A. A. SPECTRUM – IN CONVERSATION WITH THE FASHION BRAND’S CO-FOUNDER AND DESIGN DIRECTOR
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„SELF-EXPRESSION“: WITH FOUNDER OF FINE JEWELRY BRAND OUVERTURE KRIS TER-GHAZARYAN
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We embrace the modern woman and her various ways of self-expression. And it is the story of that woman we want to tell through our visual language and imagery.
For the longest time, fine jewelry was considered a gift-only purchase, and the story telling was focused around it.
Nowadays, fine jewelry is also about self-expression and style. Through her visual language and imagery, Kris Ter-Ghazaryan celebrates the diverse ways in which modern women express themselves. Her brand OUVERTURE is dedicated to telling the story of these women and their unique journeys through life.
How did your background in investment management and consulting shape your approach to designing jewelry?
I apply the same systematic thinking to designing as I did when analyzing an investment case. In both cases, the key to me is finding the dots to connect in the most efficient and harmonious way.
Your brand is inspired by the goldsmith tradition of your birthplace. How do you incorporate this heritage into your designs?
It is the dedication to excellence in craftsmanship that we incorporate into all OUVERTURE designs.
Can you tell us about your creative process? How do you go from an idea to a finished product?
The process starts with defining a principal motif for the collection, which is often inspired by modern architecture and design. Once this is defined, it is really about creating a consistent story around the centerpiece.
What sets your brand apart from other jewelry brands in the market?
OUVERTURE is a contemporary luxury brand offering fine jewelry with distinct design and superior quality at a fair price. This is a value proposition unmatched in the market.
Your brand values ethical and sustainable practices. Can you tell us more about how you ensure these values are reflected in your production processes?
I design with future upcycling in mind. At OUVERTURE we mainly use recycled gold and locally sourced diamonds and other precious stones to craft fine jewelry in small batches. To avoid overproduction, and minimize unnecessary resource utilization, many of the designs are available exclusively by pre-order.
Quality, timeless design and attention to detail…
What are some challenges you face as a designer/founder and how do you overcome them?
The industry is challenging to enter without prior background and network. We are lucky to have attracted a team of talented individuals with extensive experience in their respective fields to continue building OUVERTURE with.
You have lived in various cities around the world. How have these experiences influenced your design aesthetic?
I am an urban person, fascinated equally by modern architecture as well as ancient structures and the tension between the two. What I find particularly remarkable is how the old can be modernized by altering certain details.
This is apparent in the way OUVERTURE interprets classic fine jewelry.
What do you think makes a piece of jewelry truly timeless and able to be passed down for generations?
Quality, timeless design and attention to detail.
Can you speak to the importance of storytelling in the jewelry industry and how you incorporate this into your brand?
For the longest time, fine jewelry was considered a gift-only purchase, and the story telling was focused around it.
Nowadays, fine jewelry is also about self-expression and style. OUVERTURE embraces the modern woman and her various ways of self-expression. And it is the story of that woman we want to tell through our visual language and imagery.
How do you see the jewelry industry evolving in the future, and how do you plan to stay ahead of the trends?
I think the jewelry industry will continue to be shaped by the informed consumer, who will increasingly question its methods and demand more transparency.
For the direct-to-consumer segment, I see the consumer more and more being drawn towards brands with distinctive point of view and design language.
Staying ahead of trends to me means addressing these two major areas.
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