The Roaring Lion Tāhei Kaki Whakapuaki by Philippe Vergez

The Roaring Lion Tāhei Kaki Whakapuaki by Philippe Vergez is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Hiriwa in Hoahoa Whakakai Competition Category.

HiriwaWhakakai· 2025

The Roaring Lion Tāhei Kaki Whakapuaki

by Philippe Vergez

Client: Vergez™

A' Design Award Hiriwa Winner in Whakakai Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About The Roaring Lion Tāhei Kaki Whakapuaki

Ko te Tāhei Kaki Raiona Ngangahu e hono ana i ngā tikanga mahi toi o mua me ngā tikanga hou hei hanga taonga whakapaipai whakaahua. I hangaia ki te koura mā, ko tōna tohu raiona koi-mata e tūtaki ana ki te mārama hei whakanui i te hōhonu me te āhua. Ko ngā aho pere Tahiti e whakarato ana i te rerekētanga, e whakataurite ana i te hanganga me te rerenga. I uru te tukanga hoahoa ki te rangahau whānui mō te tukunga rawa me te āhei kia mau, e whakaū ana i te pānga ā-kanohi me te whakamārie. Nui atu i te whakapaipai noa, ko te tāhei kaki e whakaata ana i te whakapuakanga whaiaro mā te āhua, te kakano, me te hanga.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Hiriwa

Ko The Roaring Lion Tāhei Kaki Whakapuaki te toa o te A' Design Award Hiriwa, he whakaaetanga tino whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa taumata teitei rawa, ātaahua me te whakamīharo. Ko ngā toa Hiriwa he mahi tino kanapa, tino auaha e whakaatu ana i te mātanga, te pūmanawa me te mōhio hōhonu o ā rātou kaihoahoa. E tūmanakohia ana ko The Roaring Lion Tāhei Kaki Whakapuaki he mahi whakamīharo, he tauira, he tino ngaio, he auaha hōhonu. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Hiriwa he hanganga rongonui, whakamīharotia e whai wāhi ana ki te whakawhānui i ngā rohe o te toi, te pūtaiao, te hoahoa me te hangarau. Ko The Roaring Lion Tāhei Kaki Whakapuaki he mahi e hae ana te tini, e whakaara ana i ngā hiahia, e kawe mai ana i ngā kare-ā-roto pai, ā, e whakaoho ana i te mīharo.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This choker is the result of a meticulous design process that balances technique and artistry. The faceted white gold lion motif reflects light dynamically, creating depth and contrast. Tahitian pearls introduce fluidity, complementing the structured composition. Careful attention to material selection ensures both durability and comfort. Designed with precision and craftsmanship, the piece embodies strength and individuality through its sculptural form and refined details.
Dimensions & Packaging: Inside Diameter 15 cm
Outside Diameter 24 cm
Lion head height 7cm
Tags: vergez jewelry, roaring lion, strength and rebellion, empowering women, tribute to legends,
Production Technology: Each piece has been meticulously crafted in the tradition of fine jewelry making, cut, carved, shaped, soldered, and polished by hand. Diamonds are bezel-set, and crosses were made separately, then pinned and soldered from the back. The pearls have wider drill holes to fit onto the rods. These stainless steel rods pass through the lion’s head, providing stiffness while maintaining flexibility and comfort. After testing various methods, we achieved the perfect balance for Qymira’s performance.
Design Challenge: The challenge was to give a floating feel to a piece that should remain stable on the neck of the artist while she is dancing or playing violin on stage.
Concerning the main piece, filing and polishing each facet to perfection posed a challenge that demanded skill, time and unwavering focus.
Research: The research for The Roaring Lion Choker combined artistic exploration and technical innovation. Our objective was to fuse high jewelry craftsmanship with bold symbolism. We love historical regalia, modern faceting techniques, and material interactions. Using 3D modeling and metal prototyping, we refined the lion’s sculptural form. Giving life and expression to a geometrical mathematical shape. This research pushes design boundaries, blending heritage with avant-garde luxury.
Inspiration: Inspired by the fearless spirit of Qymira, a captivating artist, singer, composer, lyricist and actress. The Roaring Lion Choker embodies strength, artistry, and defiance. It honors her inner lioness, carrying her voice into the universal language of music.
Project Duration: The Project duration last 5 months from ideation to completion. Locations span from New York to Bayonne France and our atelier in Hong Kong.
Operation Flow: The Roaring Lion Choker creates an immediate emotional impact, embodying strength and individuality. The faceted white gold lion’s head commands attention, while Tahitian pearls and white diamonds provide contrast in texture and light. Designed for comfort, its structure contours naturally to the wearer’s neck, ensuring a seamless fit. Beyond adornment, it is a statement, inviting admiration, conversation, and a deep connection between the piece, the wearer, and the audience.
Patents: Copyrights belong to Philippe Vergez, 2025.
Team Members: Philippe Vergez
Image Credits: Copyright: Philippe Vergez
Photos Credit: Christiaan Hart Photography
Model/Actress: Qymira