Jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas returns to Hong Kong, where her career began
Annoushka opens a store at the Mandarin Oriental, with its range of delicate, multifunctional jewellery to include a homage to the hotel’s logo
British jewellery designer Annoushka Ducas was destined to open a boutique in Hong Kong. She lived in the city in the 1980s, a time when she discovered her passion for jewellery design. Indeed, the first piece she designed (her art deco-inspired engagement ring) was made at jewellers KS Sze & Sons, which, as it happens, is around the corner from her new boutique at the Mandarin Oriental.
“Isn’t that a coincidence,” she says with a laugh. “In all honesty, we have such a strong Chinese clientele in London, so it seemed logical to put some context to the brand and open a store here. I know the local retail market is struggling but when The Mandarin approached us, I realised it would be a great fit.”
For her homecoming, Ducas is bringing 26 years of jewellery experience with her, during which she founded and sold successful brand Links of London. She went on to launch her eponymous label Annoushka in 2009 and has since been made an MBE for her services to the British jewellery industry. Her creations have also become favourites with celebrities and royals including Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow and the Duchess of Cambridge. Her success is all the more impressive considering that she is not a trained designer/jeweller.
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“I unexpectedly found something I really enjoyed. For me, it was about being able to bring jewellery at a sensible price to women. All those years ago, there was really no jewellery women could buy for themselves. I wanted to create jewellery you could wear every day, that was relaxed and that allowed you to be yourself. Jewellery should be playful and fun, and I wanted to take the reverence out of jewellery. It’s a mantra that’s stayed with me ever since,” says Ducas.