One For Each Of Us

We meet designer Justine Clenquet of her eponymous universe to learn more about the creative maestro behind the highly favoured genderless and affordable jewellery brand.

- Charmaine Tan

Anyone who has ventured beyond the convenience of fast fashion's brick-and-mortar jewellery offerings would have heard of Justine Clenquet. With visuals that strike the perfect balance between really good DIY work and the making of high-quality jewellery, the cult accessory label's existence and flourishing state are continual proof that well-designed jewellery of great quality need not come with a hefty price tag.

What started as an attempt by the eponymous designer to craft high-quality jewellery for herself and her friends has become a project that, for the past 10 years, has been exclusively handmade in France with materials such as pale gold-plated brass, carats, pearls and crystals. A decade might not seem like a long time, but fashion's increasingly fast-paced nature makes Justine Clenquet’s work the rebel cause that preachers of authenticity want to fight for and with. This is the spirit of the underground that continues to enamour youth, and why her jewellery is still so sought after today. Men's Folio leans in close to the designer to listen and learn more about how, like Clenquet, we can be stewards of responsible and affordable expressions of true personality.

HI JUSTINE! HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ESSENCE OF YOUR EPONYMOUS BRAND IN 10 OR FEWER WORDS?

Unisex, edgy, punk, underground and affordable.

TAKE US THROUGH HOW YOU ARRIVED AT DESIGNING JEWELLERY?

I always love creating jewellery. I was 15 years old when I started to make some for myself with recycled vintage jewellery.