Skagen Launches Limited Edition Minimalistic Jewelry

• Updated On Mar 23, 2020

The Danish lifestyle brand Skagen recently collaborated with designer Camilla Staerk and model-photographer Helena Christensen to create a three-piece jewelry collection called ‘Svale’ – the Danish word for swallow. The collection was recently released at an intimate dinner with friends in Copenhagen.  Skagen which was acquired by the Fossil Group continues to promote its Danish roots and this was once again made evident in the recently-released jewelry collection.

The collection is inspired by the silhouette of the swallow bird, whose arrival in Denmark signals marks the onset of summer. According to the designer duo, the birds signify change, especially in Denmark which witnesses long winters. The three-piece collection includes a ring, bracelet, and brooch which can be worn as a pendant necklace and earring.

On its part, Skagen has a very industrious process of designing the three-piece collection where naturally Staerk and Christensen and their sensibilities played a major role. Stærk and Christensen, both Danish by origins have literally depicted their roots, heritage, and creative vision through this collaboration. Having been friends and collaborators for over 15 years, it wasn’t difficult to share their ideas for the Skagen project. They started the project by putting on table items that inspire them. While both the designer and the model-photographer have their distinct styles – Staerk likes minimalistic things and always dresses in black while Christensen loves combining colors and patterns – essentially they get attracted to similar objects. While making a presentation to the Skagen creative director Mariza Scotch, they prepared a collage where they put together mid-century glass, panels of lace, bits of string, fabric, lingerie, and period film still along with imagery of swallows.

Skagen, which is incidentally the name of a small city in Denmark and which during the 1800s attracted a legendary group of painters (called the Skagen Painters) also served as an inspiration for the designer duo. During their presentation to Scotch, they created imagery where swallows were on the beach at Skagen. The swallow birds represent flight, freedom, and exploration for the designers while Skagen and the town simply signified the lifestyle brand’s strong Danish connection. For the designers, the birds also meant sensuality and fluidity. While being reminiscent of the creative process, Stærk revealed that they created the jewelry with the “idea of something timeless”. “We wanted it to have the feeling that it had been passed on from generations”, she added.  

After going through the themes, Scotch was highly impressed with the swallow theme and wanted to work on it as it would also show Skagen’s commitment to all things Danish. Henceforth Scotch was part of the creative process. Naturally, a number of ideas were floated before the trio finally settled on the three-piece jewelry – the ring, bracelet, and brooch. The items have been made of brass and plated in Champagne-colored gold that gives it a warm patina.

While Skagen had announced the collaboration with Christensen and Staerk in October last year, it was only recently, after months of work, that the stunning three pieces were revealed. The minimalistic jewelry is available at all Skagen boutiques and also on their official website.

• Tags:
• Camilla Staerk
• Skagen