From The Straits Times    |
Celebrated by the Viennese design scene, luxury jewellery brand FREY WILLE, which opened a boutique here in May, is now a favourite of Singaporeans.
FREY WILLE, which specialises in enamel jewellery, is known for embracing influences from the Viennese art scene, most notably from esteemed artist Gustav Klimt’s artwork.
A pioneer in the Art Noveau scene which flourished in the 19th century, Viennese artist Klimt was known for the liberal use of gold leaf on his mosaic-like paintings. Unlike many artists who passed away unknown and impoverished, Klimt achieved recognition early in his career with his painting named
“The Kiss”, his most well-known work.
This year would have been his 150th birthday, and FREY WILLE will honour the legendary artist with a special celebratory event where they will showcase pieces from the Hommage à Gustav Klimt collection.
The Hommage à Gustav Klimt collection comprises of designs from 1998 which take inspiration from many of Klimt’s most famous paintings.
FREY WILLE was founded in 1951, and has remained a pioneer in enamel jewellery as it takes utmost pride in producing luxury jewellery pieces of the highest quality, using a process that is undertaken with diligence and consideration, from the initial stages of design right down to the enamel production process, which has been refined over 60 years and is a well-kept company secret.
Drawing inspiration from Klimt’s Stoclet Frieze mosaics which he was commissioned to create in 1905 for the Palais Stoclet in Brussels, as well as his Die Jungfrau (The Virgins) painting, this set of necklace and earrings was first launched in 1998 and is part of the Hommage à Gustav Klimt collection.
Painted in 1902, Klimt’s Portrait of Emilie Flöge clearly depicted Flöge as his muse and close friend and remains one of Klimt’s signature pieces. This pen, inspired by Flöge’s dress, was launched by FREY WILLE in 2000.
Klimt was well-known for his love for painting the female body. Adele Bloch-Bauer stood out as the only women – other than his muse Flöge- whom he painted twice. This bangle is inspired by the Adele Bloch-Bauer I painting, which is now displayed in the Neue Gallery in New York.
Created by Klimt in 1907, the Die Hoffnung II is Klimt’s abstract exploration of hope with the central focus on a woman’s dress. This ring and bangle set is set with multi-coloured enamelling, taking inspiration from the artwork.
Considered Klimt’s most ornamental painting, the Wasser-schlangen (Water serpents) art piece depicts two female water serpents against a lavish background of golds and blacks. This pendant features similar gold-and-black patterns and was produced by FREY WILLE in 2010.
On November 29, FREY WILLE will throw a party to celebrate Gustav Klimt’s 150th birthday. Ten lucky people will win a pair of tickets to this invite-only party where you can get to enjoy the best of Viennese music and food, as well as see the entire FREY WILLE Hommage à Gustav Klimt collection up close.
Email Singapur@freywille.com with your name, contact details and email address, together with the name of your favourite artwork by Gustav Klimt to take part. Winners will be contacted by FREY WILLE directly.