JEWELLERY, DRINKS AND ARCHITECTURE WITH KINRADEN
An interview with founder & architect Sarah Müllertz
On 13 October we were joined in Studio by founder and creative director of Kinraden jewellery, Sarah Müllertz. Sarah was able to chat with us about the process and inspirations behind her delicate jewellery that sits at the intersection between architecture and design and is influenced by Danish and Japanese traditions. To view the collection, drop by Studio anytime until 23 October to explore the popup.
“My mother used to have a gold bracelet that she never wore. It was embellished with numerous Myanmar sapphires. From this bracelet I designed three similar rings – for my mother, my sister, and myself. We all wear this ring every day. I love how is ties us together – and how it becomes a token of our mutual affection. An amazing trait of fine jewellery is the fact that precious materials can always be reused.”
What’s your favourite city in Denmark?
Copenhagen without a doubt. I was raised in Jutland quite far from the buzzing of the capital, which was wonderful – but the understated coolness and general laidback spirit of Copenhagen is just captivating to me.
Where’s your favourite spot for a morning coffee?
My garden after my daily morning dip in Svanem.llen harbour. Otherwise Bottega Barlie a close walk from our head office.
What buildings inspire you and why?
Architects inspire me – not surprisingly. I am hugely inspired by modern Danish architectural traditions, very much born from the Bauhaus movement. The Italian architect, Carlo Scarpa, designed Olivetti’s showroom in Venice, and the result is absolutely breathtaking.
Mexican architect, Luis Barragan, was commissioned to create the private residence San Cristobal Stable near Mexico City. The colours he employed are striking – yet the lines are simple. Both of these two architects fully grasp the weight of the location and the materials. Their genius is the combination of being playfully curious and still remaining insanely specific in their aesthetic expressions.
What was the first of jewellery piece you made?
My mother used to have a gold bracelet that she never wore. It was embellished with numerous Myanmar sapphires. From this bracelet I designed three similar rings – for my mother, my sister, and myself. We all wear this ring every day. I love how is ties us together – and how it becomes a token of our mutual affection. An amazing trait of fine jewellery is the fact that precious materials can always be reused.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My sources of inspiration vary. I tend to take a deep breath and try to be truly attentive to the rhythms and repetitions moving inside me. What am I drawn to at this particular moment? I like to explore these not very tangible ideas and use my imagination to transform them into a design that can be felt and touched. Our upcoming spring collection 2023 contains elements of both David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust costume and the Bauhaus movement…
What makes this collection special to you?
It is important to me to stay true to my individual style, and I am very proud to have kept to my fundamental premise of sticking to an extremely precise design language. We are all inspired by trends going on around us, and just like anyone I like to explore popular expressions and to see what they hold for me – without curiosity there would be no creativity. It is always special to me that a piece of fine jewellery becomes part of our personality. This inherent long-term perspective is one of the most captivating characteristics of fine jewellery. Many of us wear jewellery that never come off. It goes for all my collections that every piece is a tiny sculpture – designed to appeal to the senses.
Where do you like to go for evening drinks or cocktails?
The rooVop terrace at Hotel Sanders in central Copenhagen is very pleasant. Also, the unassuming restaurant Banchina at Refshale.en is beautifully located by the waterfront.
Where do you like to holiday during the summer / winter?
Any place offering water-related experiences. I enjoy surfing, kite-surfing, and skiing. I always regain my calm and feel inspired gazing on the sea in an small island in Greece.
How did you land on Kinraden as a name?
KINRADEN is the Old English origin of the well-known term, kindred. I chose this name because it reflects my fascination with the interconnectedness of everything living. KINRADEN was conceived as a passion project pivoting on sustainability, gentle production, and a circular business model.
What drew you to showcasing your work at Pantechnicon?
The beautifully curated selections at Pantechnicon are based on a fascination with the design traditions in Scandinavia and Japan. Designs from KINRADEN are exactly that – is is where the understated elegance of the high North and the Far East come together. To me, this collaboration was meant to be.
If you weren’t designing jewellery, what would you do?
I am an architect by trade – and, Yme permicng, I still take on architectural projects. To me, it is the greatest luxury to be able fuel my creativity and explore several creative outlets.
To shop the full Kinraden collection visit Studio at Pantechnicon or visit pantechniconstore.com
