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Philippe Vergez

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Intervjuer med Philippe Vergez

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Dagens designer-intervju

18 frågor

30 years in the design field, Eyewear and Jewelry. I’ve been creating under the name VERGEZ for several years now, following a path that blends storytelling, emotion, and form.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

30 years in the design field, Eyewear and Jewelry. I’ve been creating under the name VERGEZ for several years now, following a path that blends storytelling, emotion, and form. I come from a multidisciplinary background and have had the privilege to collaborate with master craftsmen, including my partner Evgeny Sukhov, a jeweler and gemologist. Together, we've brought to life pieces that are as much about identity and memory as they are about technique.

How did you become a designer?

It wasn’t a straight line. I’ve always carried a need to express myself, through words, shapes, and symbols. Design became the language that tied all of these together. I started sketching pieces that told stories, often inspired by music, love, and travel. Over time, I realized that what I was doing wasn’t just decoration; it was the preservation of feeling, rebellion, and truth.

The real turning point in my career came when I lost my hearing. It’s crucial to mention because it marked the beginning of a profound shift in my creative process. Losing my hearing altered the way I interacted with the world, and my other senses intensified. This change in perception became the foundation of my designs. It forced me to reconnect with my work in new ways, giving me a deeper understanding of emotion, form, and connection. From that moment on, my work evolved, fueled by a more intimate sense of what it means to experience and create.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

Emotion first. Always. Then clarity, then contrast. I sketch by hand, using a pen and pad, and once the essence is clear, I move into Illustrator and Rhino for digital refinement. I don’t chase perfection, I chase resonance. I want the piece to vibrate with its own energy.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

There’s a kind of obsession at first, the need to get it out. Then comes a quieter joy, a sense of sculpting something eternal. My favorite part is the translation: when an inner impulse becomes an external form. That’s where the magic lives.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

I’ve always loved words, rhythm, and solitude. Those things shaped me as much as any formal skill. I think empathy, patience, and curiosity are as important as design software. Also, living in places like Bayonne, Hong Kong, and California gave me contrasting energies to draw from.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

My next collection, AMORAE, is my most complete to date, born from centuries of passed lives, battles, and loves. Looking forward, I want to create fewer pieces, but with greater depth and purpose, and continue connecting them to causes, like the One Gaia Foundation. My dream? Designing something that one day ends up in a museum, not for its beauty, but for its story.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

Stay curious. Don’t fake rebellion, live it, if it’s in you. Don’t chase trends. Be okay with silence, with slow progress. Protect your instincts, and never underestimate the power of knowing what not to do.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

Design with conviction. Make things that matter. Take time to walk alone, think, observe. The biggest mistake I see is designing for approval. That’s not art, it’s noise. Stay focused, stay honest.

What is your day to day look like?

Sports, motorcycle ride, spending time with my loved one, virtually or in real life. Pen on paper before screen. Then I review ongoing pieces, either alone or with Evgeny. I don’t follow a rigid schedule. The rhythm is intuitive, but always anchored in creating, refining, and remembering why we do this.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

I don’t follow trends. I pay attention to what moves people, but my work is driven by personal narratives and timeless symbols. If a trend happens to align with that, fine, but it’s never the starting point.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

Good design feels inevitable, like it always existed, and we just revealed it. It speaks without shouting. It leaves room for the wearer, user, or viewer to complete the story. It has presence and silence at once.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

When the piece says what it needs to say, no more, no less. I usually feel it physically. There’s a stillness in the process when the design is complete. But yes, I do revisit past works and evolve them when they call me back.

What is your biggest design work?

The Roaring Lion Choker is one of my most significant pieces. It carries layers, personal, political, spiritual. It was made for Qymira, but it speaks to anyone who’s had to fight quietly, protect fiercely, or carry their voice with pride.

Who is your favourite designer?

I admire designers who break rules with grace, like Alexander McQueen, for his emotional violence and beauty. I also respect architects like Tadao Ando, who understand silence as form. And if I could have spoken to one designer from the past, perhaps René Lalique, for how he merged light, emotion, and nature.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I live between places, Bayonne grounds me, Hong Kong sharpens me, and music runs through everything. I always carry On the Road by Kerouac. I believe good design stems from a good life, honest, soulful, free. Culture is not a backdrop. It’s the pulse behind the form.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

Our business philosophy is built on trust, mutual respect, and a refusal to compromise on intention. I only collaborate with people who care, deeply. It’s not about speed or trends. It’s about truth, craftsmanship, and legacy.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

We support One Gaia Foundation, founded by Qymira to help children in need, and The House of affection, an orphanage in vietnam. We give a percentage of each sales to these two organizations. My goal is to continue creating meaningful pieces that serve a greater purpose, and to make sure design always remains connected to compassion.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A' Design Award?

