PLAITLY by Caroline Quinio
United States
Caroline is a contemporary jewelry designer studio who founded the brand PLAITLY to explore emerging technologies, such as 3d-printing, in the creation of wearable art pieces. She holds a Masters degree in architecture from Columbia University in New York City and is a graduate of the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts.
- When did you start dedicating yourself to the world of contemporary jewelry?
As an architect, I have always enjoyed making small models to explore design concepts. I was always fascinated by the complexity of forms that could be achieved digitally. Eventually, through 3d-printing, I was able to bring a few of these designs into the "real" world, and I started experimenting with different ways to wear them on the body. In 2017, I officially launched PLAITLY, a jewelry brand that explores emerging technologies through jewelry design.
- What do you take inspiration from when you start creating a new collection?
I am so inspired by the design process and moments of discovery that can happen through constant experimentation. When I create a new collection, I think about the story it will tell and how the design process can inform that in some way. For example, my latest pieces from the Drapery Collection began as a story about touch. I was drawn to fabric as inspiration because of how it molds to and around the body, creating interesting shapes. The design developed as a series of experiments on how to capture the interaction between jewelry and the body.
- What kind of work or material do you prefer?
I love the texture of laser-sintered plastic nylon. It can look so bold and edgy, especially in black. I also love the look and feel of highly-polished precious metals with curved surfaces that capture interesting reflections.
- What are your points of reference in the world of contemporary jewelry and art?
I am always looking to contemporary art and architecture as points of reference for jewelry design.
- Three words with which you would describe the Artistar Jewels project.
Exciting, Inspiring, and Cosmopolitan
- What do you think of the jewels that were on show this year? Have you been fascinated by any particular creation?
I was really blown away by all of the exquisite pieces and the amount of talent on display at the show! It was inspiring and humbling at the same time. I was fascinated by the stylistic range of the pieces on display.
- How would you define the atmosphere created on the 22nd and 23rd February nights of Artistar Jewels 2018? The atmosphere was very lively and packed with lots of people. All of the jewelry was presented really well.
- Would you recommend to other artists to take part in Artistar Jewels? Absolutely!
- What were the services / opportunities that most pushed you to participate in the event?
I was very interested in the opportunity to share my work with an international audience that values the bold and experimental qualities of contemporary jewelry. I also very much appreciated the outreach to the press and potential buyers, especially concept stores.