Sara Croce: The Refined Beauty of Melissa Sakamoto jewelry

Melissa je postala prepoznatljivo ime u svetu dizajna nakita zahvaljujući svojim unikatnim i prefinjenim kreacijama. Njene kolekcije nisu samo nakit, već pravi umetnički izrazi, spoj tradicije i moderne elegancije. Sa bogatom istorijom u svetu fine umetnosti nakita, Melissa je usmerena na izradu komada koji odražavaju luksuz, ali i nosivu lepotu svakodnevnog života. U intervjuu koji sledi, podelila je sa nama kako je njena strast prema stvaranju nakita počela, kako je saradnja sa poznatim modelom i glumicom Sarom Croce oblikovala njenu najnoviju kampanju, kao i šta je to što čini njen nakit toliko posebnim i prepoznatljivim.

Melissa, postali ste prepoznatljivo ime zbog vaših prelepih dizajnerskih komada nakita. Možete li podeliti kako je započela vaša karijera kao dizajnerke nakita i šta vas je podstaklo na saradnju sa Sarom Croce?

Moja priča kao dizajnerke nakita počela je još u detinjstvu, kada sam bila izložena “lepim kamenčićima” i slobodnim kreacijama od peska i gline, koje su tokom decenija evoluirale u komade sa retkim kamenjem i tehnikom gubljenja voska. Sve o stvaranju finog nakita sam naučila od svog oca, koji je započeo svoj biznis u San Francisku 1970-ih.

Pokrenula sam svoju kompaniju pre 10 godina u Njujorku i tokom poslednje decenije imala sam izložbe u različitim galerijama, robnim kućama i pop-up događajima u Tokiju, Hong Kongu i Njujorku. Pre godinu dana preselila sam se u Beverli Hils, gde nastavljam sa kreacijama, a Saru sam upoznala preko vrlo dragog prijatelja.

Šta za Vas znači kada vidite svoje dizajne na tako istaknutoj manekenki i glumici kao što je Sara?

Moji kreacije su inspirisane ženama i muškarcima koji nose moje komade, jer poznajem njihov način života i njihove potrebe. Kada sam videla svoje komade na Sari, to je za mene otvorilo novi nivo inspiracije, jer ona utelovljuje svežinu i živahnu energiju mlade žene sa izuzetnim ponašanjem i profesionalizmom u svom radu. Moji komadi ožive na njoj.

Kako je došlo do saradnje sa Sarom Croce i šta vas je privuklo da je izaberete za lice Melissa Jewelry brenda?

Radila sam sa mnogim modelima ranije, svaki sa različitim vrlinama. Sara obuhvata sve osobine koje volim da vidim na ženama koje nose moj nakit – zabavnu, seksi, pametnu i internacionalnu ženu.

U vašoj kampanji u kojoj Sara nosi vaš nakit, komadi su zaista zapanjujući. Kako biste opisali ovu kolekciju i šta je čini posebnom u odnosu na druge linije nakita?

Komadi koje ona nosi dolaze iz različitih kolekcija, ali svi izgledaju fantastično zajedno. Prsten na njenoj ruci i narukvica su iz moje serije “Sazanami”, verovatno moje najtraženije serije. Oni oslikavaju prskanje dijamanata koji blistaju na vodi kad sunčeva svetlost pogodi okean. Minđuše su iz jedne od mojih prvih izložbi u Njujorku, pod nazivom “Kosmopolitizam”… Volim to što je Sara pravi “kosmopolitski” tip žene. Bicolor akvamarinski ogrlica je jedan od mojih omiljenih komada. Boje na centru kamena su pravi prirodni fenomen i potpuno očaravajuće. Smaragdni i dijamantski prsten koji nosi na svom prstu je iz moje najnovije kolekcije. Oni podsećaju na komade koje je moj otac pravio 90-ih sa teškom, fluidnom i luksuznom završnom obradom, što je potpuno nemoguće napraviti na CAD-u. Zapravo, svi moji komadi su nemogući za kreiranje na CAD-u.

Kada dizajnirate nakit za ovakvu kampanju, da li imate neki poseban stil, raspoloženje ili priču koju želite da prenesete kroz svaki komad?

