A TASTE OF ‘FORBIDDEN FRUIT’ BY WOUTERS & HENDRIX
words by ANOUK WOUDT
They say forbidden fruit always tastes sweeter. This fall, Wouters & Hendrix embraces temptation with Forbidden Fruit, a jewellery collection that gleams with mysticism through age-old symbols and tarot references. Drawing on centuries-old tales and archetypes, each piece wraps you in its own story — transforming iconic tales into contemporary talismans.
The most striking piece is centred around The Birth of Venus – an embodiment of the iconic Botticelli vision transformed into wearable earrings and necklaces. The iconic mussel becomes the main attraction, surrounded by a constellation of pearls. Venus is pictured as anything but innocent here—she is pure provocation. Pearls glow with a salty sensuality that is unapologetically embraced by their wearer. The Wouters & Hendrix mussel appears in miniature and oversized forms, multiplied almost miraculously: it is everywhere, a true obsession.
Serving to tempt and challenge inhibitions, The Secret Garden appears exactly as it was during its original meeting with Adam and Eve. No, it is not Paradise—but it is far more exciting. Thorns nettle between an overgrown garden, where passion reigns supreme. Branches intertwine into an impossible tangle. Roses bloom lavishly, shamelessly flaunting their thorns. These are fairytale-like creations with a touch of gothic romance, as irresistible as they are dangerous.
Arrows strike their target without mercy in Star-Crossed Lovers. Without warning, Cupid's arrow pierces a red, gleaming heart, becoming the perfect accessory for a love-lorn wearer. Hearts, stars, and arrows shine inbetween jewellery with playful silhouettes—symbols of a desire that casts all caution aside.
Each piece serves as a symbol of temptation and desire, becoming one of Wouters & Hendrix’s most poetic collections through its intimate push-and=pull of intricate craftsmanship and chapters of ancient tales.
Launching exclusively at the newly renovated Knokke boutique on 30 July 2026, the pieces will be available on the website and all other Wouter & Hendrix boutiques starting from 27 August 2026.
