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Brace-Watch: A Fusion of Art and Luxury
Mumbai-based jewellery designer Poonam Soni and artist Nawaz Modi Singhania have unveiled an extraordinary new creation: the "Brace-Watch." This innovative piece reimagines a bracelet as a functional timepiece, intricately framed with miniature paintings and enhanced with the opulence of high-jewellery detailing. This collaboration revives a creative partnership that first bloomed over a decade ago.
A Decade in the Making
In 2011, Soni and Singhania previously collaborated on a collection of sculptural cuffs adorned with animal motifs, which quickly became iconic statement pieces. Their latest venture introduces a fresh artistic narrative. The Brace-Watch features vivid, hand-painted discs depicting powerful big cats like tigers and jaguars. These artistic elements are encircled by closely stacked, monochromatic baguette-cut stones in rich shades of ruby, emerald, and cobalt blue, creating a striking visual appeal.
Design Philosophy and Craftsmanship
Poonam Soni describes her work as "visual works of art in jewels." She emphasizes how the Brace-Watch offers a "vibrant burst of colours" with its baguettes embracing Nawaz's exquisite miniature artistry. She views it as "more than jewellery -- it is emotion captured through colour, craftsmanship, and movement." The trademarked Brace-Watch represents a significant shift for Soni, moving beyond her signature one-of-a-kind heirlooms to produce a collectible item for a wider community of art and design enthusiasts.
Each bracelet is a result of painstaking effort, with layers of hand-selected stones arranged over an eight-month period to achieve a dense, opaque richness balanced with a luminous sheen. The pieces are rendered in powerful monochrome palettes, ensuring each one is an instantly recognizable Poonam Soni creation: bold, emotive, and modern.
Nawaz Modi Singhania expresses her joy in this creative exchange, stating, "I love creating the mini artworks I do for Poonam. She brings them to greater life with her exquisite jewels and design sensibilities. The final piece is an arresting fusion of both our passions."
Background and Legacy
With 36 years of reshaping Indian luxury, Poonam Soni has consistently redefined jewellery as art. Her appointment-only bespoke studio, established in 1989, was a pioneering concept in India, setting a new design language. Her international presence was cemented in 1992 when she became the first Indian jeweller invited by Harrods London. Her portfolio includes celebrated collections and collaborations with renowned artists. The brand continues its legacy with Poonam's daughter, Kriti Soni, contributing as the next-generation creative force.
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Impact
This collaboration primarily impacts the luxury goods market, particularly high-end jewellery and wearable art. It aims to broaden the appeal of collectible art pieces, potentially influencing consumer spending patterns in the luxury sector and highlighting the intersection of art and commerce. The Brace-Watch could inspire similar cross-disciplinary collaborations in the luxury market.
Impact Rating: 3/10
Difficult Terms Explained
- Wearable art: Art that is designed to be worn as clothing or jewelry.
- High-jewellery detailing: Exquisite craftsmanship and use of precious materials and gemstones in jewelry design, often creating unique, high-value pieces.
- Sculptural cuffs: Bracelets designed with significant volume, form, and artistic structure, resembling small sculptures.
- Baguette-cut stones: Rectangular, step-cut gemstones, often used in fine jewelry.
- Bespoke studio: A studio that creates custom-made, personalized products, especially clothing or jewelry, tailored to individual client specifications.
- Collectible piece: An item that is produced in limited quantities or has unique artistic or historical value, making it desirable for collectors.