Interview with Caroline Gaspard, Founder and Designer of AKILLIS
Founded in 2007 by Caroline Gaspard founder and designer, who lives and breathes the brand, AKILLIS radiates energy in its iconoclastic collections that for almost a decade have stood as a manifesto of independence from the established norms of the 21st century. On the occasion of the launch of its new collection “TATTOO”, Caroline explains to Arabian Watches & Jewellery magazine her inspiration and commitment to its unique style.
You have stated that “The designer loves having fun and changing her style according to her mood, She stands out by creating unique and modern pieces- Each collection reflects a different aspect of her personality”. Which part of your personality does the new TATTOO Jewellery collection reflects in your personality?
Definitely the Rock’N’Roll one! I love tattoos but I also like to have the possibility to change my style, I’m afraid of getting tired of it. This is why I created the first jewelry tattoo that you can apply, swap or remove wherever, whenever, however.
Who is the primary target audience of this collection? Is this a unisex collection with certain parts?
I certainly created this collection with millennials in mind, however it is definitely not limited to this demographic. Tattoos are prominent in all age groups these days and the patterns in the new collection speak to everyone; women and men alike. It’s definitely a unisex collection as I believe partners should be able to share their most precious gems!
What does it mean to have the new Tattoo collection in Black & White while, women usually like their Jewellery shining?
Black diamonds actually sparkle a lot! White diamonds have a dazzling brilliance, while black diamonds shine with more delicacy. This makes pieces with black diamonds easier to wear on more casual looks and gives an air of mystery to the wearer... it’s something different.
What kind of production method did AKILLIS adopt in producing the new Tattoo collection? Did you introduce or/use a new fusion material?
We have been using titanium in our jewellery for many years and its certainly part of our DNA. We also used black DLC (Diamond Like Carbon), but for the Tattoo collection we had to deepen research on this material in order to achieve very fine and curved shapes. We have also combined pink gold with titanium, which is new to Akillis and something striking about this collection. Some pieces are also paved which is a very difficult method to carry out, but our workshops have the necessary capacities to be able to pave them and create masterpieces that are worn effortlessly.
For the first time, in this collection we have developed pieces in black gold, set with black diamonds which you can find in our High Jewellery set. Black gold is a material that isn’t used often in the jewelry industry, which leads us to develop this material.
This is not the first time that you use the black diamond in your collections. What is the secret of this attraction with this stone and what does it mean to you as a designer?
It’s mysterious and has a unisex appeal and I really believe there is almost a hypnotic side to black diamonds. I like everything that is ambivalent, women and men, ying and yang, and in diamonds, white and black. Opposites attract.
Your designs are distinguished with sharp edges. Is there any particular message behind this trend?
I have always been a fan of Greek architecture and pure forms of shapes. I like geometric shapes which you can find throughout all of my collections. I have never been one to create jewellery focusing on flowers and love hearts, I like an edge. I’m inspired by shapes that fit together as it’s a real seduction game between two shapes, two people!
How are your designs received in the Gulf region? And how far we are from having the first Akillis Boutique in the Middle East?
The designs are perceived as different, modern and rock. Our customers are constantly looking for new products and designs, which is why there is strong interest in innovative collections from AKILLIS. We are planning on opening a flagship store in the Middle East in the next few years however at the moment we’re proud to have 8 points of sale in the region already!
Retail business is changing and it’s changing to meet the global customers’ requirements. What is Akillis plan for the future e-commerce?
E-commerce has been put to the forefront more than ever due to the recent global crisis and we are currently working on a new version of our website which will allow our customers to purchase online with ease… We will be launching this first in Europe by Fall 2020, and the rest of the world will follow. Until then, our pieces are available on ounass.ae for our beloved Middle East clients.
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