New Jewellery Designer Michelle Jank
Published 35 months ago
The Australian former model launches her latest collection.
- Text by Kin Woo
"We don't
communicate with strangers very often," says Michelle Jank. "I think a
successful design is something that makes someone smile and talk to
you."
Jank's
playfully elegant jewellery does just that. Being a magpie collector,
the Australian beauty madly collages together antique lace, vintage
bows, outsize silk flowers and pearls to create one-off treasures that
make a stand for individuality in this mass-produced world.
From
time spent treading the runways as a model, to being Creative Director
of renegade streetwear label Ksubi, to styling for Vogue, and of course
being launched into the fashion stratosphere as one of Australia's most
exciting talents with her own "demicouture" label, Jank's diverse CV
takes in every part of the fashion world. "I think the variety is what
keeps me inspired and sane." She credits the amazing buzz she received
on her first shows (which Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts
raved about, and led Patricia Field to put Sarah Jessica Parker in a
Jank creation to promote Sex And The City) with giving her "freedom to
do what I wanted from the outset. Its amazing when people take a chance
on you."
Now based in Paris, she's concentrating on her
jewellery for now, being the first craft she learnt aged 14.
"Accessories play a great role in transforming and adding a personal
touch to your clothing." She cites the "whimsy and escapism" of
Victoire De Castellane's work for Dior as an influence, but all
inspiration usually starts from her diary. Her S/S 08 collection,
dubbed "Suspended Reality", retains her love for "big format pieces"
but marks a departure from her signature style with a newfound
minimalism. Inspired by Egyptian regalia and sixties-style beaded
collars, birds hover mid-flight and trompe l'oeil gemstones glisten,
playing with traditional ideas of beauty. "I like the notion of
challenging people to think about adornment in different ways. I think
people forget there can be more poetry in daily life."
While her
jewellery, sold in boutiques like Colette and Dover Street Market, is
gathering serious buzz, don't rule out a return to the catwalk when the
time is right. "I can't wait to work with my creative family on a show
again. We always try and push the boundaries - make it a little escape
from reality and hopefully leave people thinking."
Of the future,
she says, "My ten year plan is to be in a garden digging up carrots in
a vintage Christian Dior ball gown." A beautiful dream, just like her
work.
