Since 2012, the Greek fine jewelry designer is collaborating with the Japanese high-end jeweler TASAKI. Always defying convention, Melanie Georgeakopoulos gives a fresh take on pearls. She shares with us her inspiration for the collection and her tips to make them the coolest jewels to wear this season.
The Eye of Jewelry: What is the collection inspired of?
Melanie Georgeacopoulos: As for the inspiration, this season I really wanted to present a fresh approach to MG/TASAKI designs. I decided to work with visual illusions and using the gold as a functional element to hold the pearls together, but also as a decorative element, giving the piece an illusion of an extra pearl. It has translated into light, wearable pieces with surprising pearl formations that intrigue the eye.
Theiofj: This season, the figure of the “chic bourgeoise” is back on the catwalk. What does this trend inspire you?
MG: I tend to react to trends by going the opposite way, so I am very inspired this season to break the rules of the preppy style and to create pieces in contrast to that aesthetic. I would create asymmetrical pieces with ascending sizes of pearls, that highlight the strong design of each piece and not just the value of the pearls used.
Theiofj: How to twist pearls to bring them out of their comfort classy zone?
MG: There are so many ways and I have been exploring that direction for over 10 years now. The most important is to create new designs and not imitate the past, the classic pearl necklace has been done, it’s time to innovate and push the boundaries. Clients expect fresh bold designs these days, and they often have the classics at home in the safe, so they want to wear lighter pieces that showcase their individual taste. It’s a good idea to mix and match pearls with other materials, take risks by using unusual sizes and colors and most importantly create exciting designs!
