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Craftsmanship Without Replication

francesca villa

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bespoke jewellery and preorders

Learn more about our Designers Bespoke Jewellery and Exclusive Preorders

DESIGNERS OF THE MONTH

MELANIE GEORGACOPOULOS

With a background in sculpture, jewellery designer Melanie Georgacopoulos works with materials in new ways to release their potential and stimulate new interpretations. She began her exploration of the pearl during her Master’s degree at the RCA in 2007, after which she worked as a freelance designer under Antoine Sandoz for major international brands, before establishing her eponymous label in 2010.

In Melanie’s work the paradoxical, intriguing nature of pearls and mother of pearl isat the core of every piece, whilst the aesthetic remains simple, structured andtimeless. She continually strives to challenge the existing preconceptions of theseorganic materials and that of traditional jewellery design itself. It is this uniqueapproach which has given her the opportunity to showcase her pieces regularly atfairs, exhibitions and galleries worldwide.

Melanie became well known internationally for her work with pearls, leading to hercollaboration with TASAKI, which began in 2013. Directional line M/G TASAKI wasborn, marring Melanie’s flair to cross design boundaries with the Japanese jewellerycompany's world renowned craftsmanship. Following the huge success of theseasonal collections Melanie was appointed Head Designer for M/G TASAKI in 2015.

She has been a visiting lecturer at Central Saint Martins for the last five years whilstshe continues to create her own collections and one-off pieces for special projects.

about MELANIE GEORGACOPOULOS→

FRANCESCA VILLA

Every jewel is a memory, inextricably linked to a time, a place, or a person and this is why Francesca Villa puts objects trouvés at the heart of each her creation.Objects found in drawers, anitque shops, vintage markets or private collections around the world.Giving new life to forgotten objects like old love letters, antique toy soldiers, and vintage American casino chips: This is the promise inherent in all Francesca Villa creations.

Francesca has designed jewellery for some of the world’s most prestigious houses, developing an in-depth knowledge and a profound expertise. Prior to setting up her own line, she was the Creative Director of a renown atelier that designed and produced jewellery for some of the world’s leading international brands. Although this experience was hugely fulfilling, eventually creating successful designs that would be produced in their thousands started to erode her artistic passion. She wanted to create a Brand that was closer to her own obsessions for unique and one-of-a-kind treasures. Designs that valued story-telling, and the profound connections of people to, and through, art, objects and decoration. Founding her own Brand in 2007, she has built a loyal following of clients who avidly collect her pieces. Her designs are sold internationally in the world’s leading boutiques and department stores. Francesca also creates bespoke designs with her client’s own treasured objects.

What defines your style?   

My fascination started with the tales of my grandfather Nino – a captain of commercial vessels – who travelled the world, returning with souvenirs of new places. My collection is a complex symbiosis in which the handicraft of the modern “bricoleur” meets the soul of the artist.

about FRANCESCA VILLA