Interview

Franco Pianegonda, the talented Italian designer who’s pieces capture the ethereal and eternal side of human nature, recently released his fall 2011 collections for all four of his jewelry lines: Bambini, Character, Franco P, and Veritas, under the main header of La Maison Franco Pianegonda. All four components target specific audiences: Bambini is specially designed pieces for children, Character is Franco’s men’s jewelry collection, Franco P is geared toward the young woman with a fair price point of $100-$500, and finally Veritas is the luxury collection with a statement piece for every type of woman, from creative mothers to business professionals. 

TheStylishCity had the chance to speak with Franco and given the great deal of celebrity attention his line receives (Sharon Stone, Jennifer Lopez, Sienna Miller, and Rihanna have all been spotted wearing his jewelry) we wondered just what woman he keeps in the back of his mind while sitting at the drawing board, “My wife, my mother and my sister,” he claims, which in a sense achieves a wide scope of audiences and also never allows Franco to get in trouble with the leading ladies in his life.

Franco grew up in Vicenza, Italy, a beautiful city with one of the world’s largest jewelry industries. Day in and day out Franco was surrounded by talented craftsmen and unique designs but was inspired to take jewelry to a more creative and spiritual level, developing statement pieces for women and utilizing his motto, “Art for a lifestyle of natural luxury.” Franco further reveals, “I am creating jewels that are works of art for the human body and for people who enjoy the authenticity of nature and the refinement of luxury without ostentation.”

In keeping with his natural themes Franco is continually inspired by the elements earth, water, and fire, as well as the universe and all of it’s breathtaking components. “A woman is her own universe. Day to day she takes care of herself, manages a professional success, all the while maintaining a happy family. She is a fireball of energy at the center of her universe. I envision the jewels I create as the flames of her energy, expressing the diversity of a woman’s personality. This is why I have chosen the universe, cosmos and galaxies as the themes of my new collections.”

La Maison Franco Pianegona’s exquisiteness stems from the pieces’ avant-garde designs and quality materials used in their craft making, including wood, metal, silver, gold and semi precious gems. Another component of what makes Franco’s jewelry so unique is the continuous revitalization of classic shapes, such as his pointed heart design featured in the Magic Hearts collection, “A heart is tender but it can also be sharp,” Franco shares.

In 2010 Franco’s pieces generated over $15 million in revenue worldwide. With new stores opening everyday, the company estimates to have grown significantly by the end of this year. In already loving Franco Pianegona’s fall 2011 collections, we here at TheStylishCity simply can not wait to see what he has in store for us come 2012.

By Caitlin Colford