What makes Fabergé so impossibly irresistible even after so many years? Is it the attribute of timelessness, a spirit of inventiveness, or an unshakable commitment to craftsman-ship? Perhaps it’s all of this and much more. Fabergé, one of the world’s most celebrated and revered artist jeweller, has brought to life extraordinary jewellery, watches, objets d’art and bespoke commissions for a discerning international clientele with an unfailing regularity.
Founded in 1842, Fabergé has been one of the most sought-after names in jewellery ever since Peter Carl Fabergé created the fifty groundbreaking Imperial Easter Eggs for the Romanov family between 1885 and 1916. Fabergé was officially ‘re-launched’ on September 9, 2009, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gemfields Ltd. Today, the brand celebrates ‘A Life in Colour’, deriving inspiration from its hallowed past to create original pieces that honour the Maison’s dazzling legacy.
Crafting modern-day heirlooms with its recent artistic alliances, including the Fabergé X Regent Seven Seas Cruises ‘Journey in Jewels’ Egg (2023), the Fabergé X Game of Thrones Egg (2021), the Fabergé X Rolls-Royce ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ Egg (2018), and the Fabergé Pearl Egg (2016); and with the addition of the Fabergé X 007 Egg to Fabergé’s modern legacy, the brand continues to pen a new chapter in its history.
In an exclusive, Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell, Creative Director, Fabergé spoke to ELLE India on the Maison’s constantly evolving story in the context of its heritage and ethos. Over to her.
ELLE: What makes Fabergé so impossibly relevant over the years?
Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell (JBK): What defines Fabergé, both then and now, is its creativity and reputation as the artist jeweller. Now, more than ever, people seek individuality and creations with a unique story. In its true form, luxury is once again relevant, and Fabergé is thriving in this resurgence. We’re fortunate to have this beautiful brand and story at the heart of everything we do today.
We’re definitely a bit rebellious and often do things very differently than the majority of the industry, which is deeply connected to the spirit of Peter Carl Fabergé. He didn’t stick to any rule book; he reinvented the rules to reflect his character and spirit. That’s exactly what we’re doing today. For example, we don’t launch annual collections; it’s something we’ve never done. Instead, we let our creations evolve organically, refining them over time to be the best they can be.
ELLE: Has it been a challenge to constantly live up to this epochal heritage?
JBK: Our heritage and legacy are extremely significant to us, as they are at the forefront of everything we do day-to-day and serve as the origin of our creations. It always begins with a nod to the past, ensuring we stay true to our DNA. It’s about the integrity we infuse into our creations, the craftsmanship, and dedication to the materials we select.
ELLE: How has the brand’s famed ateliers and craftsmanship evolved over the years?
JBK: We have a lot of people asking us about the changes due to technology, and to be honest, it’s quite the opposite for us. We use many analogue techniques and processes, sometimes even skipping CAD (Computer-aided design). We work with master craftspeople who are experienced in a way that they often don’t need technological assistance. We love this because it connects our creations to the hearts and souls of their makers.
From my perspective, it’s not about resisting change; it’s about knowing that when you create something of sentimental value with emotional reference, working with your hands makes each piece a unique creation rather than one of thousands. Globally, we produce about 4,000 pieces across all categories, which is extremely small compared to larger brands. We’re committed to preserving traditional arts, especially enamelling, which we are very proud of.
ELLE: How has Fabergé’s journey been in India since it launched here in 2017?
JBK: India has always been a wonderful place for Fabergé, and we’ve made small inroads into the market. There are challenges, particularly with import and export logistics, but we see great potential and are eager to work with many wonderful people in India. We’ve had the privilege of connecting with families who truly understand high-level creations and bespoke pieces.
Photographs Courtesy: Fabergé
Read the full story on ELLE India’s new issue, or download your digital copy via Magzter.
