Architect’s eye: Marion Vidal draws up blueprints for her mixed material jewellery

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Collier necklaces in ceramic, with elastic polyester ribbons
Collier necklaces in ceramic, with elastic polyester ribbons
(Image credit: press)

Montpellier-born designer Marion Vidal trained as an architect for six years, before swapping blueprints for jewellery. For the last 12 years, she has been merging the two creative disciplines, creating her own unique brand of 'architecture for the body' in graphic statement necklaces and structural brooches. Inspired by the work of her design heroes – many of them brutalist architects like Carlo Scarpa, Louis Kahn and Aldo van Eyck – Vidal uses materials in contrasting ways: marble with fabric ribbons and enamel with gold.

’Tiger’s Eye’ and ’Pink Quartz’ rings from Vidal’s S/S 2017 collection

’Tiger’s Eye’ and ’Pink Quartz’ rings from Vidal’s S/S 2017 collection

(Image credit: press)

But by far her most favoured option is ceramic. She is fascinated by the integral juxtaposition in its make-up. ’It is raw and precious at the same time.’

In expressive pieces like her Gela necklace, ceramic is finely sculpted into globes and hung dramatically in clusters. Elswehere, Vidal’s pendant emblems are carved into rigid, geometric shapes, lightened by delicate fabric chains, in a range of bold colours, from hot pink and lime green, to peach and grey.

Brass brooch from Vidal’s collection

Brass brooch from Vidal’s S/S 2017 collection

(Image credit: press)

As well as an artist’s preoccupation with materials, Vidal has an architect’s eye for the bigger picture. 'I am very much interested in structural plans, in details and materials, in articulations and transition between spaces,' she explains. Each piece is designed to complement the next, so the wearer can build upon each design, like interconnecting rooms in a house.

This collection is Vidal's most refined expression of 'wearable architecture' yet.

Enamelled ceramic and golden brass pendants

Enamelled ceramic and golden brass pendants

(Image credit: press)

Raw ceramic Gela Collier necklace, with elastic polyester ribbon

Raw ceramic Gela Collier necklace, with elastic polyester ribbon

(Image credit: press)

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Marion Vidal website

Elly Parsons

Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.