Moji komadi za svaku kolekciju odražavaju godišnje doba sa izborima boja kamenja koje odgovaraju sezonskom duhu. Za ovu kampanju, odabrala sam komade koji odražavaju dolazak proleća, obnavljanje i preporod.

Nakit je često lična izjava. Kako vi, kao dizajner, pristupate stvaranju komada koji su dovoljno svestrani za svakodnevno nošenje, a da ipak zadrže svoju jedinstvenu eleganciju?

Učila sam zanat finog nakita od majstora koji je bio angažovan za stvaranje najimpresivnijih komada za žene širom sveta. Bilo je to drugo vreme 80-ih i 90-ih kada su komadi bili izuzetno veliki i dinamični, a nijedna cena nije bila previše visoka za broj kamenčića koji su korišćeni. Kada sam počela da pravim svoj nakit, i do danas, mogu da pravim samo komade koje bih volela da nosim. Komade koji nisu specifični za neku priliku. Mogu biti dinamični i luksuzni, ali se mogu nositi bez napora uz džins i majicu.

Sa uspehom ove kampanje, čemu se najviše radujete u budućim projektima ili dizajnerskim ciljevima?

Svaki moj komad je jedinstven. Radujem se što ću nastaviti da rastem i stvaram još dinamičnije, luksuznije komade uz sve veće zahteve mog klijentela.

Kako ste se osećali kada ste videli Saru Croce kako nosi vaše jedinstvene, unikatne komade na snimanju? Da li je njeno tumačenje unelo neki novi pogled na vaše dizajne?

Da, bila sam zadivljena što je ravnoteža svih komada bila savršena. Navikli smo da vidimo sve tanje prstenove i prazniji nakit u većini brendova jer su cene metala porasle. Uspela sam da ne kompromitujem veličinu, težinu, zapreminu i kvalitet materijala u svojim radovima. Ovo je pravi luksuz – moći da uživate u supstanci u najvišim elementima komada koji se nose svakodnevno.

U editorijalu su se savršeno uparili vaš klasični i moderni dizajn. Kako vidite klijente kao što je Sara kako integrišu ove vanvremenske, ali i savremene komade u svoj lični stil?

Volim što je Sara vanvremenska i savremena u svom stilu. Nema potrebe da se opterećuje time što nosi svaki prepoznatljiv brend. Pažljivo bira kul, bez napora lepe stvari koje joj odgovaraju i izgledaju prirodno elegantno na njoj. Ona se ne trudi da bude previše upadljiva, i volim to kod nje, uprkos tome što je okružena tim tipom kulture u Los Anđelesu, gde obe živimo.

Da li smatrate da vaša lična sklonost prema određenim vrstama nakita – kao što su ogrlice, prstenje, minđuše ili narukvice – utiče na vaše dizajniranje? Kako uspevate da kolekcija odgovara različitim ukusima, uključujući i onaj poput Sare?

Uživam u nošenju kohezivnih “setova” koji dobro idu zajedno, umesto da stavljam sve što imam zajedno, što je sadašnji trend. Krivim se kada vidim sve to slaganje i preklapanje jer se metali i kamenčići ogrebu kada su pomešani. Volim nositi svaki dinamičan komad samostalno jer izgleda rafinirano i zadržava svoju vrednost.

Melissa Jewelry je poznat po svom izuzetnom zanatstvu i etičkom izvoru dragocenih kamenčića. Koliko su održivost i etički izvori važni u vašem kreativnom procesu i kako to odgovara saradnji sa modelima poput Sare Croce?

Etički izvori sz apsolutno ključni za moj kreativni proces. Ne bih mogla da napravim komad sa kamenom čiji poreklo ne znam, jer svaki kamen nosi svoju energiju. To je i razlog zašto ne kupujem niti radim sa starim nakitom ili kamenčićima. Većina dragocenih metala u brendiranom nakitu se reciklira i rafinuje od strane istog rafinera u određenom gradu, što znači da su od samog početka održivi. “Održivi” je i biće ključna reč u marketingu, ali moji komadi su oduvek bili “održivi” kao i sve što radim u svom životu.

