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Vogue Singapore
a day ago
- Business
- Vogue Singapore
Fope and its scrunchy-like Flex'it jewels are now in Singapore
One of the more necessary, if irritating, parts of a piece of jewellery is the clasp. It's how a bracelet closes the loop and stays on the wrist. But what if precious gold could stretch, like a scrunchy, and slip onto your wrist? This is a question for which the Italian jewellery brand Fope (pronounced foh-pay ) has a delectably fun-to-touch answer. Founded in 1929 in Vicenza, a hub of goldsmithing, Fope has recently opened its first outpost in Singapore, with a counter on the first floor of Takashimaya. Established here in partnership with Flower Diamond, this is the Italian brand's third Southeast Asian market after openings in Thailand and Malaysia. Fope's proprietary Flex'it technology is combined with its own style of Novecento mesh to create springy chain jewels that are curved on all sides. Courtesy of Fope Goldsmithing excellence is at the heart of Fope, with roots in the artisanal expertise of its home in Vicenza. The brand's signature, and which runs through virtually all of its collections, is a combination of the Novecento mesh and the Flex'it technique. The former is a smooth, mesh weave of chainworking that was introduced in the early 1980s, and the latter a patented invention of tiny gold springs inserted into the gold weave to create a springy tactility. Here, Tommaso Foralosso, Fope's sales manager for the Middle East and Asia Pacific, gives Vogue an introduction to the brand. Fope comes from the Vicenza goldsmithing tradition. It's almost a hundred years old, but there's lots of innovation—how do you combine those qualities? Tradition is very important. We are very rooted to our history, to our city and to our culture. At the same time, we believe that technology is a key factor to create up-to-date modern jewellery. In fact, our production is a perfect mix of craftsmanship and technology. Can you tell us a bit more about that craftsmanship and technology? The design, evolution and production of the collection has always been in-house. It's 100% made in Italy, in Vicenza, in our facility. The design of the mesh evolved during the '80s and '90s; the idea was to create a very comfortable, very fluid chain without soldering points between the links. That was the concept: a gentle mesh. And then in the year 2000 it evolved, becoming Flex'it. Eka Flex'it bracelet in yellow gold with a diamond Courtesy of Fope What difference does the lack of soldering make? The difference is that a chain becomes very fluid, very free to move. It's not rigid, and the jewellery is flexible, the jewellery is comfortable. Comfort is one of the key elements, [as well as] originality in the design, and elegance. The signature Fope chain is called the Novecento. That's Italian for… 900. It's a tribute to the 20th century. That's when Fope was born, grown, and when we made history. Bicolour Flex'it bracelet in yellow and rose gold with a diamond Courtesy of Fope I read that before Fope became a jewellery brand, it was an artisan workshop and factory producing watch straps. It started as a small laboratory. Vicenza is considered the city of gold because, historically, there's a big goldsmith district in our city. So [there were] many small laboratories that produced parts for big, international jewellery or watch brands. Fope produced straps for names like Longines, and other well known brands. But at the same time, we learned the perfection and technology [needed] to produce watches, and the manufacturing of gold, which evolved into bracelets, necklaces and a complete jewellery brand. It's almost an evolution that started from production techniques. A match between the two worlds. Many of our partners around the world come to visit our factory—that's something we always do. We invite our clients or magazines, and we are happy to show them what we do and how we do it. We like people to know what the reality of Fope is. And they're very surprised by the cleanliness, the perfection and the technology, which they may have experienced when they went to see a big watch or jewellery brand. Courtesy of Fope Fope has a bracelet style that looks very similar to the beads of rice style found on watches—presumably a link to its history. Are there other historical details like that in the collection today? There are some production secrets… There are a lot, because every single different chain in Fope is a registered worldwide patent. Every shape of the gold links, every shape of chains. When we used to have clasps, even that was registered. And, of course, the Flex'it. Are you saying that almost every part of your jewellery is patented? Yes, we are very meticulous. So does that mean Fope will never do something like a curb chain or a standard round chain? No. We have to stick to what we do, what people like us for, and recognise us for. Bubble ring in white gold with diamonds and sapphires Courtesy of Fope Fope has opened its first retail presence in Singapore. For people who are new