Messika Brand
Messika by Kate Moss: High Jewelry Couture 2020 / 2021
Luxferity, 12.10.2020
Kate Moss, Valérie Messika: At the heart of a unique high jewelry collection with two strong, spirited women. Using one simple word - freedom - the fashion icon and the diamond jewelry designer have collaborated with spontaneity and sincerity. By each harnessing the other’s art, they have been able to express the different facets of their singular personalities through unbridled creativity. Together, they have created a collection of high fashion jewelry that is expressively eclectic and defiantly diverse, which pays homage to a woman who has transcended generations and styles.
“It had to happen.” This was Valérie Messika’s response when we asked her how the collaboration with the iconic top model came about. While Kate has been placing her libertarian imprint firmly on the world, the designer has been busy designing jewelry. Guided by her own rules but most of all her instinct, she creates high jewelry which is light, assured, and uninhibited, which affirms her own style and joyously proclaims the various facets of her personality. Valérie Messika’s aim when designing her jewelry is “To bring women a touch of sparkle and self-confidence.” It should be noted that Kate Moss, and the fashion world in general, have particularly inspired the Maison’s designer. The woman who made skinny jeans, a leopard print jacket and little black boots famous, who stalks the runways of the most prestigious fashion shows with a cavalier nonchalance; the woman who is consistently in demand at the most highly-regarded fashion houses, and who most of all, imbues whatever label she is wearing with her own inimitable style, can now add the title of Messika jewelry designer to her portfolio. Everything began with a jewelry box. Kate’s. The colour, the oversized designs, inspiration from all over the world, and an art deco feel.
A world that was at first glance quite removed from Messika jewelry, but ultimately extremely exciting for the designer. Two heads rather than one meant that more than one hundred unique pieces of jewelry were imagined. Valérie was unwavering in her belief that the co-designed jewelry should embody both the Maison’s values and Kate’s style. The movement of the stones, the fluidity of the lines, the suppleness of the jewelry, the boldness of the wearer... Together, they found a common language within the mixture of types of gold, various diamond cuts and even the way the precious materials were used. The collection is lively, eclectic and brightly coloured; and most certainly not boring. A daring decision? Probably. But an assured one nonetheless. Inspired and inspiring, closer than ever, the two women visualised this collection almost instinctively. They have created jewelry in their own image; with no restraints holding them back. As both designers and stylists, they have developed a type of relaxed luxury.
They clearly had fun during every stage of the process. This amazing pair are going even further with the campaign. As the capital of fashion, high jewelry and many luxurious things, Paris was the perfect backdrop for the photoshoot for the collaborative collection. It’s well-known that the city of lights has been a huge inspiration for both women; the symmetry and modernity of the Bir-Hakeim bridge, the Garnier Opera and its contemporary baroque look, the Louvre and its ultra-contemporary graphic style. All the architectural diversity of these monuments is apparent in the diversity of the collection.
Behind the lens of the famous Australian photographer Chris Colls, Kate Moss is audacious. Striking a balance between assurance and nonchalance, she dances, laughs, lives. In this topsy-turvy Parisian world, she is transformed into a living work of art. A breath taking, mind-blowing campaign, slightly unsettling, reflecting the collection and the collaboration between these two ever-free, provocative women.
Set 1
This set pays homage to femininity and sensuality. The diamonds shift voluminously in step with the movement of the wearer. XXL sizes, designs inspired by art deco and contemporary wear. Tie necklaces, ankle bracelets, earcuffs, hat jewelry... The diamond tassel has been a consistent source of inspiration for the duo. Together, Kate and Valérie have designed strong, characterful pieces influenced by the world of haute couture. Modern, on-trend high jewelry.
Scarf Necklace
The designers decided to swathe not one, but two tassels around the neck. A gently knotted scarf made entirely of diamonds. This necklace falls in perfect union with the woman’s body.
