Pierre Hardy creates imposing jewellery for Hermes

OHMYGOSSIP – Pierre Hardy describes his new high-end jewellery collaboration with Hermes as bold and “imposing”. The designer has worked at Hermes for over 25 years now, creating the brand’s footwear and trinkets. His latest offering is Continuum, a collection of “haute bijoux” or high-end jewellery, boasting pieces like a seven-rung bracelet and a three-tiered eternity band with sunrise-sunset stones.

“Joaillerie (jewellery) by definition starts with the stone,” he explained to Vogue.com. “We chose bijou because everything starts with shape and design. It can be something very simple in silver, or it can be something exceptional where we source the stones and cut them to fit. There’s a stylistic continuum there.”

The range marks Hardy’s fourth collection for Hermes, and the first in two years. He also used a rare pink opal weighing 18.6 carats in the Attelage Celeste pendant, which also includes an imperial topaz, diamonds and a brown sapphire.

“They’re pretty imposing,” Hardy added. “But the truth is that the woman is more determining than the jewel. The two together is what makes it work. It’s different every time, that’s the magic of it.”

In January (16) the fashion star’s hard work for Hermes was recognised when he was appointed Knight of the Legion of Honour by the label’s creative director Pierre-Alexis Dumas in Paris. Guests at the event included designer Louis Vuitton’s creative director Nicolas Ghesquiere, who praised Hardy’s talents.

“He has been an unwavering support since when I started (in the business). He was there, way before everyone else,” said Ghesquiere. “His longtime collaboration with Hermes and what he’s done with his own house is remarkable. He’s capable of both a great classicism – almost academic – and incredible fantasy.”