The Zodiacs

Princess Laudomia Hercolani was a noble beauty who established a successful modeling
career. Slim Aarons photographed her often. Legend has it that President Kennedy once asked
Aarons if the princess was really as beautiful in person as she was in the pages of Vogue. “Better!”
was the photographer’s one-word reply. While modeling, she used the name ‘Domietta,’ and
graced dozens of covers of Vogue magazine during the ‘60s, wearing the latest fashions (especially
Balenciaga). Princess Laudomia also appeared in Visconti films, “Il Gattopardo” (“The
Leopard”) and “Vaghe Stelle Dell’orsa” (“Sandra”).
She loved Petochi jewelry for its updated, graphic pieces. A gracious gift-giver, Laudomia often
discreetly purchased small personal jewelry and objects for friends at the Petochi shop at the
foot of the Spanish Steps. Princess Laudomia was devoted to Italy’s emerging fashion designers,
especially Emilio Pucci. The swinging Roman nightlife of the era was her kingdom, and together
with her husband, Prince Andrea Hercolani of Bologna, they ruled and were widely known as
“Europe’s best-looking couple.”