Earrings
In the XXL version, the tassel stretches the length of the earlobe and its constant graceful movement illuminates the face. Wear as a pair for a more chic look, or take an asymmetric approach for bolder vision; these tassel earrings are an absolute must-have.
Hat Jewelry
Is there anything more fashionable than a diamond tassel adorning a hat? The Kate/Valérie creative partnership pays tribute to Kate’s nonchalant poise through ultra-stylised hat jewelry. Movement, fluidity... diamonds!
Ring
A tassel strung with diamonds adorns the hand with light and radiance. Moving in step with the movements of the hand, the ring is the couture collaborator for any look.
Sautoir Necklace
The masterpiece of the collection, the sautoir is THE sautoir; you simply cannot live without it. To be worn night and day, nestled low in the cleavage or on top of a t-shirt, it effortlessly complements any look, from casual to sophisticated. The meeting of movement and fashion.
Earcuff
Contemporary wear is a consistently playful area for Messika who, alongside Kate, has created an extraordinary earcuff. A curtain of diamonds drapes the ear with movement, fluidity and delicacy. One of the most outstanding pieces in this set.
Bracelet
A diamond chain wraps casually around the wrist; the diamond tassel is fun to play with. Such is the whimsical nature of this ultra-light bracelet.
Ankle Bracelet
As she is inclined to do, Valérie Messika covers her stunningly-designed ankle bracelets with diamonds. The lines of diamonds drape beautifully over the curves of the ankle and the tassel delicately rests on top of the foot.
Set 2
This set is inspiring the jewelry designer more and more. While her palette was previously limited to gold and diamonds, she now finds herself drawn towards other precious materials. Honouring Kate’s favourite hues, the pair has created a vibrantly-coloured collection. Malachite, mother-of-pearl and turquoise are stars of the show on sumptuous plastrons, XXL earrings, 3-finger ring… Unprecedented combinations of coloured gold and precious materials for pieces that simply can’t be matched.
Plastron Necklace
Kate and Valérie have created a brigh and colourful plastron necklace. It features graduated malachite and pear-cut suspended diamonds. Equipped with a sliding system, it has infinite range. It falls naturally, nestling close to the neck like malachite and diamond-laden armour and delicately adorning the cleavage.
Bracelet
The creative duo also conceived the plastron as a bracelet. Designed to be worn casually, it lights up the back of the hand.
3-Finger Ring
Contemporary wear is showcased with this 3-finger ring. An invisible mount raises the malachite design and pear-cut diamonds to appear as if they are floating between the fingers. A high-fashion statement piece.
Sautoir Necklace
Uniquely designed, the malachite design is used on a playful, precious scarf. Knotted around the neck, it appears delicate and ultra-stylised and can be worn from day through to night.
Earrings
Worn below the lobe, these earrings delicately illuminate the face. They are also wearable further up the lobe, offering multiple ways of styling.
Ring
The malachite designs playfully and asymmetrically float between the fingers. This daring design is enhanced by the depth of the green of the malachite, producing a sumptuous, extraordinary ring.
XXL Hoops
Ultra-cool XXL hoops designed to be worn anywhere on the ear. Worn symmetrically, they frame the face with ultimate grace. Whether worn as a pair or asymmetrically, they are effortlessly stylish and make the perfect addition for any look.
Mother-of-pearl/Turquoise
The plastron has also been designed in a mother-of-pearl and turquoise version. Yellow gold is substituted with rose, and deep blue and white mother-of-pearl take the place of malachite. Two further styles which compliment with grace and daring.
Set 3
For a sensual touch, the duo dreamt a set in which the diamonds would be worn like a cherished tattoo. The set is impressive; it brings together pear, triangle, emerald and brilliant cuts in a sparkling symphony. Flamboyant plastron, XXL hoop earrings, unusual hand pieces and a ring; this set becomes one with the person wearing them.
