French designer's jewellery goes on show
The jewellery is breathtakingly beautiful and exquisitely crafted, as one would expect from a well-known label. However, what sets Corentin Quideau's creations apart is the surprisingly funky look and element of fun in a range that is made from rare precious stones.
Be they brooches shaped like tiny green cacti complete with a ruby red flower, flamingos crafted from pink sapphires or just a string of pear-shaped diamonds so skillfully manufactured that the string is almost invisible – Quideau's pieces are startling in design and stunning in appearance.
"I love to surprise women. I am fascinated by the intimate and magical relationship between a woman and her ornaments and constantly explore ways by which she can express her personality through my designs," he observes.
"My jewellery is for the woman who has everything. She has taste and has lived in the world of jewellery. She is looking for something different, extravagant and a little bit crazy," defines Quideau.
The renowned French jeweller is in Dubai for the Middle East launch of his Corentin Quideau Collection. More than 200 pieces of exclusive jewellery worth about $50 million is to go on display at Salon Hall, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai.
The exhibition, organised by Maxi Events, opens today and will continue until Monday, May 13, with Sunday being a "ladies only" day. It will be open from 10.00am to 1.00pm and 4.00pm to 9.00pm on all three days.
| Jewellery by Corentin Quideau... 'The designs created by my team are definitively Parisian'. © Gulf News |
Part of the proceeds from the exhibition and private viewings will be donated to the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre.
Quideau started his career as a teacher of social sciences and law. Twenty years ago, when he was offered a product management job with Cartier, he knew nothing about jewellery.
"In the 18 years that I managed the jewellery division at Cartier, I had the opportunity to work closely with and learn from exceptionally-talented people," says Quideau.
"My research and experience have taught me that jewellery is not about metal or stones; it is essentially about making history, about translating tradition while creating a new style and being able to transmit the skills of craftsmen through the language of metal," he highlights.
Since leaving Cartier a few years ago, Quideau has worked as a consultant with many well-known jewellery brands, advising them on design development and marketing strategy.
"The jewellery business, which began as small family-owned workshops, has now grown into a full-fledged industry. Big brands have influenced customer tastes and raised quality consciousness. However, companies now spend more time on brand building and advertising than on designing," notes Quideau.
As general manager at Cartier and later as a consultant, Quideau has been among those who engineered this change. However, he now recognises a need in the market for jewellery that has individuality and originality. His own exclusive line is aimed at this niche.
"The designs created by my team are definitively Parisian. I work with the best craftsmen in Paris, use the most innovative techniques and the best stones in terms of size and quality, to be found on this planet," claims the Frenchman.
Among the collections he has brought to Dubai are multi-coloured precious and semi precious collections, an abstract diamonds range, his colourful flora and fauna collections and one with extravagant stones.
On display at the exhibition are a necklace and earrings with 300 carats of yellow diamonds priced at Dh10 million and a piece containing a rare electric blue pariba, a semi precious stone that is more expensive than a diamond of the same strength.
The flora and fauna line comprising pink and purple fuchsias, chameleons in many colours and several insects are delightfully realistic and extremely colourful.
The diamond range on the other hand is a study in abstract. Classical stones have been put together with new techniques that bring out the beauty of each individual stone.
"Dramatic themes, unusual combinations of coloured stones, a rare blend of very precious and semi-precious stones, obsession for detail and refined workmanship are the hallmarks of my collection," describes the flamboyant designer.
"There are many talented designers who can create beautiful works of art. But, I believe that the real challenge is to create something that is a pleasure to wear. The jewellery should not be heavy and it should be supple, almost like a second skin. There should be a range of colours and angular shapes to match every mood of a woman," he says.
He feels that Dubai is the perfect place to showcase his work.
"Dubai is the most dynamic city in the world. It is truly multi-cultural and evokes a sense of luxury. Exactly what I want my brand to be," underlines the designer.
