ALL ABOUT L'ÉCLAT: A brand that appreciates the best of both classic and modern styles
DESIGNER'S INTERVIEW
It's hard to believe that one person handles so many different things, from the showroom in Hannam-dong to jewelry design and brand management. Despite his busy schedule, I met with Jung Yong-cheol, CEO of L'ÉCLAT, who greeted me with a warm smile and hospitality.
Editor : Please introduce yourself.
L'ÉCLAT: Hello. I'm Jung Yong-cheol, representative and designer of the L'ÉCLAT atelier brand.
Editor: Does the brand name L'ÉCLAT have any special meaning?
L'ÉCLAT: I always wanted to create a brand name in French. When I was planning the brand, I was in France at the time and spent a long time reading French dictionaries, trying to figure out how to create a coined word. After much deliberation, the name L'ÉCLAT came about, which is a six-letter spelling derived from a coined word ("fragment of light") combining "lumière" (light) and "éclat" (fragment).
Editor: I heard you majored in clothing. Is there a reason or an opportunity that led you to create a jewelry brand?
L'ÉCLAT: Since I was 20, I've wanted to start my own brand. Initially, I naturally envisioned a clothing brand, given my major and interests, but there were practical challenges in pursuing a clothing brand with the style I sought. My preference for structural and architectural styles, along with metals, led me to conceive a jewelry brand. After graduating from university, I attended a jewelry workshop to prepare for launching the brand.
Currently, there are many silver brands, but at that time, there weren't many silver jewelry brands with the kind of mood L'ÉCLAT creates, so I decided to quietly pursue it on my own.
A year after its launch, in 2017, I felt the need for an offline store, so I opened the current showroom in Hannam-dong, which is when things really started to take off.
Editor: As a designer, was there anything you wanted to express through L'ÉCLAT?
L'ÉCLAT: The initial concept I envisioned was a brand with its own identity, much like the cherished, long-standing artisan brands in Japan. Currently, we operate mainly through our own online store without special promotion, marketing, or seeding. It might seem a bit reclusive, but I believe in its quality and reasonable pricing, thinking, "Those who know, will know." Rather than expressing the brand through too many words, I hoped the products would reach consumers who appreciate L'ÉCLAT's basic sensibility and enjoy the mood it expresses. In fact, when many people first encountered silver jewelry, they often focused on the "silver" metal itself and its cost.
However, when I actually worked with jewelry, I realized that "silver" as a "metal" was only a small part of the price, and the subsequent craftsmanship was where the true value and quality lay. In that sense, I would be happy if many people considered L'ÉCLAT jewelry not just as simple silver jewelry, but as an object that embodies many things within the silver material.
Editor: Your brand's direction seems very clear.
L'ÉCLAT: What I learned when I started L'ÉCLAT is that many people, when encountering silver jewelry, seem to focus on the "silver" metal itself and its cost. When I actually worked with jewelry, I realized that "silver" as a "metal" is only a small part of the overall price, but the craftsmanship involved is actually far more valuable and the factor that determines the quality of the jewelry. In that sense, I hope that L'ÉCLAT jewelry is considered not just a consumable accessory, but an object imbued with the designer's time and thought. Rather than a brand operating solely for financial gain, I strive to create a brand where my own standards and tastes are clearly felt. Although our pace is slow because we don't opt for aggressive marketing, I operate the brand with the hope that more people will discover and appreciate my taste day by day.
Editor: Could you elaborate more on L'ÉCLAT's unique identity and commitment?
L'ÉCLAT: I generally prefer jewelry designs that are classic yet have modern accents. Rather than being consumed as a fleeting trend, I hope our jewelry becomes a part of someone's life, used for a long time. Silver, as a material, requires care, but I hope this is seen as part of its charm. To produce high-quality silver jewelry, a considerable amount of time must actually be spent on manual work. I hope L'ÉCLAT can inform consumers that jewelry is born through various processes and diverse craftsmanship, provide them with value, and grow together with them.
Editor : It's not flashy, but I can feel L'ÉCLAT's core identity.
L'ÉCLAT: That's why, rather than focusing on sales volume, we pay attention to intricate details to maintain the quality of each piece. Above all, to ensure quality, we dedicate significant resources to production and inspection, striving for L'ÉCLAT's unique level of perfection. We want those who choose L'ÉCLAT to be satisfied. And most importantly, as a designer, I try not to make rigid statements like, "This level of quality is a must; quality is not a choice, but a fundamental." In that sense, what I hope for from those who purchase L'ÉCLAT is that our products are not temporary consumables but cherished items that become a part of their lives for a long time. I hope they enjoy the natural scratches and discoloration that occur with wear, and that caring for silver products becomes an enjoyable activity. In fact, there's also the pleasure of communicating with the designer while periodically entrusting them with polishing their used silver products. I want our jewelry to be loved dearly.
