Branching Out

FROM AN EARLY AGE, I had a great admiration for jewelry. My background afforded me close encounters with some of the most beautiful jewels from, among others, the Dutch Royal House, where each piece tells a special story. During my early childhood, this fascination for jewelry, craft, and design began to take root, and it wasn’t long before I delved into designing and producing my own creations.

In 2012, in collaboration with ICE International, I designed an ochre silk and wool rug with a graphic interpretation of the silhouette of beech tree branches. This project sparked my inspiration to explore further, so I reached out to a jeweler friend with an idea: to design a jewel. This resulted in the creation of a leaf-shaped rose gold ring pavé set with white diamonds. From this single design, an entire collection blossomed—the **LEAVES©** collection.

My approach to design often involves the use of new materials and graphic forms, always inspired by nature. My family heritage includes both southern European (Italy and Spain) and northern European (France and Germany) influences. In my designs, I strive to unite these cultural contrasts: the intense "southern" emotions on one hand, and on the other, the "northern" preference for sobriety, clear lines, and simplicity.

Nothing can match the power of curiosity and a spirit of inquiry. My fascination with ethnography and anthropology has fostered a deep love of travel—discovering new countries and meeting new people through studying traditional crafts, customs, rituals, techniques, and materials. The reciprocity of each encounter necessitates an open mind; exchange and interaction are the true values of travel.

As craftsmanship and innovation are paramount to me in both design and art, I am thrilled to see talented makers and creators, including myself, come together for the 3rd edition of the Art and Luxury Fair. This is the first time the fair will be held in Monaco, following its success in the Netherlands, and I am very grateful for the support and guidance provided by the Dutch Consul General in Monaco, Arie van’t Hof. His commitment to fostering cultural exchanges and promoting artistic creativity is invaluable.

The Art and Luxury Fair will take place at the Metropole Hotel in Monte Carlo from September 26 to 28, coinciding with the Monaco Yacht Show. This event will bring together both local and international names, showcasing the centuries-old craftsmanship of traditional and modern-Royal Delft. It will connect people to the creative process by allowing them to watch artists, like me, in action.

By H.R.H Princess Margarita of Bourbon-Parma

Contributor

HRH Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme, born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, is the daughter of Prince Carlos Hugo of Bourbon-Parma and Princess Irene of the Netherlands. Deeply connected to her royal heritage, she balances her royal responsibilities with her passion for jewellery design. As the founder and designer of her brand, De Parme Design, she creates pieces that blend the emotional richness of southern Europe with the simplicity of northern Europe, reflecting her diverse cultural background. Princess Margarita is also a contributing writer for The Monegasque, where she shares her insights and experiences about the world of jewellery.