and engaged in intellectual discourse, while the hammam, deeply embedded in Middle Eastern and North African cultures, was a place of renewal, where the body was purified through steam and scrubs, often followed by beauty rituals with fragrant oils and teas.
To revive these spaces today, we can reimagine them as modern wellness hubs—melding ancient techniques with contemporary design, incorporating elements like guided rituals, aromatherapy, and social bathing experiences that encourage both inner and outer rejuvenation. By creating environments that blend indulgence with human connection, we can return to the philosophy that beauty and well-being are not solitary pursuits, but communal, artful experiences.
For this Elysian Curations edition, find below a flow of images that could enchant any beauty altar, or serve as inspiration to create your own x
This scene takes place in the baths of Pompeii, where one woman playfully splashes another as she bathes in the frigidarium, a cold-water bath. Lawrence Alma-Tadema drew inspiration from photographs of the Stabian baths' ruins, which were uncovered by archaeologists in 1824.
This is probably one of the most beautiful perfume vials I have come across and I often dream about having one like this for my perfumes and oils, or even collagen drinks for the morning. It would elevate any beauty + wellness ritual be it in the privacy of your boudoir or on the busy streets of the city.
This Art Nouveau adornment would be perfect post-hammam holding up a messy bun for a relaxing evening in or to complement a boho look for going out. Orchids have long lured me in by their mystery and elegance, so this would naturally take the crown for my headpiece of choice {for any ocassion}.
The Bird-In-Hand compact is a small, three-dimensional piece shaped like a bird, measuring less than an open hand. Dalí’s signature appears in black on the bird’s head, which can be pulled out to reveal an unused lipstick. The wings lift to expose a clear, heart-shaped mirror on the top and a clean, covered powder well, stamped with the Elgin American signature, on the bottom. Additionally, the tail opens to function as a pillbox. These compacts were produced in gold tone, sterling silver, and silver-tone with gold accents.
Miranda Keyes’ ethereal glasswork takes my breath away every time. Keyes’ work is delicate, organic, and undeniably seductive. This work specifically would ritualise any cocktail hour into a resplendent meditation on purity and fragility, showing how utilitarian objects can be infused with magic and wonder. Entertaining is becoming a forgotten art but with an intentional curation of objects, music, moods, and tablescapes, any dining experience transforms into a celebration of life!