The A’ Design Award gave the Roaring Lion Choker visibility beyond what I imagined, and connected our mission with a wider audience. Three key benefits: recognition by a respected international community, connection with other driven creators, and a reminder that great design can, and should stand for something.

Designintervju

The Roaring Lion Statement Choker · 20 frågor

This piece was designed for artist and philanthropist Qymira, to honor her elegance, strength, and unmistakable presence while on tour in the UK.

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

This piece was designed for artist and philanthropist Qymira, to honor her elegance, strength, and unmistakable presence while on tour in the UK. The Roaring Lion Choker embodies duality, fierce and graceful, majestic and intimate. Inspired by the lion not just as a symbol of royalty and courage, but as a reflection of Qymira’s commanding stage presence and quiet resilience offstage, it channels her voice, roaring when it must, whispering when it wants. Crafted as a tribute, it became a statement of empowerment, protection, and untamed beauty.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

My main focus was to create a piece that would transcend ornament, something that could speak. The goal was to embody the force and fragility of Qymira’s presence into a wearable sculpture, capturing a voice that roars for justice and sings for peace. I wanted the choker to feel like armor and poetry at once, a tribute, but also a talisman. It had to reflect identity, not just style.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

The Roaring Lion Choker will be auctioned to raise funds for the One Gaia Foundation, an initiative created and financed by Qymira to support children in need around the world. It’s a deeply personal gesture: a piece designed in her image, now set to serve her mission. This is where art becomes a bridge, between beauty and purpose, between strength and care. The choker’s roar, once a tribute to her spirit, now becomes a voice for those who need to be heard most.

How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

From the first sketch to the final piece, the Roaring Lion Choker took four months to complete. Every detail, from the curve of the silhouette to the precision of the roar, was carefully refined. While the concept came intuitively, translating that emotion into form, and balancing strength with grace, took time. It was not just about making a jewel, it was about capturing a presence.

Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

This was not a commissioned piece in the traditional sense, it was born from inspiration and admiration. The Roaring Lion Choker was created as a unique piece for Qymira, who represents our brand worldwide. Her presence, her mission, and her inner fire inspired every line of the design. It was a tribute, not just to her, but to what she stands for: strength with purpose, elegance with edge.

Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

We do not plan to lease or license the design to any third party. As of now, it remains a unique piece. We may eventually add it to our own catalogue, with profits directed to the One Gaia Foundation. Given the nature of the choker, a high-value, statement creation, we do not anticipate mass production or widespread sales. Its purpose is more symbolic than commercial.

What made you design this particular type of work?

I wanted to create something that would embody strength and elegance in equal measure, a sculptural tribute that could be worn. The lion, as a symbol, carries ancestral weight. In Qymira, I saw that same mix of power and grace, and it felt natural to design a piece that roars without shouting.

Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

No. This piece was entirely born from personal inspiration and the connection I have with Qymira, no outside influence or reference guided the design.

Who is the target customer for his design?

This is a unique piece , not made for a market, but for a muse. If ever reproduced, it would still speak to a very specific kind of person: someone who embraces boldness, soul, and meaning in what they wear.

What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

Its uniqueness, not just in form, but in intention. It is not a lion-shaped ornament. It is a lion’s spirit captured in metal and set close to the voice. It’s not meant to be trendy. It’s meant to last.

How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

The name Roaring Lion Choker came naturally. The lion is both a protector and a voice, the roar represents power, presence, and the echo of Qymira’s own mission. The name is literal, symbolic, and intimate all at once.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

The first sketches were made with pen and pad. Later, I used Adobe Illustrator for vector refinement and Rhino for the technical 3D modeling. But the soul of the piece was there from the start, on paper.

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

Its soul. It carries more than design, it carries meaning, love, a mission, and identity. The lion doesn’t only sit on the neck. It watches, it protects, it speaks.

Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

I worked closely with my partner, Evgeny Sukhov, jeweler and gemologist, who brought the piece to life technically. While the design was entirely mine, Evgeny’s expertise made the impossible possible.

What is the role of technology in this particular design?

The role of technology in this design is very limited, as it is a handmade piece crafted in the tradition of fine jewelry. While I use digital tools to refine ideas and bring them to life, the heart of the design process is deeply rooted in craftsmanship. Each piece is created by hand, focusing on the artistry, skill, and attention to detail that has been passed down through generations. Technology serves as a tool for precision, but the soul of the piece lies in the hands of the artisans who bring it to life.

Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

My designs come from within. There are born from personal experiences, emotions, and stories rather than data or analytical research. I don’t rely on trends or market studies, my process is deeply intuitive, guided by the essence of what I want to express. The research I conduct is more about exploring my own inspirations, memories, and the world around me, whether it’s through music, nature, or moments in time. It’s a process that’s less about numbers and more about feeling and connection.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

Achieving both comfort and structure was a technical challenge. The piece had to be wearable yet powerful, a sculpture that moves with the body. Translating the roar into a shape that wasn’t literal yet deeply evocative took time and iteration.

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

This design felt like a milestone in my creative path. It held meaning, complexity, and beauty, and I wanted to share that beyond our inner circle. The A' Design Award felt like the right platform to celebrate that intention and craftsmanship.

What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

I learned the value of restraint, knowing when to stop. I deepened my trust in the emotional process of design. It reminded me that the most powerful pieces don’t come from trends, but from something much deeper , memory, purpose, love.

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

Only this: sometimes a piece of jewelry is not a product, it’s a message. This choker was created out of admiration, shaped by intention, and now it will serve a greater cause through the One Gaia Foundation. That’s what design should be: a bridge between art and action.

Designlegend-intervju

50 frågor

I studied mathematics and physics at the University of Bordeaux, but always kept one foot in the arts. I took side courses in photography and design at the School of Arts of Bordeaux, at a time photography was argentic…

Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

I studied mathematics and physics at the University of Bordeaux, but always kept one foot in the arts. I took side courses in photography and design at the School of Arts of Bordeaux, at a time photography was argentic and design softwares were not invented yet... That’s where logic and emotion started to merge for me. Design became my language for both.

What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

I design to capture the things we can’t say easily, love, loss, memory, rebellion. Design gives shape to what haunts or inspires us. That’s what keeps me going.

Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

It chose me. I never really made a career plan, I just followed the instinct to create. Design was the vessel that could hold the fire.

What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

I design jewelry, mostly, sculptural, emotional, unapologetic. I’d love to explore furniture or sacred objects next, anything with a soul.

What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

Don’t try to be a legend. Try to be honest. Try to be necessary. That’s the only thing that lasts.

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

A good designer masters form. A great designer masters silence, they know when to stop, and when to let a piece speak on its own.

What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

When it feels inevitable, like it couldn’t have been done any other way. Good design doesn’t beg for attention. It carries gravity.

What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

Because we become what we surround ourselves with. Good design elevates our thoughts, our habits, and our sense of self.

What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

I’d love to design for someone who’s lost their voice, a piece that helps them reclaim it. Not just jewelry, something protective, symbolic.

What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?

My next one, one dream at a time.

What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

Memory. I design from moments I can’t forget, or from ones I wish had lasted longer.

Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

Alexander McQueen. Tadao Ando. René Lalique. And musicians, they’re designers of emotion.

What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

Anything that holds paradox, power and fragility, minimalism and excess, stillness and movement.

What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

I believe my greatest design, not yet released, is the Amorae ring. It’s deeply personal, bridging past lives and future hopes. It’s not just a jewel; it’s an intemporal symbol of love and freedom. It carries echoes of battles fought, bonds unbroken, and a longing that transcends time. I designed it to endure, not just physically, but emotionally. I believe it will stand as a testament to everything I’ve tried to express as a designer.

How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

Protect your solitude. Sketch a lot. Travel. Listen. And read, especially outside of design.

If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?

Probably a writer or filmmaker. Something where narrative and rhythm still matter.

How do you define design, what is design for you?

Design is memory made visible.

Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

Qymira, her belief and presence shaped everything. And Evgeny who turns my wildest designs into reality.

What helped you to become a great designer?

