To mark Carnet’s 20th anniversary, founder and designer Michelle Ong enlists six of her closest confidants to celebrate the spectacular creations of the home-grown high jewellery house. We discover some of the stories behind the splendour
Michelle Ong’s magnificent creations for Hong Kong-based Carnet have adorned the likes of Kate Winslet, Wendi Murdoch and, most recently, the ever-regal Michelle Yeoh and Lisa Lu in the box-office hit Crazy Rich Asians. But to its director, creative head and ardent philanthropist (Michelle founded the First Initiative Foundation in 2010), Carnet’s success can be attributed more to its legion of fans closer to home.
What began two decades ago as a personal passion project—Michelle had wanted to craft jewellery that reflected “themes dear to my heart, like nature, Chinese motifs and lyricism”—has cemented itself among the world’s best high jewellers, where it is known for its masterful craftsmanship and East-meets-West sensibility. Many of its pieces have long enjoyed pride of place among the collections of the city’s most seasoned gem connoisseurs.
To mark the brand’s 20th anniversary, Michelle gathered six of its most ardent supporters—Pansy Ho, Carina Lau, Michelle Ma-Chan, Claudine Ying, and her own daughters, Amanda and Jennifer Cheung—to showcase their most treasured Carnet creations. It is not hard to find plenty in common between these women and the jewellery: bold, confident yet feminine, all sharing the avant-garde flair and sophisticated panache that’s central to Michelle’s pieces.
Also marking the milestone is the publication by Thames and Hudson of the high jeweller’s new coffee table book, Carnet by Michelle Ong. A lush visual journey through the house’s iconic signature designs and the inspirations behind them, it will be launched in Hong Kong and worldwide before the end of the year, with all proceeds benefiting the First Initiative Foundation.
“I think time goes quickly when you do something you love,” says Michelle, reflecting on Carnet’s two decades of success. “I’m especially touched by the unfailing support for Carnet by my dear friends and clients who are an important part of my life and inspiration. They truly add to the beauty of Carnet.”