Style NOV (05.11.16)

Style | interview 15
e
by
rc
How has your experience as an international
model influenced your designs?
Modelling enabled me to travel around the
world and experience a multitude of various
cultures, each place with its own aesthetic. i
was contracted to Gucci for a period of time,
watching from the inside the creative discipline
and magic that is spun to actualise a runway
collection. Observing behind-the-scenes action
at various fashion houses across europe has
enabled me to clarify my taste, work ethic and
approach to designing for Monarc Concierge.
Can you describe the style of your brand
Monarc Concierge?
i am not one for fast fashion; i’m inspired by
heritage and travel. a timeless aesthetic is at
the core of the Monarc Concierge brand. .
Do you have a favourite piece in the
collection?
the wing Me ring. it’s such a fun cocktail
piece combining delicate lines with a punchy
chequerboard onyx stone.
i also love the Puzzle ring; it is reminiscent
of interlocking friendship designs from the 17th
century, but the old-world fuss has been taken
out so it strikes a strong, modern look.
the Signature huggies are always on rotation
in my ears; i switch between the black and
white diamond versions.
What materials do you love to work with?
i really love working with 9ct yellow gold. its
golden hue has the slightest touch of cool,
moss green that 18ct yellow gold doesn’t have.
Gold has a higher density and is stronger than
silver, so really delicate styles can be achieved
well through the use of gold alloys.
alexandrite is a naturally occurring stone
with a party trick second to none. Under
natural light it appears bluish green and under
incandescent light it swaps to appear red or
violet.
Is there a current trend you are seeing?
One of the trends i’m seeing is the growing
tradition that men want to design a ring for a
proposal, but don’t want to design the actual
engagement ring for this event. we design a
lot of “stunt” rings to fit this situation so that
the newly engaged couple can later decide on
a bespoke ring together. A “save-the-finger
ring” is a great idea for proposers who want
some input (and credit) but know their other
half would prefer some creative input on the
final engagement ring. For this reason, “stunt”
rings are often more playful in style choice and
certainly don’t have to cost the world.
Your materials and gemstones are ethically
sourced; do you think consumers are more
aware of what they are buying?
Consumers have a plethora of choice through
online shopping. the international jewellery
market has become so much more accessible
and it can be difficult to wade through so
much information. Many consumers remain
driven by price and opt to take the path of
fashion jewellery, but Monarc Concierge
provides something a little different as an
independent company.
to design and produce using materials
mined from terrible circumstances would feel
incredibly misaligned with the purpose of the
jewellery we create. engagement rings and
bespoke keepsakes represent huge emotional
investment, i want to ensure Monarc Concierge
doesn’t compromise social and environmental
justices in order to create extraordinary
jewellery.
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