Having showcased her designs at the prestigious World Jewellery Facets in Paris this month, South African designer Jenni Gaults chats to ELLE about her journey.
1. Your Circle of Life collection is beautiful. What’s the inspiration behind it?
It represents the harmony of black and white, night and day, and the unique bond between the land, the animals and the people. For me, life continues with no end and no beginning, but surrounded by hope.
2. Tell us about your recent Paris show
Last year I attended the World Jewellery Facets show in Las Vegas and Shanghai, and was excited to receive an invitation to attend the show in Paris this month. As we entered the Refectorie de Cordeliers, to the left was the Swarovski Photo Wall and to the right the names of the 50 designers on show – mine was sandwiched between Jean Paul Gaultier and Karl Lagerfeld. I was fortunate to meet Markus Langes-Swarovski, current CEO and the great-grandson of Daniel Swarovski, who liked my Circle of Life collection.
3. What does this endorsement mean to you?
To have the creators of the world’s finest crystal endorse my brand proves that South Africans are recognised and appreciated for their contribution to fashion and design.
4. How did you come to Swarovski’s attention?
I launched my brand in 2005 and connected with Liselotte Hager, from Crystal Forum, who represents Swarovski in South Africa. I showed her the range and she liked it. Swarovski later sponsored a South Africa fashion week and approached me to be their exclusive jewellery designer. It was a crazy time but I designed 93 pieces, including earrings, bracelets, neckpieces and upper-arm jewellery.
5. Was this your professional dream growing up?
I’m in fact a Silwood Kitchen-trained Cordon Bleu chef. To earn extra spending money as a student, I found myself designing, making and selling jewellery in Greenmarket Square. Self-taught by trial and error, and driven by desire to own a unique piece of jewellery, I made a silver ring. The ring was seen and bought by a classmate and the cycle began.
6. Do you custom-design jewellery?
I have a successful commercial line, but still love designing for special occasions. Bringing a unique touch to weddings or high-glamour events inspires me and I enjoy collaborating with haute couture fashion designers.
7. Where can we buy your designs?
Our studio is located in Port Elizabeth, from where we can direct enquiries to our local boutique retailers. We have certain lines available from our official online retailer, Crystal Bits, and welcome people to visit us when they are in Port Elizabeth. We have a limited number of outlets countrywide, but we are definitely looking to expand.
To see more of Jenni’s designs, visit: www.jennigault.com; www.crystalbits.co.za
facebook.com/Jenni.Gault.International; instagram.com/jennigault;
pinterest.com/jennicollection
Photography courtesy of Jenni Gault/ Mari-Lu van Vuuren by Liezel @ Pro
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