Dark Elegance: Take-2

 (Above) Wang SS13


There are some designers who are bold with their signature style lines. There are some who are also innately gifted artists, poetic in their design aesthetic or have the eye of capturing distinct precision and execution all within a seam. And, when all of these elements come together (in fashion) they tend to either result in a beautiful masterpiece, unparalleled chaos, or a worthy and workable template of inspiration.

Haizhen Wang and Bernard Delettrez are two diverse designers that inspired me. Both possess an eye for detail and a specific showcase of style.

Of course, you may identify Delettrez from the name alone before glancing at his actual jewellery. His esteemed work has been sold in speciality stores from Lebanon to London. His daughter, Delfina also carries the designing trait, but one that dates back to a family of fashion history, Fendi. Quite the triple threat and gift of fashion, jewellery, and luxury. Delettrez was also one of the first designers to work with rock crystal—which made him stand out, especially as a designer in the mid-eighties!

I love how Delettrez manages to marry precious stones with a gothic sensibility—the outcome is appealing. In his work, you will find the pieces hauntingly opulent. There are white coral skull rings dressed in diamonds, claw cuffs made in the likeness of skeletal impressions, and necklaces that would garner more of an introduction than saying "statement" piece.

Wang, a Central Saint Martins graduate and 2012 Fashion Fringe winner presented a cutting-edge collection that displayed avant-garde in a structured, elegant, and daring way. Layering was effective throughout the line. Graphic prints and three-dimensional silhouettes were softened by Wang's draping and tailoring abilities, which made the garments all the more alluring.

Wang and Delettrez both decided to make important career changes in 2010. Wang took a giant leap by launching his own label and expanding to open a workshop/boutique. Delettrez had already worked with emeralds and designed for H.Stern in the past, and by 2010 he eventually decided to strictly put his attention toward working on his own jewellery designs.

I've chosen these two designers, one an emerging talent, and the other who has been designing for over thirty years to show you how remarkable they both are ... beyond contempo! You can view more of their works below.

  

(Above) Delettrez: Yellow, cabochon, & green sapphire ring, heart & diamonds ring, skull & chain necklace, claw cuff.

 

 (Above) Silver articulated crocodile ring

 Images: Haizhen Wang (Source), Bernard Delettrez (Source)

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