Founded in 2008, Jessica McCormack’s eponymous jewellery brand is known for blending Georgian and Victorian-era elements that can be shared across the generations of women.
The daughter of an auctioneer, McCormack has led the way in providing wearable jewellery that can be customised and layered, depending on the wearer’s mood or outfit.
The New Zealand-born designer is inspired by art and antiques when designing her fine jewellery. Hailed as one of the most exciting fine jewellery designers out there, her fans include Victoria Beckham, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, who has been spotted wearing a pair of McCormack’s Gypsets earrings.
We caught up with the talented designer via an email interview to find out how she got started in jewellery design and what’s in the pipeline for her brand — including an ongoing pop-up in collaboration with Net-A-Porter.
What led you to the path of jewellery design?
Jessica McCormack (JM): I grew up around beautiful things in New Zealand, my dad was an auctioneer and was always bringing special pieces home. When I was younger, I’d buy boxes of jewellery at auctions and just spend time playing around with it all, transforming it into something new. I think that’s where my love for designing and creating began.
What is your philosophy when designing jewellery?
JM: I really believe that jewellery should be worn and loved. It shouldn’t be something that just sits on your nightstand or waits for special occasions. That’s what is at the heart of everything I create. I think “Would I wear this?” or “How would I wear this?”. Jewellery should be special, and emotional, and something that can stay in the family as an heirloom – but most importantly, it needs to be enjoyed.
Have you seen a shift in your consumers’ requirements because of the pandemic?
JM: I think there’s a definite shift towards comfort. People want pieces they can wear with a sweatshirt and jeans, because we’re not dressing up so much at the moment. But equally, there’s still an appetite for pieces that standout, that sparkle, and can dress up an outfit because when we do get the chance to go out, it’s exciting!
What is your favourite piece from your collections that is available on Net-A-Porter and why?
JM: Gypsets (from the Signature collection) hold a special place in my heart. They’ve garnered a little cult following of their own because they are so easy to wear, and they just finish off an outfit in the most effortless way. To me, they’re a perfect piece of jewellery.
What can your fans look forward to in your future collections?
JM: I’ve a collaboration coming out soon with artists the Haas Brothers, whom I’ve known for a long time, so I’m really excited about that. I’ve really had fun with the collection and it actually came together during lockdown, so it feels particularly special because of that. I’m very excited to see my clients’ reactions to it!
The Jessica McCormack pop-up on Net-A-Porter is on now until November 28 here and showcases all of the brand’s key collections including Signature, Ball n Chain, Tattoo, Chi Chi, Gypsets, Hex and Wings of Desire.
This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore
(All images: Jessica McCormack)
The post Jessica McCormack Joins Forces With Net-A-Porter on a Fine Jewellery Pop-Up appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.