Vivian Wilson’s latest venture into the high-fashion modeling world plunges her directly into the realm of ancient mythology, featuring layered statement jewelry, a dramatic crimson veil, and a conceptual narrative centered on mythological women who have endured extraordinary trials. In the case of Persephone, one of the central figures of the new campaign, those trials are quite literally from the depths of the underworld.
The rising model serves as the central face of Awe Inspired’s fall 2026 "Nocturne" campaign. The ambitious project is divided into three distinct chapters—Sovereign, Underworld, and Gorgon—each drawing inspiration from iconic figures of ancient folklore, specifically Inanna, Persephone, and Medusa. While the mythological characters provide the overarching narrative and dramatic tension of the photo shoot, the jewelry collection itself finds an unexpected design partner in Victorian adornment. This historical influence brings a series of curious, antiquated accessories to the forefront, including intricate pill pendants, miniature potion vials, and specialized keepsake holders that merge historical sentimentality with modern dark fantasy.
In the campaign images captured by photographer Bliss Kaufman, Wilson is styled in a striking visual juxtaposition. She wears pendant necklaces at staggered, deliberate lengths against a plunging red halter neckline, while a sheer red veil is pulled tantalizingly across her face in several key shots. Her fingers are crowded with heavy rings, and tiny gold-toned ornaments are intricately woven into her loose hair, creating an ethereal yet haunting effect. Elsewhere in the shoot, pale draped fabric and floating white feathers provide a softer, more delicate setting that contrasts sharply with the heavy, layered chains and gothic charms.
This ethereal, mythological aesthetic represents a distinct change of scenery from the provocative performance art and robot-tethering stunts Wilson performed just weeks prior. Earlier in the month, she turned heads in Desigual’s fall 2026 "Born to Disobey" campaign, where she tested the operational limitations of a malfunctioning humanoid machine. In those images, she used the robot as an unconventional golf tee and walked it on a leash, ultimately delivering the campaign’s biting tagline: "Some things aren’t meant to be fixed." That project took a clear, pointed aim at the rapid commercialization of artificial intelligence and robotics—territory that carried an extra layer of public intrigue given her estrangement from her father, tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Awe Inspired’s Nocturne campaign, by contrast, assigns her a very different narrative role. The jewelry brand describes its chosen mythological subjects as powerful symbols of sovereignty, transformation, and defiance. While those thematic pillars naturally invite observers to draw parallels between the campaign’s themes and Wilson’s own well-documented public independence and personal journey, the core narrative of the photo series remains firmly rooted in the historical and emotional weight of the women she portrays.
Wilson has been steadily carving out her own space in the fashion industry, telling her own story through increasingly visible editorial work and runway appearances. Speaking to WWD backstage at Chris Habana’s runway debut during New York Fashion Week in September 2025, she reflected on her entry into the modeling world. She revealed that her mother, Justine Musk, had envisioned a modeling career for her long before she ever considered it for herself. Wilson recalled practicing her professional runway walk outdoors when she was just a young girl, laying the groundwork for a career that would soon see her walking major international runways—including her debut at New York Fashion Week in a daring dress constructed entirely of safety pins.
When asked about her favorite aspect of the fast-paced fashion industry, Wilson pointed away from the clothes and toward the human element, noting that she genuinely enjoys the opportunity of meeting new people. Acknowledging how it sounds, she remarked with self-awareness that while it might feel a bit cliché and reminiscent of pageant interviews, stepping into a brand-new city and forming connections with creative individuals remains one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
The newly launched Nocturne collection extends far beyond standard necklaces and rings, offering a deeply curated assortment of historical-leaning pieces. The line features watch keys and chatelaine-inspired hair pins, alongside collector necklaces, link pendants, and adjustable slider beads designed to allow wearers to assemble a deeply personal assortment of custom charms. This release marks Awe Inspired’s second major venture into a darker, distinctly witchy aesthetic for the season. The jewelry company previously collaborated with Warner Bros. on a dedicated "Practical Magic 2" jewelry collection in August, cementing its current design focus on mystical, spellbinding accessories.
The first wave of pieces from Awe Inspired’s Nocturne collection is currently available to consumers, with additional chapters and campaign reveals scheduled to roll out throughout the remainder of the fall season.