Editorijal je istakao luksuz i složenost vaših dizajna. Kako vidite nakit kao element koji unapređuje izgled osobe, bilo da je u pitanju foto sesija sa Sarom ili lični događaj važan za osobu?

Kada neko nosi nakit koji voli i na koji je ponosan, on sjaji kao niko drugi. Kosa se povuče unazad da bi se pokazale minđuše, ruke sa sigurnošću drže čašu vina ili šoljicu čaja. Rukavi se podižu da bi se pokazala narukvica. Dekolte je otkriven da bi se istakla lepa ogrlica. Nakit nije samo uspomena, nego bih otišla tako daleko i rekla da je to poslednji i najdefinišući element nečijeg stila. Veoma je očigledno kada je nešto pozajmljeno, darovano ili kupljeno s namerom da se nosi svakodnevno. Ništa mi ne daje veći smisao u životu nego da mogu da napravim komade u kojima će neko uživati svakodnevno.

Kako je izgledao proces rada sa vašim timom na odabiru savršenih komada za ovaj editorijal, i kako je uloga Sare oblikovala finalnu prezentaciju?

Proces je bio besprekorno zabavan! Oduševili su me svi odevni komadi koje je stilista doneo za Saru, kako bi odgovarali njenom tenu i figuri. Šminkerka je dala Sari najprirodniji i najosvežavajući izgled koji je samo unapredio njenu lepotu i dozvolio nakitu da zablista. Uputstva fotografa bila su fenomenalna i iznedrila najbolje iz svih. Iskreno, bilo je to idealno snimanje. Osećala sam se vrlo srećno što sam imala priliku da radim sa tako talentovanim i lepim ljudima!

English here:

Melissa, you’ve become a recognizable name for your exquisite jewelry designs. Could you share how your journey as a jewelry designer started and what led you to collaborate with Sara Croce?

My journey as a jewelry designer started as a child where I was exposed to “pretty rocks” and free form creations from sand and clay which eventually morphed into creations with rare stones and lost wax carving over the decades. I learned everything about fine jewelry creations from sourcing the best stones to 3D creative forms to casting and shaping metals from my father who started his business in SanFrancisco on the 1970’s.

I started my own company 10 years ago in New York and have had exhibitions in various galeries, department stores and pop up events in Tokyo, Hong Kong and New York over the last decade. I moved to Beverly Hills last year where I have been continuing my creations and met Sara through a very dear friend.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of seeing your designs featured on such a prominent model and actress like Sara?

My creations are very much inspired by the women and men who wear my pieces as I know their lifestyle and what their needs are. Seeing my pieces on Sara has opened another level of inspiration for me as she epitomizes the fresh and vivacious energy of a young woman with exceptional poise and professionalism in her work. The pieces truly come alive on her.

How did the collaboration with Sara Croce come about, and what drew you to work with her as the face of Melissa Jewelry?

I had worked with many models previously, each with different strengths. Sara embodies all of the elements of fun, sexy, smart and international woman that I love to see my pieces adorned by.

In your campaign featuring Sara, the pieces are truly stunning. How would you describe the collection and what makes it stand out from other jewelry lines?

The pieces she is wearing are from different collections but all look great worn together. The ring on her ring finger and bracelet are from my “Sazanami” series, probably my most requested series. They portray the spray of diamonds glistening on water when sunlight hits the ocean. The earrings are from one of my first exhibitions in New York, entitled “Cosmopolitan-ism”… I love that Sara is the ultimate “cosmopolitan” girl. The bi-color aquamarine necklace is one of my favorite pieces. The colors on the center stone are a miracle of natural elements and completely mesmerizing. The emerald and diamond ring worn on her forefinger is from my most recent collection. They are reminiscent of the pieces my father used to make in the 90’s with the heavy handed, fluid, luxurious finish, completely impossible to create on cad. In fact, all of my pieces are impossible to create on cad.

When designing jewelry for a campaign like this, do you have a particular style, mood, or story that you aim to convey through each piece?

My pieces for each collection reflect the season with choices in stone colors that suit the seasonal mood. For this campaign, I chose pieces that reflect the emergence of spring, renewal and rebirth.

Jewelry is often a personal statement. How do you, as a designer, approach creating pieces that feel versatile enough for everyday wear while still retaining their unique elegance?

