Artisan stories

Global fashion has an ongoing fascination with anything artisanal. A couple of seasons ago, fashion bibles like WGSN, WWD and other notable names made a forecast about the comeback of anything made by hand — whether painted, carved, woven, and the list can go on.

The influx of mass-produced goods through the decades has taken a toll with the discerning market that desires uniqueness, the uncommon, bespoke and more importantly, special things that tell a story.

This season, a new story unfolds before the style landscape. Renowned jewelry brand John Hardy unveils “The Story of Touch,” the first of the brand’s latest marketing platform series called “Storytellers.”

Touching the world with its distinct luxury for 40 years now, the brand showcases the rich narratives woven throughout its legacy of artisanal handcrafted jewelry, authentic symbolism behind its iconic collections, and the main source of design inspiration — Bali.

Nature and modernity are fashioned into beautiful one- of-a-kind pieces that both men and women will definitely adore. Uniqueness and tradition are redefined in luxurious settings and contemporary design handcrafted to perfection.

Highlighted this season are the brand’s four main collections, which include Classic Chain, Legends, Bamboo and Dot. Beyond the brand’s dazzling attractions, these collections are distinctively symbolic. These collections also honor the creative energy of the artist and the wearer.

John Hardy collections are available in almost 600 retail locations across 27 countries including boutiques in Hong Kong, Jakarta and Bali, world- renowned department stores Bloomingdale’s, Isetan, Lane Crawford, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, TANGS and TsUM, and luxury jewelry retailers worldwide.

Tradition and history is a threshold of unique stories and inspiration to many. A great example is how Balinese culture has fashioned its way into jewelry through John Hardy. Four decades of existence marks a legacy of brilliance made from artisanal hands that tell a story — stories that will be passed on from generation to generation.

(In the Philippines, John Hardy is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri- La Plaza and Rustan’s Cebu. For more information, visit www.johnhardy.com.)

On Anja: John Hardy Legends Naga silver necklace with black sapphire and African ruby eyes; John Hardy Legends Naga silver earrings; blue short dress from Laundry. On Peter: John Hardy Classic Chain silver bracelet with black sapphire; John Hardy Eagle...

Photography by JO ANN BITAGCOL • Creative direction and styling by LUIS ESPIRITU JR. • Makeup by RIA AQUINO • Hairstyling by HYATT LAUREL • Associate styling by TARA SUBALDO • Models: ANJA-VANESSA PETER and PETER STOYCHEV Classic Chain silver and bronze Gourmette bracelet; Legends Eagle silver bracelet with black leather and black chalcedony; gray jacket, pinstripes long sleeves polo and gray pants from Oleg Cassini by Rustan’s.

Legends Cobra Silver cuff and earrings with London blue topaz, blue topaz, white sapphire and diamonds; blue long sleeves lace dress from Nicole Miller by Rustan’s.

Classic Chain silver bracelet; Classic Chain silver and bronze necklace; gray pants, gray long sleeves polo and khaki jacket from Oleg Cassini by Rustan’s.

Bamboo silver necklace, cuff and earrings; navy blue lace dress from Monique Lhuillier by Rustan’s.

Legends Cobra Silver rings with London blue topaz, blue topaz, white sapphire and diamonds; Bamboo rings in silver 18K gold and 18K rose gold with diamonds; navy blue cocktail dress from Laundry by Shelli Segal.

John Hardy Legends Eagle necklaces and ring in silver and bronze; John Hardy Classic Chain silver ring; maroon long sleeves polo and blue pants from Oleg Cassini by Rustan’s.