Patience. Rebellion, staying honest, even when it cost me time. Never compromising with my values and integrity.

What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

Self-doubt. Lack of access. And learning to balance vision with feasibility.

How do you think designers should present their work?

With clarity, but not over-explaining. Let the piece speak. But give it a context worth listening to.

What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

The AMORAE collection, born of past lives, revolutions, and love. One of my deepest works yet.

What's your ultimate goal as a designer?

Creating pieces that will talk to people 100 years from now....

What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

Authenticity. Vision. And a refusal to compromise.

How does design help create a better society?

Design makes people feel seen, protected, inspired. It can reconnect us to purpose, if it’s done with heart.

What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

AMORAE. It’s more than a collection, it’s a map of memory, pain, love, and freedom.

Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

The Roaring Lion Choker, because it united design, tribute, and philanthropy in one gesture.

What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

Less noise. Less mass production. More depth. More pieces that mean something.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

I dream it will go toward meaningful minimalism, where less is made, but more is said.

How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

From a few days to several months, depending on how stubborn the soul of the piece is.

When you have a new design project, where do you start?

With a feeling. Then a shape. Then a sketch.

What is your life motto as a designer?

The hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can inspire. A magical quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson

Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

Design can set the trend, if it dares to ignore it.

What is the role of technology when you design?

Supportive. It refines, but never leads.

What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

Pen and sketchpad, Adobe Illustrator, Rhino, Wacom tablet, multiple screens. And music, always.

What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

Essential, they give the piece its temperature, its voice.

What do you wish people to ask about your design?

“What story does this piece tell?” Not “What does it cost?”

When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

“How did he/she feel when he/she made this?”

Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

Evgeny or Florent another one of a kind jeweler, always. And yes, if the values align. Co-design can be powerful.

Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

Lately, Qymira and Evgeny. One inspires, the other enables. And those who always supported me and encouraged me when I was lost. They know who they are.

Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

On the Road by Kerouac. Coolness: The pure elegance of freedom by Michael Köckritz. And countless poems.

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

By failing. Then trying again. Being stubborn and by never rushing.

Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

Leonardo da Vinci, not for technique, but to talk about restlessness, magic of numbers and geometry.

How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

I’m not famous, and I don’t seek to be. I remain humble. The recognition is meaningful, of course, but it’s not the goal. Awards shine a light on the work, not the person. I’m grateful if the work touches people or serves a cause, that’s enough. The rest is noise.

What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

My favorite color is the sum of all of them: Black

Place: anywhere with my significant one

Food: pinxos

Thing: my 1200 R Triumph Thruxton

Brand:VERGEZ of course.

Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

I do not want to embarrass myself... LOL

What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

A motorcycle ride. A music. A walk alone. A sentence from a book. A text from a loved one. Or a moment when a design “clicks.”

When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

It was obvious to me I will be a knight in armor fighting endless battles. I was crafting my own swords out of wood at age 4 and I was always drawn to things that didn’t yet exist.

What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

Not very confident about the future but if we are lucky to witness a miracle, we may return to simplicity and remember to live with less and love more.

Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

I design with feeling. I create to remember. And I hope my pieces speak to the part of you that still believes in magic, resistance, and love.

Designerintervju

40 frågor

My path to design was anything but linear, it grew out of necessity, emotion, and curiosity. I was always more drawn to music, but call it fate or accident, I became hearing impaired and could no longer enjoy playing it…

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

My path to design was anything but linear, it grew out of necessity, emotion, and curiosity. I was always more drawn to music, but call it fate or accident, I became hearing impaired and could no longer enjoy playing it the same way. So I turned that creative energy toward design. I’ve always loved creating with my hands, shaping surfboards, tweaking skate gear, altering my clothes. Over time, that instinct to make things evolved into a language, a language that can be felt, not heard. Music, memories, and emotions became my compass. VERGEZ was born from that same drive to craft pieces that tell stories and stay with people long after they’ve worn them.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

VERGEZ is a jewelry house. It fuses passion, authenticity, and rebellion with the desire to live freely and truthfully. Every collection begins with a story, inspired by music, people, and the pulse of life. My goal is always to bridge art and craftsmanship, creating designs that carry emotion and meaning.

What is "design" for you?

