KC CONCEPCION'S JEWELLER IDOL? VICTOIRE DE CASTELLANE OF DIOR
KC Concepcion’s debut as a jewelry designer at Manila House was one unforgettable event.
Memorable because the beautiful and articulate KC was there, speaking from her heart and mind as to why she decided she would no longer be labeled just an actress. Her hidden talent for creating gems had long been there since childhood, waiting for the right moment to shine.
Perhaps untold in the many stories written about KC the jeweller is her inspiration and idol: Victoire de Castellane, the designer for Dior’s fine jewelry.
KC and Victoire have parallel stories. Both grew up watching their grandmothers’ penchant for gems. Victoire’s paternal grandmother, Silvia Rodriguez de Rivas, Countess de Castilleja de Guzman, would “change her baubles to match her different outfits in a day.”
It is written that “when she was five, Victoire dismantled a bracelet of her mom to make a pair of earrings. At 12, she created her first ring using gold melted down from religious medals she’d receive at Communion.”
KC got her first pearl earrings from her grandmother Elaine Cuneta when she was five, “and they’re still with me,” says KC.
KC said she was 18 when “my grandmother asked me to design something I wanted.” And her design was made into a real piece of jewelry.
Both KC and Victoire loved florals. And both basked in the inspiring milieu that is Paris.
KC offers some sensible advice to women regarding jewelry: “First, don’t overdo it. I say choose something you can wear on a daily basis... Don’t choose something to show off. Wear a piece to express yourself... Lastly, don’t wear everything at the same time — earrings, ring, necklace, bracelet. Be sparing and don’t be eager to make everything too matching.”