and getting introduced to the brand, how would you suggest styling and wearing the pieces? The key is mix and match. That's a concept that our clients like, and they've shown us that they want it to be like that. Some people ask me, 'but don't they get bored of the same look here and there?' The attention is on the details. We are Italian, so we pay a lot of attention to details in clothes and style. The details change everything, right? Our client, anyway, likes to stack different models of bracelets together, so last year we launched the half-and-half bicolour collection. It's an addition to their look. The good thing is that you don't have to become the style of Fope. We become a complement to your style, and that's what we want to be. Luna Full Moon flex'it bracelet in white and rose gold with diamonds Courtesy of Fope Your brand works entirely in 18-carat gold. What do you think of the surge in gold prices these days? We cannot escape that. We are fully in this typhoon on gold prices. What can we do? Of course, we have to adjust to the market, but we have to stay loyal to ourselves. Gold is what we do, and gold is what we will always do. Besides being the Vicenza tradition, why do you think gold is still so loved and desired? You can check in the history of every culture, everywhere, [gold] has always been something that attracts humanity. And we think it's always going to be like that. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Vogue Singapore
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Vogue's gift guide of precious jewellery ideas for Mother's Day
Courtesy of Tiffany & Co. A jewellery gift idea for Mother's Day is not an easy thing. It's all too common to see online that we start to think of our mums as all the same. The truth, obviously, could not be further from this. Every mum is an individual, with tastes and styles that are as varied as they come. If there's one thing we can get behind, though, it's that mums tend to know what they like. With jewellery, that territory comes with observing and knowing (sometimes, even from borrowing pieces from her collection) how her tastes lean. The tip for coming up with a lovely jewellery gift is to think broadly. Don't get bogged down by the need to get anything particularly fancy, trendy or expensive. More often than not, it's the thought behind the gift (better yet if you write it on a card!) that makes it special. Instead, try to consider things that fit into her style. Does she wear a certain colour of gold or metal more than others? Is there a bare wrist or neck that you could contribute to? Have you noticed her at a loss for either occasion-wear or everyday pieces? Is there a timepiece she treasures that she's never had the time to spiff up? The possibilities are vaster than they first appear. Jewellery, and even accessory creations from a jeweller, is a precious gift that's sure to be loved. These are fairly big ticket items to be sure, so make your choice with thought and care. Maybe there's a milestone you'd like to mark, or that you're simply now at a place where you can go big for mum to express your love. Regardless, the ideas in this gift guide are selected as much for their beauty and style as they are to inspire your creativity and sentiment. Here, Vogue's guide to some jewellery gift ideas for Mother's Day. Courtesy of Fope 1 / 14 Something to keep close and wear everyday How about a bracelet in 18-carat gold that's as easy to wear as slipping a scrunchie over your wrist? The Flex'it collection by Italian jewellery brand Fope is designed with tiny springs that connect each link, so their pieces are flexible and comfortable to wear. Fope Flex'it bracelet in rose gold with a diamond, from €2,520 Courtesy of Goldheart 2 / 14 Something precious and pretty without breaking the bank? Consider this bracelet that pairs rose gold with iridescent mother-of-pearl. Goldheart Colourella bracelet in rose gold with mother-of-pearl, $268 Courtesy of Tiffany & Co. 3 / 14 Tiffany & Co. describes the meaning behind its HardWear collection as representative of love's transformative strength—a thought that applies incredibly well to maternal love. This small link ring is a great option with some sentimentality for a mum who likes her jewellery with an edge. Tiffany & Co. HardWear small link ring in yellow gold with diamonds, $8,450 Courtesy of Heinrich Freeman 4 / 14 Great diamonds are much more accessible today, thanks to the many lab-grown options out there. A pair of diamond ear studs is a timeless style, and all the better with sizeable stones in reach. Heinrich Freeman Munich diamond ear studs, from $1,089 for a pair in 18-carat white gold and 0.5-carat lab-grown diamonds total weight Courtesy of Chanel 5 / 14 A precious bouquet in gems Flowers are the classic gift for mums to wake up to on Mother's Day. Why not go a little step further this year and turn those blooms into a precious floral jewel that will last far longer? Many jewellers and designers take inspiration from flowers, so a veritable garden of options abounds. From Chanel, no prizes for guessing the