Anyone who’s familiar with the design trope of jewellery designer Francesca Amfitheatrof would know that everything she touches always end up boasting a cool effortless cachet. That fact extends to both her work with fine jewellery or the exalted realm of high jewellery a.k.a. the haute couture of bling. Often, Amfitheatrof’s background in art (she’s curated exhibitions for the likes of Damien Hirst) and industrial design (during her stint at Chanel in the ’90s, she designed all the hardware for accessories) have a part in shaping this modern timeless aesthetic.
One gets to see these factors at play in her latest gig as artistic director of watches and jewellery at Louis Vuitton. Her B.Blossom collection which debuted in May this year put an irreverent street spin on high-end cocktail baubles with their playful take on cabochons. For her sophomore fine jewellery outing which launches in stores here in January, Amfitheatrof turns her attention to reworking the existing Idylle Blossom collection.
Known for its bracelets and necklace designs with charms in the form of signature Louis Vuitton flowers and LV monograms, the existing Idylle Blossom collection sits nicely between pretty and playful territories. Under Amfitheatrof, however, the new designs come with a more directional and glamorous slant – while still maintaining its feminine appeal.
For starters, the maison’s iconic monogram flowers take centre stage in this outing. To make them appear more prominent and bold, each of the flower motif has been fully-paved in diamonds. They appear in designs such as a mono chain 18K pink gold earrings with diamonds ($5,800) and a two-row bracelet in 18K white gold with diamonds ($20,000). The two-row design motif extends to the rings as well, giving the illusion that the wearer is wearing two rings sheathed on her finger.
Dig them? The collection will be available at the brand’s Marina Bay Sands Island Maison and the Ngee Ann City and Ion Orchard boutiques from January 3.