I learned the craft of fine jewelry by a master jeweler who was commissioned to create the most jaw dropping pieces for women around the world. It was a different time in the 80’s and 90’s when the pieces were extremely big and dynamic and no expense was spared in the number or stones

used. When I started making my own jewelry, and to this day, I can only make pieces that I would love to wear. Pieces that are not occasion specific. They can be dynamic and luxurious but worn effortlessly with jeans and a t-shirt.

With the success of this campaign, what future projects or design goals are you most excited about?

Each of my pieces are one of a kind. I am excited to continue to grow and create more dynamic, more luxurious pieces with the growing demand of my clientele.

How did it feel seeing Sara Croce wearing your unique, one-of-a-kind pieces in the shoot? Did her portrayal bring any new perspective to your designs?

Yes, I was in awe that the balance of all the pieces were just right. We are so used to seeing increasingly thinner ring bands and hollow jewerly in most brands as the prices of metals have soared. I have managed to not compromise on the size, weight, volume and quality in the materials of my works. This is true luxury to be able to enjoy substance in the highest elements of pieces being worn everyday.

The editorial paired your classic and modern designs seamlessly. How do you envision clients like Sara integrating these timeless yet contemporary pieces into their personal style?

I love that Sara is timeless and contemporary in her own style. She does not seem concerned with adorning herself with every recognizable brand in everything she wears. She carefully chooses cool, effortless and beautiful things that suit her and look naturally elegant on her. She is not try hard nor showy, I love that about her, despite being immersed in that kind of culture in Los Angelos where we both reside.

Do you find that your own preferences in jewelry—such as necklaces, rings, earrings, or bracelets—influence your designs? How do you ensure that the collection caters to a variety of tastes, including those of someone like Sara?

I enjoy wearing cohesive “sets” that go well together as opposed to stacking everything that I own together which seems to be the current trend. I cringe when I see all the stacking and overlaying as metals and stones do get scratched when jumbled together. I love wearing each dynamic piece on its own as it looks more refined and retains its condition.

Melissa Jewelry is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and ethical sourcing of precious stones. How important is sustainability and ethical sourcing in your creative process, and how does it align with working with models like Sara Croce?

Ethical sourcing is absolutely paramount to my creative process. I would not be able to create a piece with a stone not knowing its origin as each stone carries its own energy. That is also why I do not buy or work with estate jewelry or stones. Most precious metals in branded jewelry are recycled and refined by the same refiner in a particular city, ie are sustainable to begin with. “Sustainablity” is and will continue to be a key word in marketing but my pieces have always been “sustainable” as is most everything I do in my life.

The editorial highlighted the luxury and intricacy of your designs. How do you see jewelry enhancing someone’s overall look, whether it’s for a photo shoot with Sara or a personal milestone event?

When someone is wearing jewelry they love and take pride in, it makes them shine like nothing else. Hair is pushed back to show off their earrings, hands are confidently holding that wine glass or tea cup. Sleeves are rolled back to showcase that wrist adorned with a dramatic bracelet. The decolletage is exposed to reveal a beautiful necklace. Jewelry is not only a keepsake but I would go so far as to say it is the final and most defining element of one’s style. It is very obvious when something is borrowed, gifted or purchased with intent to enjoy everyday. Nothing gives me more purpose in life than to be able to create pieces for someone to enjoy everyday.

What was the process like working with your team to select the perfect pieces for this editorial, and how did Sara’s involvement shape the final presentation?

The process was seamless and fun! I loved all of the clothing the stylist brought for Sara to complement her coloring and figure. The makeup artist gave Sara the most natural and fresh look that only enhanced her beauty and let the jewelry shine too. The photographer’s instructions were phenomenal and brought out the best in everyone. No one had an ego and honestly, it was a dream shoot. I felt very fortunate to be able to work with such talented and beautiful people!

Team:

Talent: Sara Croce
Photographer: Marcel Indik
Stylist: Kirsten Reader
HMU: Christina Spina
Producer: Marina Masowietsky
Producer Assistant: Jade Weber
Assistant: Christina Schmotolocha
Retoucher: Frank Yi