Small Talk
CATHERINE SARR The founder of Almasika on milestone moments and her partnership with Net-a-porter
Tell us about your new collection.
It’s called Sagesse, which means “wisdom” in French. Philosophical sayings have shaped my approach to life, so my intention was to reinterpret these timeless concepts with the hallmarks of my Almasika jewellery. It includes sculpturally rounded shapes and symbolic significance, which is essential to my creations.
How should Sagesse be worn? This collection suits an effortlessly elegant silhouette. It’s very much in line with the Parisian style that I grew up with.
Tell us about your first piece of jewellery.
Jewellery has always been a part of my life. My mother gave me my first piece of jewellery when I was born. It was a pair of earrings, which I wish I had kept. Jewellery becomes a part of you. It grows with you and becomes part of your everyday life.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment to date?
Launching Almasika in the US and seeing my creations on the cover of Time
magazine, worn by American singer Lizzo, was extremely rewarding. My pieces were also worn by Alicia Keys for
Billboard’s Grammy issue and Reese Witherspoon for
The Hollywood Reporter.
Your jewellery is now available on Net-a-porter. What does this mean to you?
Collectors of my jewellery come from all over the world. Net-a-porter is a global platform and I am looking forward to increasing our international footprint and furthering our cultural exchanges. For example, I recently discovered through a Chinese collector that the cowrie shell had significance in China from as early as the Shang dynasty (1766–1122 BCE). This adds a whole new dimension to our Cauri collection.
What lessons have you learned this past year?
I have realised that self-care and allowing time for myself is important.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Taking a step backwards can be the way forward.
What music are you listening to?
Lous and the Yakuza.
What show are you bingeing? Call My Agent on Netflix.