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Gaelle Khouri’s New Collection, La Trahison De L’Objet

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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.

Gaelle Khouri Bouquet No 1
Bouquet No. 1 in 18k yellow gold and blackened silver with blue and pink sapphires, price on request
Gaelle Khouri Bouquet No 2
Bouquet No. 2 ring in 18k yellow gold and rust-tone bronze with blue and pink sapphires, tsavorites, and brown, yellow, and white diamonds, price on request

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?

Gaelle Khouri Marche Harmonique earrings
Marche Harmonique earrings in 18k yellow gold and sterling silver with blue sapphires and diamonds, price on request
Gaelle Khouri La Fourmiliere bracelet
La Fourmilière cuff bracelet in 18k yellow gold and blackened silver with pearls and diamonds, price on request

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.”

Gaelle Khouri La Refraction earrings
La Réfraction earrings in 18k yellow gold with pink sapphires and diamonds, price on request
Gaelle Khouri Hiatus earrings
Hiatus earrings in 18k yellow gold with diamonds, price on request

“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.”

Gaelle Khouri Cors earrings
Cors earrings in 18k yellow gold and blackened sterling silver with blue, black, and gray diamonds, price on request
Gaelle Khouri Linvertebre necklace
L’Invertébré necklace in 18k yellow gold and blackened silver with rubies and brown diamonds, price on request

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.

Gaelle Khouri A Capella ring
A Capella ring in 18k gold with diamonds, price on request

“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.”

Gaelle Khouri Contrepoint earrings
Contrepoint earring in 18k gold with diamonds, price on request
Gaelle Khouri Gamme earring
Gamme earring in 18k gold with gray and white diamonds, price on request

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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By: Brittany Siminitz

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