We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Vassili Tselebidis about their original and creative Rings design work. Vassili Tselebidis is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original rings works.
Vassili Tselebidis ("VT") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Interlock Rings. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
VT : To arouse, among customers, the desire to create and give them the occasion to express their creativity. To offer everyone a real opportunity to take part in the creative process by choosing from a range of gold alloys and gemstones in order to materialize their piece of jewelry. I want to share, through my label and designs, an approach that makes sense. I aspire to shake up certain rules by proposing creations that are at once playful, opulent as well as refined and will provide some freedom to the women and men who will wear them.
VT : The evolving part of my first collection. It means that the piece of jewelry owned by a customer may evolve alongside him or her thanks to this concept of interlocking. Over time, clients can decide to acquire new rings that are compatible with the pieces they already possess. And even if the consumer decides not to, he or she knows that this is always an option to add a new acquisition to the one they already have and make something new out of it. All the designs will be sold separately and accordingly available to a wide range of prices depending on the chosen design. It is thus somehow budget-friendly. Of course, a piece of fine jewelry is not cheap but it is an investment in the long term. So for those who do not have deep pockets but want to have access to nice things, this can be possible. So be aware that if you are attracted to a combination with several rings, you can get it at your own pace.
VT : As a first step, to make my first collection available on the market. Then, the short-term goal is to launch new designs that will be compatible with the current pieces. The number of combinations and the freedom of creation will, therefore, be increased. The second goal will be to complete the first collection with necklaces, bangles, and earrings while remaining the spirit of the original concept. The most successful designs will continue to be declined to offer some new combinations to the customers. Mainly thanks to new gold alloys: such as blue, black, green, or purple gold. Some new cut or cabochon gems, such as sapphire, ruby, emerald, opal, lapis-lazuli or malachite will be added as well.
VT : This concept has always been part of my life somehow because I never left any of my toys intact in my childhood. I have always enjoyed to modify, add, or subtract things together. And this is even more interesting to do with sharp geometric shapes because you never know what you are going to end up with, it’s all about abstraction. It became even more obvious for me when I was designing my logotype a few years ago that as a multidisciplinary artist, it is important to have a sense of control over my work, to articulate my creativity around a focal point.
VT : As individuals, we are somehow unsettled because we are made of feelings. The way we present ourselves, and accordingly the story we want to tell, changes at a given point in time. It is the perception I try to express through this concept of interlocking: everyone can reappropriate their piece of jewelry by deciding according to their desire, to assemble it or not.
VT : A jewel is more than just an ornament. It is a real way to express one's creativity and a way for all to assert one's individuality. Moreover, it is usually passed down from generation to generation and only the immutable materials allow us to translate in time the strong moments of life. Fashion is playful and everyone should express their uniqueness. A piece of jewelry is thus part of a set of details that brings a silhouette to life.
VT : The products are dedicated to creative and independent souls. They are women and men who want to stand out by expressing their style. They fell for a brand because of its quality, its universe, and the values that they share. Sensitive to art and originality, they know the luxury market and they master the art of mixing designer pieces with emerging brands. These profiles are "investors", especially enthusiastic of watches and jewelry. According to the latest data, the majority (40%) of the people targeted by the brand are men and women between 25 and 34 years old. But of course, nothing is set in stone.
VT : The entire collection is named Interlock whose meaning is directly perceptible contrary to its synonyms as nesting or imbrication. We can define the word as, two or more things that engage with each other so they are linked with one another but either part can be operated independently. The collection is made of three lines at the moment and the overall look inspired me their respective names which are Triada, Tomos, and Stemma whose origin is Greek. These successively mean Trinity which is the three persons of the Christian Godhead; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit or more broadly, a group of three people or things, a volume which is a book forming part of a work or series, and a crown which is a circular ornamental headdress worn by a monarch as a symbol of authority, usually made of or decorated with precious metals and gemstones.
VT : A pencil and a piece of paper are the easiest things to grab, to begin with. Thanks to my graphic skills, I do sometimes translate my sketches into a digital file on my computer because I want to make sure that my ideas are properly assimilated during production and that there is no room for interpretation. But my main tool is my emblem. I do refer to it constantly while designing. It is a permanent turning point to me and it is the most important instrument that allows me to keep a guideline and a common thread through the eclecticism of my ideas. It is a sign of symbolic value for me whose originality lies in its spiritual nature. This triptych is the source and unity in my creative process.
VT : The concept within the collection. Every design has been imagined in several parts that can be worn independently or combined in many possible ways. Thanks to this concept of interlocking, everyone is given the opportunity to conceive a piece of jewelry according to their taste and with the balance they desire. By assembling several creations everybody is thus able to create the jewel that suits them best.
VT : I did work with several goldsmiths for the prototypes of my designs. I admire the craftsmanship of mastered artisans and I think they are the core of the design. A piece of fine jewelry is the association between the designer's creative mind and the goldsmith's expertise. A know-how that will magnify the design but that will be also honored by it. Through my brand, I want to share my belief in high-end craftsmanship.
VT : Every design has been converted into a digital file using 3D software. The digital file is then used to print a burn-out resin model. This particular point is very important because of the geometric shape of the rings and the fact that they are intended to be connected. This step defines the rest of the production process and is made all over again for every piece that will be hand-finished by a goldsmith.
VT : First of all, to be able to provide a plurality of styles through this concept of interlocking and thus the final look that changes consequently if several pieces are combined or not. It goes from opulent and eye-catchy, if the client combines some rings of different gold alloys and all set with brilliant-cut diamonds and semi-precious stones, to more minimalistic by wearing just a ring or two in solid gold. In a second time, the overall comfort if multiple rings are actually mixed.
VT : I decided to do so as a last attempt and it paid off. I work on making a business out of my talent for several years now. I have been blessed with meaningful encounters and opportunities throughout my journey that have comforted me in the fact that I actually have something to do in this industry but I now need to reach the next level.
