Sophie Buhai, the celebrated Los Angeles-based jewelry designer, has revealed a bespoke, limited-edition jewelry collection at Galerie Anne-Sophie Duval in Paris, known for its proximity to the Seine and iconic Parisian landmarks like the Beaux Arts de Paris.
The gallery, recently renovated under the guidance of French architect Sylvain Dubuisson, provides an ideal backdrop for Buhai’s exquisite new designs, which blend contemporary artistry with vintage-inspired aesthetics.
Since launching her eponymous jewelry brand in 2015, Sophie Buhai has built a reputation for creating timeless yet modern pieces that evoke historical design influences.
Her work, celebrated for its sculptural elegance, has found its place in prestigious collections like the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, as well as at luxury retailers including Dover Street Market and 10 Corso Como.
All of her designs are crafted in Los Angeles, a city where Buhai’s creative process remains deeply rooted. “Everything happens here,” she shares, emphasizing the old-world feel that characterizes her brand’s approach.
The exhibition, titled Jewelry Objects, presents 20 unique pieces that showcase Buhai’s mastery of design and craftsmanship. Each creation reflects her delicate signature, blending influences from various moments in design history. “These pieces are contemporary but draw inspiration from the past,”
Buhai notes, referencing her admiration for iconic designers such as Jean Michel Frank, Pierre Chareau, and Eileen Gray. The exhibition features collaborations with artists and artisans from around the world, including a lacquer expert from North Carolina who worked on a piece requiring intricate Japanese urushi lacquer techniques.
Among the standout pieces in the collection is a black urushi lacquer minaudière, complete with silk tassels and a magnetic closure—described as resembling a ‘third eye’ due to its unique shape.
Other notable designs include a sterling silver cigarette holder adorned with thorns and a garnet drop, and a surrealistic hand mirror encased in black onyx with a freshwater pearl and 18k gold.
Buhai’s playful approach to luxury is evident in her transformation of everyday objects, such as lighters, pill boxes, and even a silver toothpick, into precious works of art.
“These are naughty objects,” Buhai laughs, referring to the sometimes provocative nature of her designs. Her creations—ranging from beautifully carved jade cigarette holders to elegant flasks in Carnelian and onyx—examine the intersection of luxury and everyday life, offering a modern twist on items that are both functional and ornamental.
The Jewelry Objects collection, which will be on view until June 30th, explores the delicate balance between beauty and utility, inviting viewers to appreciate the fine craftsmanship and historical significance behind each piece.
The exhibition underscores Buhai’s commitment to creating jewelry that resonates deeply with cultural and spiritual histories, infusing modern life with the protective and powerful energy of stones like carnelian, jade, and lapis.
In addition to her gallery exhibition, Buhai’s personal connection to her work is evident in her own jewelry habits. A quartz ring serves as her “lucky piece,” while a sculptural onyx pendant is a reminder of her passion for raw, natural stones.
For Buhai, jewelry is not just an accessory—it is an expression of mood, energy, and personal storytelling.
The Jewelry Objects exhibition at Galerie Anne-Sophie Duval serves as a must-see event for jewelry lovers and design enthusiasts alike, offering a rare glimpse into the creative mind of one of contemporary jewelry’s most innovative designers.
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