Designer

Alexandre Corrot of DJULA

If you follow our Instagram, you're probably aware of how much we love Paris. And all things Parisian. And handsome, silver fox French men. (Oh, pardon moi, we have probably said too much.) So clearly it's no surprise that DJULA has been on our radar due to the bold, fashion-forward designs of the man in charge, Alexandre Corrot. Since founding the brand in 1994 (with an accompanying store in the hip Latin quarter), Corrot envisions and produces about 200 pieces every year in his atelier. Now with four locations in France and a Madison Avenue store to boot, the brand is getting more attention Stateside, and you'll see why below. Super cool ear climbers, sculptural cuff bracelets and flexible rings are rendered in diamonds and precious gems and perfectly ride the line between high jewelry and statement accessory. 

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Rihanna is THE ONE. She has worn already DJULA jewelry. I was so honored.
— Alexandre

What's your idea of ultimate luxury? 

The ultimate luxury means only one thing: independence. That is to be able to be inclined to make all what we want. Personally, I don’t think that there is a luxury higher to that.
 

Let’s have dinner at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Where do we go and what do we eat? 

I love eating! During all my trips, I have the opportunity to discover new places. I test many wonderful restaurants around the world, but if I had to invite you somewhere, it would be in Miami for sure!

This is my favorite place, where I love to spend time. And what do we eat? My two best options and favorite places: Nobu (at the Shore Club), and Prime 112 for the best grill ever on South Beach.
 

If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another jeweler, what would it be?

It would be any piece of jewelry from Buccellati. There are so many details in work of this Italian brand that are so inspiring.
 

What's your favorite Sunday afternoon activity? 

Stay with my family. I work a lot and have to move often. So all I wish to do during the weekend is to stay with my wife and my children.
 

What's your go–to cocktail? 

The Mojito. I am not much of alcohol drinker but this one is an exception for me!
 

The gemstone you’re currently lusting after is . . .

…Turquoise. And its brilliant azure color.
 

What's your favorite place to holiday and why? 

My favorite holiday should be in the USA. Trips between New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami. I need to mix times of fun and comfort. I love Paris, my home city, but I fell in love with the United States a few years ago and couldn’t be in a better mood than there. And of course, I finish my holiday with few days in Turks & Caicos.
 

What’s your favorite piece that you made in the last year and why? 

The Barbed wire bangle in diamonds. This collection expresses the complexity of a human being, feelings and relations. This line evokes the transcendence and the quest for escape. The barbed wire is a strong protection symbol, or protest, it gives a feeling of power and value. With thorns that can remind roses, it expresses passion with intensity.
 

You have 30 minutes to work out – what do you do? 

Go to find my friends for a coffee time, just downstairs of my office at Le Castiglione café in Paris.

 
What was the first piece of jewelry you bought for yourself? 

A vintage Rolex watch. I am a collector of watches, and adore mixing contemporary pieces with vintage.

 
If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Miles Aldridge! He is a renowned British Designer/Photographer. His amazing work inspired me a lot for my last campaign. Stage women deprived by humanity, in a very graphic and colorful atmosphere.

 
Mountains, sea or city? Why? 

I love the city, I live between Paris and New York. I need to see streets full of active people, I love life and the human contact.

 
Top 5 bands in your playlist - go! 

I am a fan of Michael Jackson, Rihanna and David Guetta.
All of their titles are my favorite bands.

 
You’re having guests for the weekend. What’s your signature dish that you cook? 

Organic and healthy food as a dish made of quinoa, vegetables and truffle oil…with my favorite thing: big crab claws cooked in a special and secret lemon sauce!
 

 

Be honest – who is your celebrity crush?!

Rihanna is THE ONE. She has worn already DJULA jewelry. I was so honored.

 

If you could sit front row at any fashion show, which would it be and why? 

A CHANEL show. I have a lot of respect for Karl Lagerfeld, and all that he passed to the world through his work. Furthermore, the magic atmosphere of CHANEL Fashion shows are extraordinary and full of dreams.

 
Tell us your beauty secrets.

I hydrate my face every-day with skincare products from DIOR “Dermo System”. That quickly penetrates into the skin and doesn’t leave the face greasy.
 

What's your spirit animal? 

The Lion. For its presence, and symbolic representation.
 

If you could be anything other than a jewelry designer, what would it be? 

A master chef!

Jessica Biales

It's no surprise that born and bred New Yorker, Jessica, is a firm believer in 'Chic Minimalism.' The real surprise? How attracted we, a couple of 'more is more' magpies, are to the collection. Sleek and smooth metal pieces, with the occasional pop of colored pavé are the perfect counterparts to the minimal, and typically neutral (read: black) wardrobes of the New York chick. On the flip side, we like the effortless designs to combat all of the, um, non-traditional garb/sequins and beads we tend to hoard. Who says you can't please everyone?

Dries Van Noten- I have loved his pieces for years. Hard to call them clothes, it is almost artwork.
— Jessica Biales

What's your idea of ultimate luxury? 

A private plane at my disposal.  

 

Let’s have dinner at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Where do we go and what do we eat?  

Rao's has been in my life since I was a child.  I feel at home there and have so many memories.  The staff are like family and the food is exceptional.  I always have a soup, escarole and bean, orecchiette with broccoli rabe, shrimp Parmesan, lemon chicken and the best salad on the planet.

 

If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another jeweler, what would it be?

A ring from the Turkish genius, Sevan Bicakci.  They are absolute masterpieces.  With inverse intaglio, he creates a world in the stone.  Either an elephant or a scene of Istanbul, a city dear to my heart.

