Augmented reality technology and 12-foot obelisks aren't two things that immediately spring to mind when it comes to jewellery launches, but then again this is Hannah Martin we're talking about - queen of the London urbanite jewellery scene and purveyor of architecturally bold pieces that work to push against the staid adornment grain.
Taking over Dover Street Market's window spot for the next two weeks is an installation which the luxury jewellery designer has collaborated on with the Mayfair store and Moritz Waldemeyer. The technology-driven German designer has placed one of the newly-launched rings in the centre of a giant obelisk, sponsored and produced by Dupont Corian, complete with laser beams. Martin and business partner Nathan Morse have also roped in good friend Joel Shea to create an eerie accompanying sound-scape, to startling hallucinogenic effect.
The reason behind the ancient references of the installation and the pieces - based on the shaman's triangle - point to Martin's new 'narrative', which harks back to a shadowy 17th century figure, the Comte de St Germain. Borrowing 'The Man Who Knows Everything and Never Dies' title from Voltaire's famous statement in 1760, Martin's deliberate use of narrative rather than wanting to label things by 'collections' led her to remembering the story of the Comte that she had read a few years ago. 'I had come back to him a couple of times, but it hadn't felt right until now. It seemed appropriate', she continues, 'Who can really explain my crushes on the fictitious characters that I create?'
The ultimate shopping experience however, has got to be Martin's collaboration with Holition - 'The East End's answer to silicon valley', according to Morse. They've created an augmented reality app, where potential buyers and browsers alike can enter a virtual world and try on one of the pieces, accessible
http://www.hannahmartinlondon.com/try-on" target="_blank" >here.
Moritz Waldemeyer places one of the newly-launched rings in the centre of a giant obelisk, complete with laser beams, as seen here.
Martin and business partner Nathan Morse have also roped in good friend Joel Shea to create an eerie accompanying sound-scape, to starting hallucinogenic effect.
Close-up of the Shaman’s Triangle ring within the 12-foot obelisk installation at Dover Street Market.
Shaman’s Triangle simple ring from ’The Man Who Knows Everything’ narrative.
The silhouette of the bold pyramid is replicated in 18 carat yellow gold and sterling silver.
The pieces themselves look very geometrical and feature a recurring triangle motif. Says Martin of the triangle / Comte connection, ’The Comte had the elixir of life, and was an alchemist. Through my research, I was looking extensively at occultism, shamanism and masonic iconography".
Martin also cites ancient Egyptian mythology, and Kenneth Anger’s Lucifer Rising as reference points. The triangle is actually the first ’series’ to be taken from this story, with more shapes being launched throughout the year as part of the series.
Silver Shaman’s Triangle cufflinks
Shaman’s Triangle bangle
Euphoria of Lights - The Comte’s Triangle ring
The bright stones are a move away from Martin’s usual, more dark combinations, as she wanted the experience to be more hallucinatory.
For this collection, Martin chose to go with new combinations including 18 carat rose gold with dark red rubies, bright pink tourmalines, and neon orange sapphires.
Gold cufflinks
ADDRESS
Dover Street Market
17-18 Dover St
London W1S 4LT
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