The latest collection by Lebanese jeweler Gaelle Khouri is multiple years in the making.
“Following the sad developments in Lebanon and the global COVID situation, I took some time to revamp the brand and work on a new collection called La Trahison de L’Objet,” the designer says.
The collection takes cues, in part, from René Magritte’s The Treachery of Images, his 1929 painting of a pipe that challenges the way things are perceived by its onlookers.
Notes on the collection stir up a profound reflection on how and why we view things the way we do—do we like something because it is so deeply ingrained in our minds, or rather, have we, through either experience or influence, been persuaded to feel that way?
And jewelry, as art, is a fine place to explore that notion further.
“In my opinion, every piece of jewelry speaks a different language once adopted by someone,” says Khouri. “It is then that the piece transforms from a fixture to an object with soul and message.”
“I think consumers are to feel their individuality when they wear a piece of jewelry, to feel connected and be able to express that feeling, away from everybody’s judgment,” Khouri continues. “And this is important to me because I feel that nowadays ‘individuality’ is much understated.”
The collection is divided in two: Eléments Vivants, exploring the idea of nature; and Répertoire de Formes, exploring the idea of form. It begs of its viewers—its potential buyers—to strip themselves of outside influences and preconceived notions. Not to buy because of a current trend or recommendation, but because they’ve found a piece that speaks to their souls.
“I think the pieces are mostly for that small part of people that stands at the opposite end of the mass, daring to pause, and allowing themselves the time for an internal dialogue. Those people are free from social urge because they allow their individuality to take form and, by that, place it on a pedestal. I call them intellectual individuals. I think only such a profile could have the ability to appreciate and desire the work.”
Though the brand’s DNA is noted throughout, pieces from the two-category collection vary wildly, which might just be the point: Slowing down from a fast-paced, much-broadcasted existence and daring to reflect on what we truly value means there should be enough to choose from for multiple individuals to find what’s truly theirs.
Still, from the blackened metal detail and diamonds to the edgy aesthetic, the styles are cohesive, joined by the designer’s notable style.
Top: Soleil Vert earrings in 18k rose gold with chalcedony and brown diamonds, price on request
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