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Le fil sous toutes ses coutures

The thread in all its forms

As you may have noticed, I draw a lot of inspiration from wire to create Mayrena jewelry. I've always been fascinated by the world of wire: as a child, I stripped electrical cables to salvage the base of the copper wire and combined it with beads I salvaged from my mother's broken necklaces. Over the years, this inspiration has become a true source of creativity. It was only natural that wire became the brand's guiding principle when I founded Mayrena Paris.

But let's get back to wire itself. Minimalist, functional, accumulative, curved, geometric are all adjectives that characterize its many uses. The creation of wire spans a whole history and depends on the material used.

1. Wire in Antiquity

Wire has been used since the dawn of time and served as an ornament in ancient civilizations. The earliest known wirework dates back to Antiquity: thread was used to cover and embellish certain parts of the body and was wrapped around the wrist, neck, arms, and ankles. These pieces, crafted from precious metals such as bronze and gold, highlight the mastery of goldsmiths during the Iron Age in Europe. At the time, jewelry was a symbol of status and power.

Ancient Greek gold bracelet (5/6th century BC)

Scythian choker from Eurasia (1st century BC)

Greek gold earrings (6th century BC)

Celtic gold neck ring (4th century BC)

Gold ring, Cyprus, 1200 BC

Gold spiral, 1600 BC

Wire, initially used as a simple ring, was gradually manipulated, bent, and twisted to create ever more complex ornaments, symbols of social distinction and wealth. Jewelry then became increasingly imposing, reflecting the social success of its owner.

2. Wire in Jewelry and Watchmaking

Today, wire inspiration can be found in many pieces of jewelry worn like veritable "miniature sculptures." The great malleability of wire offers designers a multitude of creative and interpretative possibilities: it can be twisted, bent, and stretched infinitely. This is why many artists still use wire as a source of inspiration today.

It should be noted that the major luxury houses are happily inspired by it, so much so that for some, the thread has become a true brand identity and it allows certain designers to reveal their true style (like Mayrena Paris).

Céline Barbed Wire Thin Bracelet by Phoebe Philo

Bernar Venet, Indeterminate Line ring, 1998

Gold wire ring, Alexander Calder, 1950

Clou bracelet, Cartier

3. Wire in Advertising

Antique wire inspirations have survived through the ages, and from the end of the 19th century onward, wire was gradually twisted to create curves, and advertisers used it extensively in their visuals to evoke fine and elegant jewelry.

Cartier Baignoire Watch 1980

Cartier Panther Cuff Watch

Dior J'adore perfume advertisement

Piaget advertisement

4. Wire in Furniture and Interior Design

Before launching into the world of jewelry, I spent a lot of time in the gallery and design worlds. The world of wire, and even tubing, is also found in furniture and interior design. Many designers of now unparalleled renown have explored its use, including Charlotte Perriand, Gae Aulenti, Michael Thonet, Michel Boyer, Shiro Kuramata, Giotto Stopino, and Mies Van der Rohe. Their goal? To use the wire aesthetic to design an object that is both utilitarian and aesthetic.

In furniture, tubing is then conceptualized to adapt to the floor, hold objects, and support a seat or weight.

 

Charlotte Perriand chaise longue

Sofa, Michel Boyer, 1971

 

Pair of Locus Solus chairs, Gae Aulenti, 1963

Dining room table, Giotto Stoppino, 1970s

In decoration, the wire is articulated in symmetry and curve to obtain a visual result with movement.

 

5. Thread in the Automotive Industry

Thread is found in the automotive industry, not for its aesthetic appeal, but for its practicality. It offers a symmetrical and complex structure, a true source of inspiration.

Chassis structure of a Porsche 917, 1981

6. Thread in Leather Goods

In leather goods, as in fashion, thread is found in caning, in the length and position of handles, and also in embellishments. Designers use thread with the idea that a bag is more than an accessory; it adds movement and character to an outfit.

Bell bag, Moschino 2010

Pearl bag, Cult Gaïa

Carried on the shoulder or by hand, the wire-inspired bag allows you to lengthen the silhouette and play with different materials: textile, leather, fiber, resin, metal, etc.

 

Amanda Jodie Bag, Verano Hill

1 Reply on The thread in all its forms

  • Grumblatt Grumblatt

    J’ai acheté la bague l’Insolite réversible en argent dans le magasin de la Fondation Cartier. C’est une merveille, très confortable à porter! Un Œuvre d’Art!

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