Plastron Necklace
A necklace radiating light and brilliance. With its harmonious combination of pear, triangle, emerald and brilliant cuts, it can be worn on the skin like a treasured tattoo. Equipped with a sliding system, it has infinite range.
Bracelet
Paying tribute to ancient-inspired tattoo cuffs, Kate and Valérie’s creativity has produced bracelet cuffs to delicately embrace feminine contours. The diamonds hover around the wrist with an impression of levitation.
Ring
Completely symmetrical, the ring is the seminal piece in the set. Easy to wear and stylised, it brings a radiant touch to the hand.
XXL Hoops
A pair of rosettes made entirely of diamonds, covering the length of the earlobe. Ultra-stylised and high-fashion, this pair of hoops are simply stunning. The diamonds hover around the ear, seemingly levitating. The harmonious combination of various cuts of diamonds creates exhilarating, radiant and illuminating patterns.
Set 4
A feather created with diamonds, this was Kate and Valérie’s inspiration when they were designing this set. With their delicate and fine lines, the diamonds appear infinite. A compelling and asymmetrical movement makes the brilliant-cut and emerald cuts flutter. Firmly in the realms of contemporary wear, this set includes a 3-finger ring and a modern earcuff.
Collier Plastron
This unusual necklace emanates both strength and delicacy. The lines of pointed diamonds give the impression of flying away, almost tempestuously. With its stunning asymmetry, the necklace enhances the neck and décolleté with the utmost lightness and grace.
Choker
In this easier to wear version, the creative duo have designed an ultra-feminine choker. The slightly fewer lines of diamonds harmonise in delicate movements, making them perfect for daytime and evening wear.
XXL Hoops
The lines of diamonds extend to the length of the lobe in open maxi hoops. They can be worn as a pair or asymmetrically; ultra-desirable.
Earrings
A feathering of diamonds which sits at the top of the earlobe. Drawing dynamic curves along the ear, the lines of diamonds give the impression of flying.
Eearcuffs
This earcuff highlights contemporary wear. The lines of diamonds form a delightful symmetry and adorn the entire ear. The fragility of the design, but boldness of wearing it: the perfect combination for modern, fashionable jewelry.
3-finger Ring
The lines of diamonds adorn 3 fingers of the hand. Light and easy to wear, this ring becomes part of the wearer.
Set 5
The diamond here becomes a tassel of light in this set inspired by Kate Moss’ love of art deco. Graphic, the jewels are all about the baguette-cut diamond. Elevated onto the forehead in a headpiece, suspended onto the neck on a choker, swinging freely below the ears in sublime hoops, the baguette-cut diamonds shows us all its possibilities. A set with assumed modernity and with daring range.
Choker
A string of diamonds from which pendants of light seem to hang. Graduating in size, the baguette-cut diamonds and gold chain move in synchronicity with the wearer. The shimmer of gold juxtaposed with the glitter of diamonds makes this a must-have piece.
Ring
The ring covers the finger like a tattoo. Easy to wear, it adds a touch of sparkle.
Arm Bracelet
The diamond pendant bracelets dangle loosely on the arms and give a bohemian-rock look to the person wearing them.
Hoops
In mini or maxi version, the diamond pendants are available in bright hoops. Modernity itself perched on your ears.
Head Jewelry
There is a sense of bohemian in the K-rismatique collection head jewelry. The most inspiring piece of the set is outstanding. Graphic, stylish, daring; dreamy jewelry…
Set 6
Knotting diamonds. This was the gamble taken by Kate and Valérie when producing this set. Minimalism, delicate, and graphic are the buzz-words for this collection, which pays tribute to the top model. As the diamonds wrap around the neck, the wrist, the finger or the ear, they all draw the letter ‘K’. A strong letter, which has much inspired Valérie. A set sitting somewhere between strength and delicacy, it reflects this iconic top model.
Necklace
A knot of diamonds, tied casually, gracefully draws the letter ‘K’ from Kate, and at the end of which sits a playful semicircular pear. Minimalist, graphic, daring.
