The Angle On Alt: Hanna Bernhard

Hanna Bernhard Encrusted Snake Necklace at the Barbara Berger exhibit, Musée des Arts Decoratifs

The Angle On Alt: Hanna Bernhard
By Heather Dunhill

It is easy to see the hand of Emmanuelle Alt in the rock 'n' roll styling of this "Haute Couture" editorial for the November 2011 issue of Vogue Paris. From rock culture’s favorite earring, the hoop, to the Sergio Rossi polka dot booties that Debbie Harry would love to love with an emphasis on the chunky Hanna Bernhard resin bracelets.

Hanna Bernhard resin bracelets as seen in the November 2011 issue of Vogue Paris

Here Emmanuelle put the edge on a cardinal red velvet and feather frou with three easy pieces — a cuff on each wrist and one rebellious statement necklace by Hanna Bernhard. You could own the rhinestone encrusted Baroque cross pendant for $2400, right here at Parisian Street Society. And, since red is one of the hottest colors this season — take note of EA’s beauty styling tip for your next night out in crimson — pouty pink lip, touch of gloss.

Hanna Bernhard Baroque cross pendant as seen in the November 2011 issue of Vogue Paris

Speaking of Hanna Bernhard jewelry — a handcrafted one-of-a-kind piece such as the monkey necklace can take as much as a month of work to complete. Of course the handsome jewelry is considered collectible as well as wearable art. The gems have appeared in coffee table books such as Costume Jewelry Figurals by Kathy Flood, are coveted by notable costume jewelry collectors, and have been ogled by thousands at the Barbara Berger show at Musée des Arts Decoratifs in Paris and at the Iris Apfel exhibit at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Arts.

Hanna Bernhard monkey necklace as seen in the March 2012 issue of Vogue Russia

The husband and wife design team of Nathalie and Fernand Bernhard share the passions of creating jewelry,Nathalie Bernhard primarily of the rhinestone variety, and hunting flea markets around the world for antique treasures and inspiration, especially from the Art Nouveau and Deco periods. Nathalie shares this valuable advice, “Be confident in yourself, like our jewels, you are one-of-a-kind,” a philosophy sure to appeal to Emmanuelle Alt's aesthetic. Stay tuned, next up for the designing duo is their version of a Bakelite line with a French twist. You can see more Hanna Bernhard pieces at CoutureLab.com or read their interview to learn more about these fascinating artists that dabble in jewels.

Hanna Bernhard editorial photographs courtesy of Condé Nast and Nathalie Bernhard. All Rights Reserved.

Comments

[bernie]

The cross on the velvet dress is so 15th century england and france