. What follows is a conversation with Forbes about the Sotheby’s partnership and her work as a creator of leather jewelry.So-Le StudioWe started a conversation early in March about creating a tiara with my brass shaving for an exhibition. It didn’t work out because the exhibition was all about fine jewelry and I work with non-precious materials. Then they became interested in my work and my aesthetic, and they offered me this opportunity.
So, what I do for a living is I try to elevate and transform material that I find abandoned, such as leather or brass, shape these materials into easy to wear architectural and sculptural jewels that have embedded into them lightness, illusion, versatility, provocation, joy, playfulness and a bit of humor.AD: How do you describe your jewels?: They are really statement pieces, yet they are so effortless to wear and they become a life companion.
AD: What is the process of making these jewels and how is it different from traditional jewelry making?: First, I capture geometries and patterns from the world around me. I sketch them and put them on paper, then I transfer them to AutoCAD . From there we make the original prototype. The craftsman does the final prototype, but it moves back and forth between us where we are creating several physical models and additional sketches. It’s a long process to get to the final prototype.
Having said this, I don’t scream that we are sustainable because I want people to fall in love with them for their qualities, their emotion and their practicality. Then the fact they’re made with the leftover leather. This value arrives afterward.: I would say they are workshops that produce leather goods, like wallets or small bags. For the leather, I work mainly with one person. He really takes care of my work since the beginning.
AD: I heard that at first people told you that you couldn’t create jewelry with leather. How did you react to that?: I don’t really accept it. Let’s try to see if we can find a way to make it work. I’m very stubborn. It took a lot of effort and determination. In the end even the person who first said it wasn’t possible was surprised by the results of the work. It opened his mind. He came to me saying “you know, actually, this is very exciting.