Bracelet
While the knot sits delicately on top of the hand, the lines of diamonds wrap around the wrist. A loose fit for Kate’s signature effortless style.
2-Finger Ring
As a ring, the knot of diamonds is modern, rock’n’roll and edgy. Cascading down over the fingers, it covers the whole hand. The masterpiece of the set.
Eearcuff
The most iconic piece in the set, the earcuff highlights Kate’s ‘K’. Nestling around the whole curve of the ear, the line of diamonds includes both emerald-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds, another daring addition.
Earrings
A mini version of the diamond knot, also drawing on the trend of beautiful asymmetry.
Ring
The mini knot gracefully and delicately decorates the finger; to be worn by day or by night.
Set 7
Graphics and modernity are the sources of inspiration for this set. Emerald and baguette cuts enhance its playful asymmetry, and the yellow gold brings warmth and a hint of ‘revisited vintage’ . The entourage, often seen in a pave setting, cascades down in a tumbling rainfall of microdiamonds. Emerald-cuts surrounded by gold or pavé are juxtaposed. Accompanied by Kate Moss, Valérie Messika has pushed the boundaries of bold designs more and more in her jewelry collections.
Tie Necklace
A zip made entirely of diamonds. This was the challenge of the tie necklace. The emerald-cut diamonds are set horizontally, and the baguette-cut diamonds vertically. This extraordinary necklace is a delicate combination of asymmetry and graphics.
Bangles
A juxtaposition of emerald-cut diamonds surrounded by gold, which is then set with micro-diamonds, in this round rigid bracelet. To be worn stacked for a confident, fashion-forward look.
Hoops
In maxi or mini version, the emerald-cut diamonds pattern extends along the lobes in radiant hoops. Inspiration from the 70s and an ultra-modern look have come together to produce these desirable earrings.
Rings
In their classic form or their 3-finger form, the rings are a fashionable addition for any look, day and night.
Eearrings
Playing again with stunning asymmetry, the design highlights the face. The brilliance of the yellow gold combined with the sparkling of the micro-pavé diamonds adds a fluid dynamism, moving accordingly when worn.
Set 8
A set to showcase the baguette-cut diamonds. At first glance, a fairly simple design, the range is a great technical accomplishment. Master jewellers were obliged to establish new working techniques for the baguette cut. At the heart of each of these pieces sits an emerald-cut diamond, enhanced by a double entourage of pavé diamonds and gold. Ultragraphic and modern: the set is the top model’s favourite.
Choker Necklace
A highly fluid necklace, very easy to wear. It is made of a double chain of baguette-cut diamonds surrounding a double entourage of emerald-cut diamonds.
Bracelet
The design of the choker is reflected on a bracelet for incredible fluidity. On its own or stacked together, it is a high-fashion addition to any look.
Eearrings
Two emerald-cut diamonds with entourage and lines of diamonds cut to hang in a delicate game of asymmetry.
Rings
Whether the classic or contemporary version, the rings are for a modern wearer.
Set 9
A set which pays tribute to Kate Moss’ relaxed and effortless personality. A mixture of chains, created as sautoirs, earcuffs, rings and bracelets. This set is inspired by Boho and most of all, memories from Kate’s jewelry box.
Necklace
This is one sautoir and the same necklace but gives the impression of several. Such is the beauty of a multi-chain necklace. A perfectly falling necklace for a cool, casual look.
Earrings
An asymmetrical pair of earrings inspired by boho and minimalism, which delicately highlights the face.
Ring
Chains wrapping around the fingers highlight the difference between the brilliant cut and baguette cut.
Earcuff
Contemporary wear is shown at its best with this bohemian earcuff, thanks to the stacked chains and its piercing effect.
Nose Jewelry
The creative pair continue to push the boundaries of contemporary wear even further, creating a nose piece which links to an earring with a chain. Bold and modern – reflecting these two women.