We’ve all heard the saying, “Inspiration is everywhere.” This rings true for many fashion designers. Some travel to the farthest corners of the world to explore new cultures and infuse them into their creations, while others look inward, channeling their memories, passions, and even stories of joy and despair through wearable art. In some cases, designers also find inspiration in their industry heroes, creating pieces that pay homage to iconic designers and maisons that have made a lasting impact on the fashion world.

This latter form of inspiration was on display at “Dialogues of Design,” featuring Sassi Fine Jewellery’s collaboration with rising talents in the local fashion scene. Fashion designers Hannah Adrias, Abdul Gaffar, and Glyn Alley Magtibay were each tasked with interpreting the fine jewelry collections of the Switzerland-based brand. The partnership was made possible with the support of Mark Lim Higgins, director of Slim’s Fashion and Arts School.

“They had the freedom to do what they wanted, as long as there was a dialogue with the collections,” says Renilde Vervoort, co-founder of Sassi Fine Jewellery, in an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “This collaboration also gives me the oxygen to create. It makes me imagine more.”

First to present her clothing interpretation of Sassi Fine Jewellery’s pieces was Hannah, the Gold Medal Winner of Ternocon 2020. She chose “The Secret of Berenice,” a collection inspired by Queen Berenice of Egypt, who, according to the brand, was the first woman to wear the peridot gemstone. The collection features cabochon peridot and amethyst set in 18K yellow gold. To reflect the collection’s allure, Hannah created a blush-colored dress to complement the fine jewelry. The design features her signature fabric manipulation technique, resulting in a raw yet romantic look that evokes the elegance of royalty.

Glyn is known for her use of unconventional materials. During her participation in Ternocon 3 in 2023, she showcased terno creations adorned with X-ray films. She mirrored this technique once again in her design inspired by Sassi’s “Horta” collection. Drawing inspiration from the sinuous movement of vines in Art Nouveau architecture, the collection captures the delicate balance between nature and artistic form. Glyn’s piece features a patchwork of X-ray films, juxtaposing the elegant curves of the “Horta” jewelry with the striking prints of the human skeletal system.

Lastly, Abdul, recipient of the Chief Mentor’s Medal at Ternocon 2020, put a modern twist on the classic Filipiniana, combining both historical and contemporary elements in his interpretation of Sassi’s “Tanit” collection. Inspired by ancient goddesses and powerful women of antiquity, Abdul’s minimalist and contemporary design consists of a piña jusi top paired with a black floor-length tube skirt, echoing the black diamonds and ancient intaglio coins featured in the collection.

This collaboration underscores Sassi Fine Jewellery’s commitment to celebrating creativity and individuality. At its heart, it reflects the Maison’s core values, with each designer drawing inspiration from one of Sassi’s jewelry collections and translating its aesthetic into fashion. The collaboration highlights the synergy between jewelry and fashion, where both art forms enhance one another to create meaningful, lasting stories.

To learn more about Sassi Fine Jewellery and its collections, visit @sassifinejewellery on Instagram.