With over 45 years of experience in jewellery design, La Putri is no stranger to making bling for the local customer. From the crazy rich Asians of the Singaporean scene to the everywoman who wants to treat herself to something special, the brand's signature mix of traditional-meets-modern design aesthetics is able to appeal to customers who come from a varied range of ages and cultural backgrounds. Recently, the brand has come back into the limelight once again, when Crazy Rich Asians actress Constance Lau graced the Los Angeles premiere wearing a showstopping pair of earrings from La Putri.
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Taking some time out of her busy schedule, Ms Goh Shuet-Li talks to The Weekly about what the brand stands for, the pieces that hold a special place in her heart and the new Si Dian Jin collection.
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What does the name “La Putri” stand for?
Putri is Malay for "princess" and the La was to lend a sense of sophistication to the brand.
What is the design process like behind each piece, and can you give us a rough idea of how long it takes to take a piece from paper to an actual piece of jewelry in the store?
First, we get to know the customer, their personality, their likes and dislikes, and what there are hoping to express with their bespoke project. We can discuss and go through a few ideas, with the aim of fine-tuning the design direction and details, and discuss roughly what budget to work within. We'd then proceed to sketch up the ideas as discussed, and continue to fine-tune and amend as necessary. Hopefully this does not require too many revisions! Once the customer is able to to confirm the final sketches, only then would we prepare for the work at the workshop to commence. My workshop will communicate the progress with me. Occasionally, if the design is more complicated, we may even mock-up a prototype for the customer before crafting the actual piece. Most jobs take 4-6 weeks, but can take even a few months if it is very complicated.
What inspired you to create the Si Dian Jin collection?
Actually, we have always done bridal jewellery. And, it is a "live" collection in that although there are a few signature designs, there are so many other designs that can be created around the different personalities of the different brides. The collection is as much about the individual pieces as the styling that puts them together in to a Si Dian Jin set.
Who is the La Putri muse?
An independent, strong-minded woman who has her own sense of style, and is not afraid to express it.
What is one piece that has a strong significance to you?
Right now, I am very much enjoying our colour gemstones collection. Especially the more bold and unusual colours, such as the neon blue-green tones found in Paraiba tourmalines and the cool electric mint tones of Mint Tourmalines.
If you were asked to choose one item, which is your favourite piece from the recent collection?
We recently acquired a few sets of jade "Butterfly" wings. The smallest pair was delicately set on two sexy lines of diamonds, in a ring. Whimsical Asian-centric chic. Perfect for the alternative Si Dian Jin, and which can also move on to become the everyday accessory.
Featured images: La Putri
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