maison's elegant bloom of choice. Chanel Extrait de Camélia bracelet in rose gold with a diamond, $7,850 Courtesy of Boucheron 6 / 14 And from Boucheron, a curved and geometric stylised interpretation of a peony, with its pavé petals curling around a centre diamond. Boucheron Pivoine pendant in white gold with diamonds, $6,800 7 / 14 Something classic with a twist If there is a lesson to be learnt from chic mums, it's that age and time are crucial ingredients for personal style. Knowing what one likes is tremendous, and playing to that is one way to think about a gift. Start with the archetype, and look for a fresh twist. One example: is she a fan of Hermès handbags and its iconography? Well then, extrapolate from that and consider a double tour bracelet with the famous Kelly buckle. Hermès Kelly Chaine bracelet in silver, $5,400 8 / 14 The famous four-leaf clover Alhambra by Van Cleef & Arpels is at peak popularity these days. Mostly, people know the collection for its ornamental stones: onyx, carnelian, mother-of-pearl and the like. A more unusual, in-the-know design for a real jewel fiend of a mum comes in the form of hammered gold Vintage Alhambra, a far rarer style to score but one that's sure to stand out. Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra earrings in yellow gold, $6,450 Courtesy of Cartier 9 / 14 Something to enhance what mum might already have The wonderful thing about a fine watch or jewel is that it's meant to last a long time. A little refresh now and again can make something cherished for decades feel new again. If your mother wears a favourite watch almost everyday, for example, why not take a moment to check out how the leather strap is doing? There's a good chance it's a little well loved, maybe even a little worn out from things like water. A thoughtful thing to do, then, is to give that watch a bit of a refresh. Whether that's with a new leather strap in a more customised favourite colour, or a bracelet to offer mum the option of a sporty style on watches with interchangeable systems. Cartier's recently reopened boutique at Takashimaya, in fact, now hosts the maison's first dedicated client care area in Singapore–perfect for getting customisations like these taken care of. Cartier Ngee Ann City, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Road #01-33 Courtesy of Completedworks 10 / 14 We're always talking about the jewels and accessories one puts on for the day. But there is something to be said about taking your jewellery off after a long day and having a beautiful place to store them. Think about how a jewel box or organiser would sit on her dressing table and approach it as you would a decorative object for her room. Completedworks jewellery box, $814 Courtesy of Bvlgari 11 / 14 A little luxury from a big time maison We get it. Many of us have surely felt like our love for mum, if put to a sum, could buy us the world. Reality is just as often not quite as imaginative, but the impulse to treat, pamper and delight a loved one persists. If you know she's a fan of fancy jewellers—better yet, the style of a specific maison—try looking beyond the four- and five-figure displays and at the accessories collections for something that's fancy and a little more accessible. Bvlgari Serpenti bracelet in silk twill with an emerald green enamel motif, $495 Courtesy of Cartier 12 / 14 Cartier has a beautiful fragrance collection, and little else comes as beautifully designed and packaged as its Nécessaires à Parfum range. Interchangeable slim glass bottles—almost all of the maison's signature scents are an option—are sheathed in a golden case that can be personalised with an engraving. Best of all, it comes exquisitely presented as an objet de vivre in a fabric-lined red Cartier box that can be hot stamped with initials. Cartier Nécessaires à Parfum La Panthère case with La Panthère eau de parfum, $790 Courtesy of Otiumberg 13 / 14 Something with a personal touch Personalised jewellery is always fun to receive because it comes with the added touch of individual thoughtfulness. An alphabet or name pendant is a classic she may or may not have already given a whirl, so let's try a bracelet for a change. This straightforward cord design by Otiumberg is especially apt if you have the kind of relationship with your mum that's like a best friend. Otiumberg Totem Name cord bracelet, from $50 for a bracelet and $12 for a letter in sterling silver Courtesy of Chaumet 14 / 14 Or if you'd like to give the idea of words on a jewel some serious elevation, take a leaf out of Empress Joséphine of France's playbook. She commissioned, in her private life, sets of acrostic bracelets with secret messages from Chaumet for her two children—spelling out their names in coloured gemstones. The Parisian jeweller has revived this beautiful sentiment in modern form, perfect for a truly one-of-a-kind creation. This bracelet pictured spells out 'MUM', with a morganite, green uvite (an uncommon form of tourmaline), and malachite. Chaumet Les Acrostiches Jeux de Liens bracelet in rose gold with coloured gemstones, price on request