Design is about emotion. A well-designed piece speaks, it connects. For me, it’s storytelling through form, a dialogue between the creator and the one who wears it. True design feels inevitable, as if it always existed and was just waiting to be revealed.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I’m drawn to creations that hold a soul, pieces tied to songs, moments, or people. They need to stir something, to make the wearer feel, remind. Music and memory are my main fuels. Collections like With or Without You and Double Trouble carry that rhythm of emotion and nostalgia. My next collection, Amorae, embodies it all, centuries of love and freedom turned into form.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

Each design feels like a chapter of my story, but Amorae holds a special place. It’s inspired by the eternal link between love, freedom, and legacy, by music that moves the soul and by history that shaped who we are. It’s my most personal and complete creation so far.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

A pair of sunglasses. That first design was pure instinct, no plan, just passion and opportunity. But it set the foundation for everything that came after: the blend of creativity and craftsmanship that still defines my work today.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

Always a pen and a sketch pad. That’s where everything starts, raw, honest, human. Digital tools come later, but nothing replaces the intimacy of the first line drawn by hand.

When do you feel the most creative?

When the world goes quiet, on a long ride, a walk through Bayonne, my city, or lost in music. Solitude gives space for ideas to breathe. I don’t chase creativity; I let it find me.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

Emotion first. Always. Once I know what the piece must feel like, I think about its shape, texture, and details. Every choice must serve the emotion, not the other way around.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

Fear and pride. Fear, because every creation is a risk, an exposed truth. And pride when it finally breathes and finds its place in the world.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

Fear and pride. Fear, as each design is a leap into the unknown, pushing boundaries and testing limits. There’s always a moment of doubt before the final piece is realized, wondering if it will live up to the vision in my mind. But once the design comes to life, the pride follows. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing something you’ve created resonate with others, knowing that it’s more than just an object, it’s a connection, a story brought to life.

What makes a design successful?

When it connects. When someone feels seen through it. A design succeeds when it stirs something timeless when beauty meets meaning.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

Connection. If it touches someone beyond the surface, if it makes them feel then it’s good design, a piece of art. The rest is secondary.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

The same than any other citizen, minimize our carbon footprint and respect the land which hosts our lives. Sustainability is not a selling point to me, not advertising, it is common sense. I simply create pieces that last, that matter, and that respect both people and the planet. True responsibility lies in intention, making things that are meant to endure, not to fill landfills.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

Real design, as an art is moving toward personalization and honesty. People want stories, not products. The future belongs to authenticity, creations that reflect individuality and purpose rather than trends or marketing noise. I am not considering the use of AI as art, neither AI manipulators as artists.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

I don’t do exhibitions or trade shows yet. My work lives through the people who wear it, not on display stands. My path is about truth, not trends.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

Music, memories, chaos. Inspiration is everywhere, hidden in a melody, a conversation, a storm, or silence. My mind is never still, and I channel that noise into creation.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

Authentic. Rebellious. Emotional. My style blends rock ’n’ roll energy with refinement, bold yet poetic. Each piece reflects individuality and timelessness, more a story than an accessory. It’s my way of capturing life’s rhythm in metal and stone.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

I live in Bayonne, in the Basque Country, place of fierce freedom and deep roots. Its mix of wild coasts, artistry, and rebellion flows through me. Though my brand operates globally, this land anchors my soul and imagination. I also spend a lot of time in Hong Kong as I lived there for 12 years.

How do you work with companies?

These days, I focus on my own brand and story. When I collaborate, it’s built on trust and respect. Human connection always comes before business.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

Understand and respect that true designers aren’t driven by profit, we’re driven by vision. Listen to that vision, trust it. The best designers see ahead of you; give them space to create what you can’t yet imagine. Most of the time they are worth what they charge.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

As I mentioned previously, it starts with emotion, a story I want to translate into form. From there, I sketch, refine, and push boundaries until the impossible becomes possible. Each design must feel alive, balanced, and timeless.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

Three paintings, one I co painted with my mother, one from my father, and one from an artist who later found fame. A statue of a man in a yogini pose that reminds me of balance. And my personal ring, a talisman of everything I am.

Can you describe a day in your life?

