DENIM AND DIAMONDS
Qeelin continues to amaze with its Wulu creations – and this time, the brand’s iconic symbol is dressed up in diamonds with an unusual newcomer: denim
The wulu is said to have magic, protective powers in Chinese legends. A symbol of good fortune and positive energy, the wulu has today claimed its place as Qeelin’s signature motif, a true classic that stands the test of time since its successful debut at Cannes in 2004.
With a shape so distinct – a gourd with rotund curves in the shape of the numeral “8” – the wulu was born to be a statement piece. Over the years, Qeelin has showed off numerous incarnations of the beloved symbol, from fine jewellery rings and bracelets to sautoir necklaces and diamond- pavéd versions. The latest transformation is the Wulu Interchangeable Bracelets, which comes with multicoloured interchangeable straps that transform your jewelled Wulu buckle from day to night for any occasion.
“It’s not every day that you can wear something so iconic and yet make it look different each time,” says Qeelin creative director Dennis Chan. “The strong earthiness of leather straps juxtaposes the glittering diamonds on the 18K rose gold Wulu buckle – perfect for work or play. Want to dress it up? Opt for the elegant 18K rose gold bracelet that instantly elevates it to fine jewellery. The playfulness and youthful appeal of the denim strap will appeal to fashion rebels.”
Did we say denim? Indeed, we did. Denim might be the last material you’d think would be paired with diamonds; surely, the elegant gems are the polar opposite of the functional, tough and casual material that’s primarily seen in jeans. But put aside denim’s humble beginnings as the workwear of choice for gold miners, and you’ll find the combination utterly fascinating and wickedly apt.
“We’re taking a risk, we know, but being stylish requires you to push boundaries – maybe even to redefine the rules when the time is ripe,” explains Chan. “Helmut Lang did it with his game-changing paint-splattered luxury denim jeans. Now Qeelin brings denim back to the gold it was invented to help seek.”
So, behold; in its latest collection, Qeelin brings denim to the forefront in the Wulu Denim Pendant. Denim is no longer just the supporting actress in the jewellery creation, it is the star.
We have to admit, there’s something about the roughly textured blue against the sparkle of the diamonds that is truly beguiling. Chan asks, rhetorically, “Why can’t we have some fun with luxury jewellery?” And he’s right. There’s absolutely no reason we can’t.