Attention Hermes Kelly Fans, This Jewellery Exhibition Is Made For You
For nine days only, Hermes' Liat Towers boutique will be the stage for the ultimate fine jewellery ode to the Kelly bag.
If the Hermes Kelly is merely a bag to you, you're not getting the full picture. The Kelly also happens to be a fine jewellery collection by the French Maison that riffs on the signature details of the trapezoidal bag which was created in the '30s (the bag earned its current moniker after Grace Kelly was famously photographed shielding her baby bump from the press).
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While the history of the bag is well-documented, the witty jewellery collection that riffs on the Kelly bag might still be obscure to most. For the uninitiated, Hermes Jewellery creative director Pierre Hardy first created a series of bracelets in 2011 that borrowed the design elements of the bag's iconic clasp and side straps.
Chains with multiple wearing styles – wrap them once or twice around or let them cascading down the back – is one of the hallmarks of the Kellymorphose.
Throughout the years, more playful iterations of the Kelly started popping up – among them is the playful O'Kelly line of earrings and pendant necklaces which comprises a metal padlock and a leather cutout that mirrors the silhouette of the lock which is meant to be a "shadow" of the hardware.
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From Feb 19 to Feb 27, you can get an intimate look at Hardy's most exceptional Kelly-inspired designs throughout the years at the Kellymorphose collection at the brand's Liat Towers flagship. Singapore is the third pit-stop for this nine-day travelling exhibition after its showing in Paris and Seoul last year.
Fluidity of design is a key consideration for Pierre Hardy, Hermes Jewellery's creative director. "I like capturing mobility without ever fixing it in place. I like the momentum of the body, which echoes creative momentum."
The 35-piece outing spans both fine jewellery and one-of-a-kind haute jewellery pieces,and exhibit the experimental and surrealist approach taken by Hardy and his atelier. Standouts include the Alpha Kelly double rings which feature two rings attached by a chain with charms in the form of a lock and key, as well as the Kelly Jewel Bag which is a miniature Kelly bag disguised as a silver necklace.
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Above all else, Hardy wants Kellymorphose to be a creative outlet to showcase the functional and precious aspects of jewellery making. "The Kelly bag elevates its functional components: the side straps, and an elemental clasp consisting of a turnlock, a plate and four studs. I do the same with Kelly jewellery, by reinterpreting or disrupting its original lines," he said.
Ahead, a look at the pieces that will be on show at the exhibition. to book an appointment slot today.