Mornings begin with sport, then a bit of work, maybe a ride on my motorcycle or coffee with a friend. Later, I sketch in quiet places or listen to music. Evenings often end by the ocean, with friends, a loved one or alone, watching the sun fall, my way to reset and breathe before tomorrow.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

Design for the soul, not for fame. Stay true to your essence, even when it’s hard. Every failure is a teacher. Patience, humility, and heart will take you farther than any shortcut.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

The joy is endless creation, the thrill of giving form to emotion. The downside is the constant chase for perfection. But that tension is what makes us grow.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Design for the soul, not the trend. Authenticity never ages.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Empathy, imagination, discipline. A designer must listen, feel, and translate. Beyond technique, it’s passion and persistence that define mastery.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

Everything begins with pen and pad. Then come Illustrator, Rhino, and the Adobe suite. For videos, Final Cut Pro and After Effects. And always nearby, On the Road by Jack Kerouac, reminding me to keep exploring.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

I don’t force it. Each piece takes the time it needs. I’d rather wait for perfection than rush beauty.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

It depends, some ideas arrive like lightning, others take years. I stop only when it feels complete, not when the clock says so.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

“What inspires you?” Always the same, and yet I love it, because inspiration is the story behind every piece I make.

What was your most important job experience?

The hardest ones. Failures taught me more than success ever could. Each fall reshaped my path and refined my craft.

Who are some of your clients?

Today, I work only for myself and my art. In the past, I collaborated with great names and creatives, but now my focus is on building something truly mine.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

Jewelry and eyewear, they’re closest to my DNA. I love their intimacy and precision. Still, I enjoy challenges that take me beyond my comfort zone.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

To keep creating with joy, expanding the VERGEZ story with authenticity. My dream is to see the brand stand among the greats while staying true to its roots.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

I design alone but collaborate with my partner, Evgeny Sukhov, a master jeweler and gemologist. He gives technical life to my designs and ideas, often the impossible ones.

Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

Yes, several. Amorae is my main focus, a collection born from freedom, love, and legacy. It’s unfolding day by day.

How can people contact you?

By email at info@vergez.art, or through Instagram @v_e_r_g_e_z. You can also book a video chat on www.vergez.art/book-online.

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

Design isn’t just creation, it’s communion, a bridge between stories and the wearer’s. That connection, that emotion, is why I do what I do.

Looking back, I realize design has always been my way of understanding life, a journey of freedom, love, and elevation. I chase perfection but above all I chase truth. And in that search, I find beauty every time.

Stor intervju

The Roaring Lion Statement Choker · 10 frågor

The Lion choker was born from a dual pulse, the raw energy of New York’s Greenwich Village and the quiet force of the Atlantic wind in Bayonne.

Your innovative fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques in The Roaring Lion Statement Choker has earned prestigious recognition - could you walk us through the journey of balancing these contrasting elements to achieve such a dynamic result?

The Lion choker was born from a dual pulse, the raw energy of New York’s Greenwich Village and the quiet force of the Atlantic wind in Bayonne. It was made for Qymira, an artist who carries strength and vulnerability in equal measure, and I needed to design something that could hold all of that.I never set out to balance tradition and innovation; it simply became necessary. The lion, a symbol of courage and presence, came from my own roots, deeply grounded in the Basque Country and the old codes of local regalia.I started with hand sketches, shaping the proportions, the weight, the emotional charge of the piece. Then we brought it into 3D, refining the facets so that light would ripple across the surface like breath.We faced real performance constraints rigidity for stage movement, comfort on skin, durability over time, so we embedded fine stainless steel rods hidden inside to give strength without stiffness. The piece had to be heavy enough to sit yet light enough to move. That was the true challenge.Craftsmanship stayed at the core. From casting the lion in white gold to choosing every Tahitian pearl and diamond, each element was placed with intent. The seven black pearls on each side, nestled among iridescent white, carry a secret meaning. Technology helped us fine-tune it, but the hands still did the work. It’s more than jewelry, a kind of armor, an extension of who she is.

The faceted lion motif in The Roaring Lion Statement Choker creates fascinating interactions with light - what inspired this specific geometric approach to representing such a powerful symbol, and how did you develop the final sculptural form?

The faceted style has become part of my design language. It began twenty years ago when I sculpted a faceted skull, not a jewel, just an object full of raw tension and light. Since then, I’ve kept exploring that visual vocabulary.With the lion, I didn’t want it to be decorative; I wanted it to feel alive. Not roaring in sound, but in presence. Each facet was placed to catch light like a silent roar, strength you don’t hear but see. The lion carries Qymira’s voice and music further, to places she still have to discover.I worked obsessively on the form, from hand sketches to digital modeling. I wasn’t chasing perfection but something more human, symmetry with soul. Every angle was guided by instinct, not by math.

