Taylor Swift, Michelle Obama and Nicole Kidman are fans of their jewellery: founders of State Proper
Indeed, in a market that is known for more conservative and traditional jewellery brands, the duo have been slowly but surely shaking things up with their architectural and sculpted creations.
Lin, who graduated from London’s Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design with a first-class honours degree in jewellery design, and Imram, who trained in industrial design at the National University of Singapore, began creating fine jewellery as a bespoke service.
Then, as an increasing number of fashion insiders began sporting their sleek, minimalist designs, they decided to launch their own brand.
Lauren X Khoo’s bespoke jewellery: ‘customers should have a say’
Since then the label has been spotted on celebrities such as former US first lady Michelle Obama, Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman and singer Taylor Swift.Signature pieces include the Battuta Enchantress Necklace, featuring a striking, diamond-encircled elliptical pendant with a green emerald set against deep black onyx, and the unisex signet rings.
Besides its stand-alone store at Takashimaya, State Property also has an atelier in Singapore’s Armenian Street. And in 2021, it became the first fine jewellery brand from Singapore to be available through online luxury retailer Net-a-Porter.
The designs are often inspired by nature and history, and tend to meld modern technology such as 3D printing with traditional enamelling and craftsmanship.
“When we started, we aimed to create very contemporary and conceptual pieces that were inspired heavily by the concept behind the collection,” says Imram. “But what we have realised is that there needs to be a continuity in terms of how the pieces look so that the same client can come back and keep building their State Property collection.”
Lin agrees, noting that there are some motifs that have grown into signature looks, such as the use of enamel, particularly in black and white, as well as ellipse-shaped silhouettes.
“It makes sense that after owning a piece for a few years, our clients would look for more pieces to wear with what they already have,” says Lin. “So even though there are still concepts behind the collections, there is now also the consideration of checking whether the pieces work together.”
The brand’s latest collection, Edessa, takes inspiration from the round arches that were a fundamental architectural style of the Byzantine era and features a snaking style of gold rings, bangles and earrings as well as custom-cut half-moon diamonds on selected designs.
The curves offer a continuity, allowing these new pieces to be stacked with older designs without looking too “matchy”.
Additionally, while they did not originally set out to design jewellery for men, their pieces, particularly the signet rings and bracelets, have been well received by all genders.Up next, they expect clients to gradually shift away from subtle, delicate jewellery towards pieces with visual impact as the world continues to put the pandemic behind it.
“What we are seeing now is a slight increase in how dressy people want their jewellery to be because they are going back to work and attending events,” Imram says.
“So there is a move away from smaller pieces to pieces that are bigger but still retain that element of playfulness and fun.”
Other Singapore-based jewellery brands to watch out for
Simone Jewels
For truly one-of-a-kind pieces, check out the “wearable art” creations by Simone Ng, who was one of the early movers in the 2000s to popularise the use of coloured gemstones.
Her designs have been seen on celebrities such as Emily Blunt and Kate Hudson. In 2020, it became the first Singaporean jewellery brand to be stocked at Harrods in London.
Lauren X Khoo
With a background in visual arts and architecture, gemologist and jewellery designer Lauren Khoo draws inspiration from myriad sources, including her travels and wearable art.
Her fine jewellery brand, which can be found at Dover Street Market and Moda Operandi, features timeless, evocative works that range from playful – such as her gummy bear jewellery range – to edgy, angular forms derived from architecture.
She has also collaborated with American label Oscar de la Renta for the brand’s spring and autumn 2020 shows.
Carrie K
Former corporate honcho turned jewellery designer Carolyn Kan is known for her fresh, modern take on heirloom jewellery. Her designs often feature traditional materials including jade and pearl with a contemporary twist, such as pearl necklaces that can be customised with different clips and accessories.
Kan also customises traditional wedding jewellery sets, known as si dian jin, making them versatile enough to be worn after the nuptials.
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