Abstract Musing

Creating a contemporary vocabulary deep rooted in the heart of aesthetic language of jewellery, is what designer, Charlotte Dauphin de la Rochefoucauld aims at.

- Shivpriya Bajpai

The jewellery house, Maison Dauphin created by the young and visionary Charlotte Dauphin de la Rochefoucauld, brings to life poetry in the form of exquisite pieces. Dance, music and sculpture play pivotal roles in Charlotte’s life which directly impact her design process. The eclectic jewellery pieces highlight fluid storytelling and an impeccable amalgamation of architecture and sculpture. We speak to Charlotte to understand her unconventional design process, inspiration and future plans. Edited excerpts...

When and how did you get interested in jewellery designing?

“Form is the essence brought to the surface,” said French poet Victor Hugo. It is the reason I started to make sculptures, and then jewellery. I see it as a surface, a mirror, a space between the inner and the outside worlds. My interest in jewellery is therefore, first related to its immaterial dimension, before its materiality.

It is also the result of my artistic practice of dance, music and sculpture. I decided to move into a total different direction from my family history – billboard advertising –after the family company was sold. I had no more written path to follow, no obligation. I was free, at least on the surface, so I decided to create my own path. I grew closer to what I personally loved; dance. This initial love for ballet tilted me towards music, then sculpture, and finally led me to jewellery.

Tell us about the ethos of the brand?