Editor : I can feel your passion for your work.
L'ÉCLAT: For example, I changed the design of the signet ring about four or five times. I agonized over the balance and the angle of the corners, so each piece is filled with affection. When I'm alone, I even call them "my children" (laughs). While these efforts by L'ÉCLAT may not always be obvious, they are the most important aspect for me.
Editor : Since you've shared what you consider important, I'm curious about your personal preferences.
L'ÉCLAT: Actually, you could say L'ÉCLAT itself embodies my preferences. Personally, I'm a Phoebe Philo fan; I love the overall silhouettes, fabric textures, and general balance of old Céline. I appreciate items that aren't overly decorative but create an overall balance and presence with just a few pieces, without being excessive. I prefer an aesthetic where the overall shape maintains a classic feel while incorporating modern design details. I believe these preferences naturally manifest in L'ÉCLAT's designs.
Editor : Please introduce your showroom.
L'ÉCLAT: It opened in Hannam-dong in 2017, and I usually guide customers by telling them it's located between Salad Salad and Hannam Community Center. Since the start of Phase 4 of COVID-19 (special COVID measures in Korea), it has been operating by appointment. We've tried to make the displays and interior simple yet atmospheric.
Editor : L'ÉCLAT's plating had a subtle and beautiful color.
L'ÉCLAT: I was particular about using a slightly lighter gold plating color. I wanted a beige tone, not too yellow. Typically, plated products have platinum plating over silver, and then gold is applied on top. Rings, in particular, are double-plated with gold over the platinum layer. The reason for platinum plating is to prevent the inherent properties of silver from eroding the plating and to prevent allergic reactions caused by inexpensive nickel plating.
Editor : Do you have any styling tips for those who want to wear L'ÉCLAT jewelry well?
L'ÉCLAT : As I mentioned regarding my personal preferences, when designing L'ÉCLAT, I often recall Phoebe Philo and the CELINE clothing of that era. I want our jewelry to be a perfect accent to outfits with large silhouettes and balanced styling. Even a single piece has enough presence, and I prefer designs that balance well with clothing. Many of our products have a substantial feel, so I often encounter customers who are hesitant to try styling them. However, when I guide them in wearing the jewelry, many find it easier to style than they expected. If you start by wearing just one voluminous piece rather than trying to layer them from the beginning, I think you'll easily discover the charm of L'ÉCLAT.
Editor : Please say a word to the readers of Amondz Magazine.
L'ÉCLAT: Please take an interest in the characteristics of silver, wipe it frequently, and enjoy the unique charm of silver. I hope you cherish silver jewelry not just as a consumable item, but as a treasured piece to keep in your jewelry box.
Editor : (Bonus question) What is Amondz to L'ÉCLAT? (Laughs)
L'ÉCLAT: I am deeply grateful to Amondz. Since I run the brand alone, I hadn't really thought about marketing, but it was great to have the opportunity to communicate with people in various ways without losing L'ÉCLAT's brand identity. In that sense, I'd say we have a "partner" relationship. (Laughs)
L'ÉCLAT will also do its best not to disappoint Amondz.
The moment you wear it, L'ÉCLAT jewelry makes you exclaim, "It has to be L'ÉCLAT!" L'ÉCLAT's best-sellers are true to basics yet provide ample styling points!
#QUALITY #BASIC #MODERN #SENSUAL
▪️ TRI-TWIST RING
Designed with three ropes of different thicknesses twisted together. It's a beloved item that far exceeded expectations. We paid attention to basic aspects like the balance of thickness and twist, and the plating method, to ensure it remains a timeless favorite.
▪️ DOUBLE TWIST EAR CUFF GOLD & SILVER
With its elegant atmosphere unique to L'ÉCLAT, two flowing curves gently intertwine, recommended for those who want to create a statement style.
TRI-TWIST
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ESSENTIEL RING:
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ARN 2 RING:
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ARN 2 RING:
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ESSENTIEL RING:
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LUMIERE OVAL
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LUMIERE
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ESSENTIEL
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ESSENTIEL BOUCLE
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