Bare Naked
With Pomellato marking the 20th anniversary of its Nudo collection, creative director Vincenzo Castaldo reveals the secret to its enduring appeal
Among the many staple pieces in the modern woman’s jewellery box, you’re bound to find a Pomellato icon. And if she’s someone who’s in the know, then it would likely be a Nudo piece. Classy and stylish in its simplicity, the collection is instantly recognisable by a single stone bearing Pomellato’s patented exposed cushion cut. No prizes for guessing why it is named Nudo, or “nude” in Italian. Clearly, it takes its name from its naked allure, allowing the wearer to fully admire the beauty of the gemstone.
With its multifaceted, colourful and contemporary appeal, is it any wonder that the collection still remains popular since its birth two decades ago?
Pomellato’s creative director Vincenzo Castaldo reveals why Nudo is such an important collection to the Italian jeweller. “Nudo is the very essence of Pomellato. [It is] the undisputed ambassador of our passion for colour, our idea of playfulness and the powerful simplicity of striking Milanese design,” he says.
Castaldo notes that the Nudo collection has remained virtually unchanged since its very first interpretation. “But it is now so much more than a ring. The collection has expanded with new designs, from earrings and pendants to bracelets and sautoirs, until 2020, when Nudo entered the world of high jewellery with the dazzling La Gioia collection,” he explains. The house’s debut high jewellery collection pays tribute to the signatures that make up Pomellato’s unique identity.
Has the woman who wears Nudo now changed though? The answer is evidently no, according to Castaldo, who says the collection transcends age and time with its enduring appeal. “The playful spirit of Nudo appeals to independent, fashionable women. Women of all ages buy Nudo. It is more a mindset—the idea of wearing an unconventional piece of jewellery,” he asserts.
The shape and form of Nudo may not have been altered since 2001, but it’s certainly taken on many changes of colour. It’s one of the reasons why many women love the collection, as every new season of Nudo brings them something new to adore. The line’s multicoloured nature offers many mix-and-match possibilities, which is why many fans find it hard not to add another Nudo piece to their existing collections.
“I am always very respectful when I design new jewels for the Nudo collection. Nudo rings are designed to be stacked, so personalisation is key. Passion for colour is another inspiring element, which is why unusual gems such as prasiolite, sky-blue topaz, pink quartz, as well as favourites including aquamarine, amethyst and tourmaline have been used over the years,” says Castaldo. New finishes like the frosty Nudo Gelé have been recently added to the collection, which is why he hints that jewellery lovers can look forward to more “unexpected tones beyond nature’s own colour palette”.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nudo, two significant launches for this year have been unveiled. The first is a brand-new bracelet design available in five different gemstone combinations. Next is the Nudo Chocolate, a tempting selection of cacao-inspired “sweet treats” set with moonstones and brown diamonds—these new chocolate hues add an unconventional touch to the Nudo colour palette.
“We have combined a range of rarely seen varieties of moonstones enhanced by three different shades of brown diamonds. The effect is warm and magical, the perfect way to mark a very special year,” Castaldo concludes on a fitting note for the occasion.
Pomellato B1-126 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, tel: 6688 7334; 02-09A Takashimaya S C, tel: 6235 6836 pomellato.com