Speaking to British jewellery designer – and long-time Georg Jensen collaborator – Jacqueline Rabun, Vogue Scandinavia learns more about the new ‘Offspring' collection and the designer’s self-thought background
Born in Germany, raised in America, and currently a London resident of 32 years, Jacqueline Rabun has lived a certifiably international life. The designer first discovered the world of contemporary jewellery making in Los Angeles while working at a gallery. “I fell in love with the idea of creating miniature wearable sculptures and began making pieces for myself,” she tells me. “Soon after, I was approached by Barney’s New York.” The esteemed retailer was her first client and from there her budding business grew organically.
Photo: George Jensen
Photo: George Jensen
Rabun and Georg Jensen first joined forces at the turn of the millennia. “It was actually a coincidence – I was seated next to the Danish photographer Marc Homme at a dinner in Paris in 1999. He recommended my designs to a friend of his, who worked at Georg Jensen, and shortly after, we began our collaboration,” says Rabun.
I fell in love with the idea of creating miniature wearable sculptures and began making pieces for myself
Jacqueline Rabun
The Danish silverware company, with a history of over 100 years, has always worked with organic yet minimalistic shapes, a style that speaks to Rabun. Her universe is highly sculptural and focuses on shapes that compliment the body’s silhouette, and is filled with symbolism. “I love Georg Jensen’s Scandinavian and minimalistic design language; the natural and organic universe very much coincides with my aesthetic."
Jaqueline Rabun is a long-time collaborator with Georg Jensen. Photo: George Jensen
Over two decades of collaboration has brought many memorable moments. “There are so many fond memories. My favourite moment was meeting the late Vivianna Torun at Georg Jensen’s centenary exhibition in 2007. I have her iconic watch and wear it every day. It has become a part of me, which to me is what symbolises great design – the feeling of being completely naked if you take it off.”
Memories are a key concept in Rabun’s designs. “Jewellery is very personal, more than just shiny objects. Each piece holds precious memories. My designs express the human experiences that shape us and make us more compassionate human beings. I love when a beautiful piece of jewellery is inherited and brings one love and inspiring stories with it.”
I dedicated the collection to the unique relationship between Mother and Child.
Jacqueline Rabun
Now, Rabun returns to her very first collaboration with Georg Jensen, reinvigorating the ‘Offspring’ collection. “When I was creating my first collection it was a beautiful moment as my son was a small child,” she says. The name for the collection sprung from that relationship. “I designed an egg-shaped bangle. They loved it and asked me to develop a collection inspired by the egg form. I see the egg as a symbol of birth, the beginning of life. So I dedicated the collection to the unique relationship between mother and child.”
The new designs include chunky necklaces, hoops and statement earrings, all in the recognisable ‘Offspring’ stylings of Jacqueline Rabun and Georg Jensen.
See the full collection launching September 1st below:
