Meet the Turkish jeweller behind the famous M ring worn by Madonna
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Remarkable Living
Meet the Turkish jeweller behind the famous M band worn by Madonna
Milka Karaagacli left her advert career to pursue a passion in jewellery pattern. What she wasn't expecting was a celebrity following, the likes of Madonna, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Emma Stone, Taylor Swift, Bella Hadid and Meghan Markle.
Advertising exec-turned-jewellery designer and mother-of-two Milka Karaagacli. (Photo: Freestate Productions)
11 Jan 2022 06:30AM (Updated: 10 Jul 2022 03:40PM)
In a country where women stop at nothing to bedazzle themselves with heavy, ornate jewellery for special occasions, designers similar Milka Karaagacli are stripping it back and offering delicate contemporary everyday jewellery that tin can easily transit from 24-hour interval to night.
"I wanted to bring a new betoken of view to jewellery in Turkey," she said, referring to her brand, Kismet by Milka, which personifies "urban reflections of Istanbul's oriental identity".
While working as an advert suit in London, Karaagacli gifted a necklace with an evil middle pendant to her friend. "We believe the evil center protects us from bad luck. All my friends and family unit kept asking me to send them more evil eyes from Turkey and information technology gave me an idea: What if I started designing my own evil eyes?" revealed Karaagacli on how Kismet was born.
In 2009, she launched her first drove, Nazar, featuring rose aureate necklaces, rings and bracelets embellished with tiny white diamonds and sapphires that beautifully reinterpret the Turkish evil eye symbol. A subsequent line, Eter, took inspiration from the crescent moon – another cultural symbol of Karaagacli's homeland.
Kismet'due south special appeal lies in its understated beauty: From slender golden rings that sport a single motif to fragile gold chains with charm pendants. All while maintaining a certain Turkish aesthetic using a multitude of textures and finishes, and intricately paved with precious gems.
All of Kismet's collections are produced in its workshop in Istanbul, where Karaagacli works with 3D designers who bring her concepts to life. At her atelier, a grouping of skilled artisans handcraft the pieces in gold and set them with white, black or champagne diamonds, rubies and natural sapphires. "We have our ain special colour of golden. Information technology'south not rose, it'southward not xanthous, it's in-between," she revealed.
Function of why it's loved by both young and former is due to its versatility: It can be worn daily with jeans and T-shirts, or to a large night event, and you tin can layer all you lot want. "We give our customers the liberty of creativity. They can combine it themselves. And it's of import that they are timeless," said Karaagacli, referring to her earrings which are sold in single pieces rather than pairs.
Kismet'southward jewellery is also customisable. "Afterwards I became a mother in my forties, I became more emotional, more empathetic and understood the importance of having customised jewellery. For instance, the bracelet that I wear honours my family with all our names on it," she said.
Her strength in advertising is probably what propelled the brand to an international level that caught the attention of fashionistas and celebrities, including Madonna.
"I gave nascence to my daughter. And I made this M ring. I took a picture and posted it on Instagram proverb 'M for Mayra'. Madonna'south stylist saw my post and ordered it. The next thing I know, I'm getting an email about the popular star wearing information technology. She (Madonna) was posting pictures of the ring on Instagram all the time. I was so happy because ane of my dreams was to have her wear my jewellery!" she gushed.
Karaagacli's jewellery has also received the regal nod from Meghan Markle, who is often seen wearing Kismet's signature Hamsa ring, which Prince Harry purchased when they were courting.
"Apparently Meghan liked information technology, and Harry returned to the store after she left. He asked the shop manager which one she liked and he bought it equally a gift for her. I think it has a meaning for them which is why she's still wearing the ring. It's a very lovely and romantic story because Kismet ways destiny or fate," said Karaagacli.
"I always believe that we create our own destiny in life. Any yous believe, it becomes true. It was my destiny to quit my 14-yr career back and then to become a jewellery designer," she professed.
Kismet launches three to iv new collections a year. Its latest release, Innerland – featuring African symbols like arrows, claws, feathers – is inspired by the strength Karaagacli draws from motherhood.
"Life is non easy, it'due south a battle. After nosotros've won the battles, we go back to nature, to our inner cocky. I recollect when women are together, they are invincible, and they tin can brand a amend earth."
Adjusted from the serial Remarkable Living. Watch full episodes on CNA, every Sunday at viii.30pm.
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Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/remarkableliving/celebrity-jeweller-255716
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