We look at jeweller Taher Chemirik's latest exhibition.
Taher Chemirik makes magic with jewels. I witness this at the opening of his latest exhibition, held at Naila de Monbrison’s gallery. Seventh Arrondissement types – read nonchalant – suddenly turn excited when trying on his newly polished creations. One slips on a gold ring and becomes transfixed. The effect of the piece glowing on her hand is like watching alchemy in the making. “Buy it,” I blurt out. “I would,” she replies. “But I’m also tempted by his sautoir necklaces.” And there lies the problem with the Algerian-born Taher. Once discovering his work, recognisable for its use of oval shapes, large links, unusual stones and ebony wood, it’s hard not to want everything he does. For instance, I have a gold choker hanging with a disc-like pendant and a cuff – both paid for in several stages – yet I still itch for more and more.
"Once discovering his work, recognisable for its use of oval shapes, large links, unusual stones and ebony wood, it’s hard not to want everything he does."
Taher understands women. Of course, after doing stints at Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Chloé, Roger Vivier as well as designing wedding dresses in Saudi Arabia, so he should. But his knowledge goes way beyond fashion. Taher regards every client – whatever the age – as a cherished diva. However, being subtle and sensual, his modus operandi suggests this message but does not scream it. Skin and the further enhancement of skin via his jewellery is what floats his boat and this makes him one of the leaders of the pack. No doubt, it explains why Parisians are a little possessive of Taher, albeit immensely proud of their TC collection. Personally, I am touched by his respect for others and his simple genius. He claims that La Comédie Française taught him about achieving glamour, viewed from a distance. Nope. Dear Taher who also dreams up ornate metal screens – a hit at last year’s Miami Basel – was born that way.
Taher Chemirik is showing at the Galerie Naila de Monbrison until June 22.
Text by Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni
Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni is a Paris-based British writer who covers fashion and lifestyle as well as being the author of Sam Spiegel – The Biography of A Hollywood Legend, Understanding Chic, an essay from the Paris Was Ours anthology, the soon-to-be released Tino Zervudachi – A Portfolio – as well as the Chanel book, for Assouline's fashion series.
Robert Beck is former New Yorker currently based in Paris. A former classical dancer, his book for children titled "A Bunny in the Ballet" will be available early in 2014 from Scholastic, Inc.