How did the creative spirit of Qymira influence the evolution of The Roaring Lion Statement Choker, particularly in terms of designing for both artistic performance and practical wearability?

The piece had to reflect her name, Qymira, the chimera, a creature of duality and transformation. From the start, I knew this wasn’t going to be a passive object. It had to move with her, to hold energy without ever getting in the way.Designing for her meant designing for emotion in motion. It had to stay perfectly aligned through intense stage performances, being fluid and wearable.She didn’t need a jewel; she needed a talisman, something that could carry her presence on stage and beyond.

The engineering challenge of creating stability while maintaining a floating appearance in The Roaring Lion Statement Choker is intriguing - could you elaborate on the development process that led to the innovative solution using stainless steel rods?

The piece had to look like it was floating, yet never shift out of place. That contrast was the real challenge.After several trials, the solution came by embedding stainless steel rods through the lion and side elements, a hidden skeleton. They gave the right stiffness to keep it from rotating or twisting, while preserving flexibility where needed.It wasn’t solved overnight. We tested, adjusted, rebuilt. But once it clicked, the structure held perfectly. You don’t see it, but you feel it in the way it rests and responds.

What role did material selection play in achieving both the visual impact and comfort requirements for The Roaring Lion Statement Choker, particularly regarding the integration of Tahitian pearls with the white gold structure?

Every material had a role beyond beauty. The Tahitian pearls weren’t just decoration; they acted like a rolling structure, almost a soft backbone. They absorbed movement, brought balance, and allowed the choker to sit gently yet firmly on the skin. Their roundness countered the piece’s strength, adding lightness and ease.They also carry a quiet nobility, their sheen has a natural elegance that doesn’t shout, it simply exists.White gold gave the lion its life, clarity, and weight, while the diamonds were placed to reflect light without overpowering. One element grounds, the other elevates, that tension keeps the whole piece alive.

The five-month journey from ideation to completion of The Roaring Lion Statement Choker spanned multiple locations - how did this international collaboration influence the final design and craftsmanship?

It was a journey through places and people. The first sketches were drawn in New York, the concept sparked in Biarritz and Bayonne, the digital modeling happened between France and Hong Kong, and the final piece was hand-crafted in our Hong Kong atelier.Each place brought something different: New York gave it pulse and edge, Bayonne gave it meaning and patience, and Hong Kong brought discipline and precision. Sometimes there was friction, but it often brought clarity.It reminded me that good design doesn’t belong to one place, it’s a shared dialogue across cultures and skills. This choker was shaped by that alchemy.

Could you share insights into the mathematical and geometric considerations that went into creating the expressive faceted form of The Roaring Lion Statement Choker while maintaining its artistic soul?

Honestly, I can’t. There’s no formula behind it. The geometry comes from a place I can’t explain, maybe it’s just how my brain works. I see it first, then try to bring it into the world.It’s not about equations or rules, it’s instinct, repetition, and silence. A need to translate what I feel into form.

How does The Roaring Lion Statement Choker embody your philosophy of challenging conventions while honoring traditional jewelry-making techniques?

It pushes form where it’s not expected to go but always with respect for the hands that make it real.I break rules, not rituals.

What specific technical innovations in The Roaring Lion Statement Choker might influence future developments in statement jewelry design?

There’s no new invention here, only the choice to use known techniques in unexpected ways. Innovation often comes from how we see things, not from the tools we use. That’s where new possibilities open.

The Roaring Lion Statement Choker seems to represent a perfect marriage between artistic expression and engineering precision - how do you envision this piece inspiring future generations of jewelry designers?

I don’t have the pretension to inspire. But if it shows that tradition and modernity can speak to each other, I’ll be happy.The hope is that younger designers will take it further, push boundaries I can’t see and use today’s tools to shape tomorrow’s expressions in ways we haven’t imagined yet.

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Designintervjudata som visas på vår designintervjusida med designern Philippe Vergez gällande verket The Roaring Lion Statement Choker kommer från plattformen Design Interviews, där ledande designers, arkitekter och varumärken intervjuas om sina prisbelönta designverk, produkter och projekt.