VOGUE: Meeting with Marie Mas at the Couture Show in Las Vegas
"Just a few weeks after presenting her first fine jewelry collection, Marie Mas made a striking debut at the coveted “Designer Hall” — a true laboratory for emerging talents — during the Couture Show. Armed only with the magnetic charm of her playful “Swinging Stones,” this young French designer managed to catch the eye of buyers from Moda Operandi and MatchesFashion.com, naturally standing out among the most influential designers in the industry. It was the perfect opportunity to learn more about this rising star of Parisian jewelry.
1/10
How did your passion for jewelry begin?
It came naturally. I was looking for what I wanted to do, but I knew it would be in a creative field. I studied textiles at Duperré, but my thesis focused on jewelry. Whenever I worked on textiles, it ended up becoming jewelry; when I made accessories, they became jewelry — it all came very naturally.
2/10
Which gemstone has the most meaning for you?
Opal, though I haven’t highlighted it yet. It’s my next challenge. Right now, I wanted gradients, which is why these stones came to mind — amethysts, topazes, quartz, and moonstones.
3/10
Where did the idea of the Swinging Stones come from?
I’m quite obsessed with movement, with things that move. I love anything with a touch of magic. I didn’t want to create a brand without that “wow” effect when discovering a piece of jewelry, something that makes it feel alive.
4/10
The biggest technical challenge while designing the collection?
Everything. Everything was complicated. I modified and refined repeatedly. At first, everything was big and heavy and didn’t match my vision. Now, I work with incredible goldsmiths. In the end, it took almost a year and a half from the first sketches.
5/10
After the Swinging Stones, what will be your next jewelry obsession?
Always movement. But for now, I have several ideas in parallel and I’m thinking about which one will win and be presented at the next Couture show in 2018 — always with a surprise effect.
6/10
How did your time in Dior’s workshops influence your vision of jewelry?
It grounded me in everyday wear and made me think about how jewelry is worn and sold. The challenge is to create something highly creative that people want to wear every day, and that’s what I learned in three years at Dior with Raf Simons.
7/10
The best advice you received from Raf Simons?
To watch him work. I have a lot of admiration for him. He’s very humble, thinks deeply, tries things, and keeps starting over.
8/10
Your vision for bridal jewelry?
The engagement ring is a real focus for me because it’s worn for a lifetime. I’m working on giving it a little twist — making it adjustable, adding elements, or incorporating multiple diamonds.
9/10
What impressed you the most upon arriving in Vegas?
It’s overwhelming; all the brands I admire are there. I feel very small amid this extravagance.
10/10
Your next challenge?
Finding beautiful points of sale, like MatchesFashion. I didn’t expect to sell such significant pieces online without them being in stores, especially as a brand not yet stocked anywhere. Yet I sold many pieces quickly. It makes me consider opening my own e-shop. Regarding my next collection, the only hint I can give is: Transformers."
This article features Dancing Open Ring, Dancing Earrings, Swinging Earrings, Swiveling Spiral Ring, and Side Dancing Rigid Bracelet.
*Read the full article here.
