BARNEYS NEW YORK | "Malcolm Betts" 15th Anniversary Collection Unveiled
An Exclusive Brand Only at BARNEYS NEW YORK
MALCOLM BETTS Unveils 15th Anniversary Collection
MALCOLM BETTS, the British jewelry brand cherished by global celebrities, is exclusively available at BARNEYS NEW YORK in Japan. This year marks the 15th anniversary of their partnership. To celebrate, designer Malcolm Betts himself visited Japan. Recently, a select group of clients and press who have long admired the brand's jewelry were invited to a one-night-only party at the British Embassy.BARNEYS NEW YORK
Text by FUJITA Mayu(OPENERS)
Jewelry to Cherish for a Lifetime, Crafted with Heart in Every Hammer Stroke
While jewelry offers a spectrum of charms—from opulent pieces adorned with precious gems to intricate, delicate designs or edgy, modern creations—the allure of Malcolm Betts lies in its warm, gentle expression that nestles comfortably against the skin.
Malcolm Betts jewelry is entirely handcrafted by Malcolm himself and his three assistants, a team of four artisans, in their workshop in Notting Hill, England. The brand's signature style involves combining two different materials into a single piece. The ring shown in the photo, for instance, is crafted from platinum and gold layered together. This is achieved by meticulously hammering two separate rings, one of platinum and one of gold, until they seamlessly fuse into one. While it may appear simple, this is an exceptional artisanal skill rarely found elsewhere. We encourage you to experience the seamless finish firsthand by holding it in your own hands at the store.
An item from the men's collection, making its debut in Japan
The distinctive textured surface, reminiscent of aged wood, is another hallmark of Malcolm Betts, achieved by tirelessly hammering with a variety of tools. Indeed, no two pieces of Malcolm Betts jewelry are exactly alike. Their simple designs, suitable for both men and women, and their rarity make them a popular choice for wedding bands.
“I believe that whatever we wear, whether it's clothes or jewelry, expresses who we are. Therefore, when someone chooses my jewelry, it means there's a connection between us. Jewelry is inherently personal, and I feel a close bond with everyone who chooses my pieces.” This is what designer Malcolm Betts says. He is more of an artisan than a designer. For this occasion, he brought special items commemorating the 15th anniversary and embarked on a trunk show tour, starting at BARNEYS NEW YORK Yokohama and traveling as far south as Fukuoka, visiting BARNEYS NEW YORK stores nationwide. It is rare for a designer himself to visit stores across the country. This event is a testament to the strong bond between Malcolm and BARNEYS NEW YORK.
“I truly look forward to meeting our clients. Seeing them get married, have children, or watch their little ones grow up. Over the years, their stories change in various ways, and hearing about them is always a joy during my visits,” Malcolm says with a smile. Why can he create such warm jewelry? Meeting him and talking with him reveals the reason. His kind, gentle, and slightly shy personality mirrors the warmth emanating from Malcolm Betts jewelry. Anyone who meets him is sure to become a fan.
The special items created for this occasion, including a platinum bangle featuring a line of 15 diamonds to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the brand's arrival in Japan, are highly desirable. In addition, approximately 200 diverse jewelry pieces were available, including reissued popular items from past archives and the men's collection, which is being launched in Japan for the first time.
“The designs are not overly ornate, but that is Malcolm Betts' style. Sometimes I draw inspiration from the stones and metals I use, or ideas found in out-of-print jewelry books come to life. In this era of mass production, I appreciate the quality and character that only handmade items possess, which machines cannot replicate, and I want to focus on that. I use traditional hand-cranked machines and hammer techniques; that's my method. Each process requires specific tools, which is why my workshop takes up so much space (laughs).”
Jewelry that gains luster with wear, developing its own unique character alongside you, becoming a one-of-a-kind piece. Malcolm Betts jewelry, with its timeless design that transcends fleeting trends and its meticulous creation, imbued with intention in every hammer stroke, is truly a fitting partner for life's journey. We highly recommend experiencing it firsthand at the store. If you find a piece that speaks to you, it may very well be a destined encounter.
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