By Rachael Taylor
At recent global jewellery show Baselworld, Chopard unveiled a collection of jewellery made especially to catch the eyes of the young, the hip – the Millennials. With a geometric minimal design, delicate diamond accents, accessible price points and having been made ethically using Fairmined gold, Ice Cube Pure ticks all the boxes. Throw in a nonchalantly glamorous Parisian as the face and you have a hit.
The collection, which is made exclusively in Fairmined gold (gold bought directly from artisanal miners who are paid a fair price for the gold, as well as a premium to fund community development projects), is built around a series of tiny, precious cubes. They stack side by side to make linear bars on necklaces and earrings, or wrap around wrists and fingers. For extra sparkle, some are set with minute diamonds. This is effortless jewellery that you will never want to take off (Millennial or not) – plus you’re helping to support a great cause.
What is your relationship with fashion?
AV: I like to think that it is a healthy one. I love experimenting with my own style and I think it is an interesting non-verbal communication tool. What you wear says a lot about you.
What does jewellery represent for you?
AV: I use jewellery for different purposes. The most important reason is to bring a touch of sophistication, as well as greater chic and femininity to whatever look I am trying to create.
What is the first piece of jewellery you received?
AV: My first piece of jewellery was a medallion I was given when I was born.
What is your secret for a great look?
AV: To have a strong piece which sets the mood for the overall look, while keeping the rest low-profile so as not to overdo it. It’s all about accessorising with a subtle touch to bring that essential element of light.
What do you like most about the Chopard Ice Cube collection?
AV: Its simplicity. It goes with any look for night or daytime wear, while being cool and chic at the same time.
What is your favourite piece within this collection and why?
AV: The rings, because the more you stack them, the more you can play with the different combinations. Aside from anything else, it feels great to have a collection of them on your fingers.
What do you think of sustainable fashion?
AV: I think it’s a great thing that we are becoming increasingly aware of our responsibilities with regard to the impact we have on Earth. We have the opportunity to change the bad habits we’ve developed, and see what we can do to improve things in future. Enabling a decent quality of life for those who work in the different sectors of the fashion industry would be a great step forward. We could also develop new means of production to reduce impact on the environment, and place greater emphasis on recycling systems for example. With its Journey to Sustainable Luxury, Chopard serves as a pioneer in the watch and jewellery industry, making a real impact on the supply chain with the ethical Fairmined gold they use in some of their collections, such as Ice Cube Pure. But at the end of the day, this is not simply about fashion but applies to all humankind. I do feel, however, that fashion has this great ability to be an active part of the change and to set a very positive example. Fashion probably has one of the most powerful communication networks, so if this industry becomes involved it will definitely have a significant influence on global production and consumption. I am aware that this may have a certain economic impact but this has to be weighed up against the more important issues – namely the very survival of life on Earth – that are already at stake.