 

If you could orchestrate the perfect first date, what would it entail? 

Chemistry at a charming restaurant with excellent food and wine.

 

What’s the best movie you saw in the last six months?  

Netflix series Grace and Frankie.  Lily Tomlin is phenomenal. 

 

What's your go–to cocktail?  

Martini with extra olives

 

The gemstone you’re currently lusting after is . . . 

I've always been drawn to sapphires, but diamonds are not bad.

 

What's your favorite holiday and why?  

I love Thanksgiving at family's old stone barn on the Choptank River on the eastern shore of Maryland. The food is crazy good and the setting is pretty special.

 

What’s your favorite piece that you made in the last year and why?  

My Ballad Hoops. They are inspired by David Smith sculpture.  I am thrilled with how they turned out.  Off they look interesting but on I think they are so cool!

 

You have 30 minutes to work out – what do you do?   

Put my running shoes on and go - I run along the East River.

 

What was the first piece of jewelry you bought for yourself?  

 In college, I found a pair of hoops in a tiny shop in Stonington CT

 

If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?  

Alexander Calder. The person who invented the mobile.  He must have seen the world with such wonder. His mobiles, stabiles, wire sculptures and jewelry are just magical.

 

What's the most sentimental piece of jewelry you own and tell us the back story.  

A bracelet my father gave me on my 18th birthday. When my Dad died almost 7 years ago, I added his cuff links to it.  My Dad was my best friend.  I miss him every single day and I never take off the bracelet. I carry something of his with me all the time.

 

Mountains, sea or city? Why? 

The sea. I love the sound of the waves, the air, the light, and collecting shells and stones.  Also the sleep near the ocean is just perfect.

 

Top 5 bands in your playlist - go!  

I've been listening to Jamie Cullum on Pandora every day lately. All the artists that come up are great.

 

You’re having guests for the weekend. What’s your signature dish that you cook?  

My chicken bolognese sauce with pasta and Caesar salad with extra garlic (beware).

 

Be honest – who’s your celebrity crush?!  

Jeff Bridges

 

If you could only carry one handbag for the rest of your life, what would it be?  

 It hasn't been designed yet! But, closest is Longchamps Le Pliage, Large Travel Bag in black.

 

If you could sit front row at any fashion show, which would it be and why?  

Dries Van Noten - I have loved his pieces for years.  Hard to call them clothes, it is almost artwork.  

 

Tell us your beauty secrets (think: can’t-live-without makeup and skincare):  

Sleep

 

What's your spirit animal?  

Elephant

 

If you could be anything other than a jewelry designer, what would it be?  

Probably a chef. I love food and I love to cook 

 

Check out Jessica's modern works of sculptural beauty HERE

 

xx FFR

Sergio Antonini

Back in her National Jeweler days, Randi was a frequent Vicenza visitor, opening her eyes to the delights of all kinds of Italian jewelry. Milan-based Antonini has always been a favorite for two simple reasons: sculptural, decisive design and construction. It's like you can feel the nearly 100 years of history in every piece the brand makes. (Seriously, Antonini has been around since 1919 and was the purveyor to the Milanese aristocracy, for whom the company designed extraordinary one-of-a-kind pieces.) We feel pretty lucky to be bringing you Antonini's creative director, Sergio, to give you the lowdown. Jump on board! 

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Sicily forever: for the sun, the food, the colors, the easy atmosphere…

What's your idea of ultimate luxury? 

Luxury is to choose products for their own value and their value for yourself, not for status.


Let’s have dinner at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Where do we go and what do we eat? 

Pisacco (via Solferino, Brera district - Milan) project by Vudafieri architects, Andrea Berton chef. Simple healthy dishes.


If you could buy any piece of contemporary jewelry from another jeweler, what would it be?

Gaia Repossi, I love it!


What's your favorite Sunday afternoon activity? 

Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art as the Museo del ‘900 or the new Prada Foundation in Milan.


What's your go–to cocktail? 

Spritz Saint Germain.


The gemstone you’re currently lusting after is . . .

Cognac diamonds, I use them also for our latest collection “Matera”.


What's your favorite place to holiday and why? 

Sicily forever: for the sun, the food, the colors, the easy atmosphere…


What’s your favorite piece that you made in the last year and why?

Black & White, the 2015 collection for the optical shapes that remind us of the ‘70s and the use of natural white gold. 


You have 30 minutes to work out – what do you do? 

To swim in Milan or in hotels when I travel around the world.


What was the first piece of jewelry you bought for yourself?

Cufflinks by Antonini!


If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Lucio Fontana, he was an awesome artist for his new way to face the canvas.


What's the most sentimental piece of jewelry you own and tell us the back story.

The Anniversary ring (black rhodium, picture attached). The Anniversary collection was conceived for the 90th anniversary of the company, it was an unexpected success and I love this version in black rhodium because it can also be worn by men.


Mountains, sea or city? Why? 

Sea forever for smells of the sea, its ever different colors, its sound, the sense of freedom…


Top 5 bands in your playlist - go! 

Taylor Swift as pop music and Rossini for classical music. I also love Giuseppe Verdi and Tchaikovsky.


You’re having guests for the weekend. What’s your signature dish that you cook? 

Sauted shrimps on a base of salad and avocado.


Be honest – who’s your celebrity crush?!

Miuccia Prada! I love her work.


If you could sit front row at any fashion show, which would it be and why? 

Marni for it’s avant-garde design.


Tell us your beauty secrets.

I’m a man, I have no secrets J


What's your spirit animal? 

Sea urchin.


If you could be anything other than a jewelry designer, what would it be? 

An architect, of course.