Clémence Cahu came up with the idea of the twelve jewels presented by Émeraude Nicolas-Berton and photographed by Iris Velghe. Especially for the french jewelry post.

Clémence Cahu, stylist

It is a graphic composition where everything becomes abstract. A book, a plastic bag, newspaper. The story revolves around a personality. A man or a woman. Androgynous and literary. Never bourgeois. The jewelry pieces are sculptures that are not necessarily identified at first glance. They come in pairs, the largest is seen from afar the smallest in close up. No matter whether they are scratched or damaged. The setting also is never touched up as I prefer the realistic quality.

Iris Velghe, photographer

Nothing is really rational. This is a subject that inspires a framing, a light … The jewelry piece is not treated like the star, but as an object that is part of a daily newspaper and a universe. I’ve just made a daring series for Hermès that is not descriptive. A rare freedom in this very standardized world. We don’t dare to go too far … It’s like improvising; Clémence and Émeraude both brought a more rock twist.

Émeraude Nicolas-Berton, artistic director

I wanted a minimalist office feel. A weird, stylized classical composition. Masculine or feminine, whatever. The jewelry pieces are very present but haven’t been touched and are not overly set, to keep the graphic effect. I love the jewelry pieces because they react to light and they produce reflections. One that stands out in this series is the Tiffany & Co. bracelet.