Supermodel-turned-jewelry designer Magdalena Frackowiak has launched her second collection of fine jewelry, a few pins from which are seen here. Photo by Maja Stepien
Paris--It’s hardly unusual for today’s supermodel to parlay her recognizability into some sort of entrepreneurial endeavor (we live in the age of branding after all), but for that endeavor to be good is a rare occurrence indeed.
Enter Magdalena Frackowiak. If her name doesn’t roll off the tongue, it’s likely because the Poland-native worked her way up to supermodel heights the old-fashioned way: without Instagram (though she now has an account) or famous connections.
Her modeling career took off around 2007. Since then, she’s walked nearly every-designer-that-can-be-named’s runway and appeared in as many fashion magazine editorials.
Images from the Collection II lookbook. Frackowiak prefers to hire other models to work in front of the camera, rather than model the jewelry herself. Photo by Maja Stepien “[Jewelry] is the perfect creative medium for me as it’s design, but not in fashion, so I get to work with everyone I’ve worked with over the past 15 years since I began modelling,” said Frackowiak.
For her, it’s a chance to step into a behind-the-scenes role.
“I’m a very creative person and I love all the elements from putting the look book together, casting the girls, the hair, the makeup, the production and working with the retailers,” she said.
The 31-year-old presented her second collection to press and buyers Tuesday at a private apartment complete with a harpist in the midst of Haute Couture week in Paris.
Ranging from $777 to $3,886 retail at current exchange, the collection compromises 43 pieces with an emphasis on ball chains, hoop earrings and chokers, in what is becoming Frackowiak’s signature clean, luxurious look.
“I am always inspired by architecture, and orbs were a big inspiration for this collection. Every piece has a circular element or little balls,” she said. “I love jewels that are playful, romantic, but at the same time modern.”
Magdalena’s 18-karat gold brooch, photo by Maja Stepien
Sculptural hoop earrings from Magdalena Frackowiak’s “Collection II," photo by Maja Stepien
This beaded choker, which is Frackowiak’s favorite piece, takes its inspiration from macramé. Photo by Maja Stepien
The collection focuses on a circular motif, as seen in this ring. Photo by Maja Stepien
“I love jewels that are playful, romantic, but at the same time modern,” the designer said. Photo by Maja Stepien
The collection compromises 43 pieces with an emphasis on ball-chains, hoop earrings and chokers. Photo by Maja Stepien
Stand-out pieces (and Frackowiak’s personal favorite), are the collection’s beaded chokers, in which gold balls were strung on delicate silk thread, which lent a refined, elegant design quality to the ubiquitous trend.
The collection also includes a series of small pins, derived from the designer’s nostalgia for her 1990s childhood.
“I was inspired by the collections of badges in the ‘80s and ‘90s I used to have at school on my backpack or on my jackets, so I have done a series
which can be worn as badges either all together or just as singles,” Frackowiak said.
All pieces are rendered in 18-karat gold, in a warm shade between yellow and rose that Frackowiak also used for her first collection. She has yet to use any gemstones in her designs, instead focusing on the sculptural quality of gold.
Her line is manufactured in Poland.
The designer, pictured at her presentation during Haute Couture week.
She explained, “We have a lot of artisans in Poland working with traditional techniques and purely by hand, without computers, so it’s a great opportunity to showcase their talents on an international level.”
For her second collection, Frackowiak opted to implement a see now/buy now model, posting product on her website the same day of her preview.
“We thought it was a nice opportunity for people to see the jewelry and buy the same day rather than waiting for months,” she said.
Montaigne Market and Luisaviaroma.com picked up the designer’s first collection.
