Jewel Extraordinare: 360 Degrees of Thought with Jules Kim
Fusing her social persona and flair for luxury jewelry, Jules Kim of Bijules has fought her battles, tamed her wars and all with great armor. From the designers unique nail-shaped rings to a gold, upper lip molding of her own that serves as a fab cigarette holder, Kim’s French demure and Parisian pop called to me like a fly to a fire. I first met Jules at her swanky Friday party on the roof of the Standard in New York City. Rocking a simple bar ring and some phenomenal tattoos, she began to chat with me and invited me to her new found love: le Bijulesterie.
Tucked away on Bowery Street, I secretly felt like I was entering an underground flat in Paris’ red light district. Only to find Kim rocking a mid-hand gold bangle, feeling at home in her by-appointment, showroom studio: Le Bijulesterie. The last decade has launched Jules Kim into the fashion industries, ruler of the jewelry world. Her one-of-kind creations holding rubies and pearls are suited for the fiercest princess yet worn by Beyonce, have attracted plenty of attention by celebrities and stylists, alike. It was 2006 when Jules answered the phone and had a request from the multi-platinum everything, Beyonce. She saw the infamous nail rings, and wanted a set. Not just gold, but covered in diamonds and rubies. Before she knew it, Kim was watching her jewelry appear in music videos, award shows and countless editorial spreads. Since then, Kim has designed for the likings of Rihanna, Fergie and James Franco. Her story-telling-pieces are inspired by tribal, nomadic rituals and her youth while studying in France. The former swimwear designer creates pieces to fit a lifestyle, “the people powerful enough to make a statement, will!” replied Kim when asked who she targets in her clientele. Recollecting her admiration for designers Norma Kamali and Alexander McQueen, who like Jules Kim constantly innovate, “New silhouettes and applications are what I live for. Knowing that my pieces will be around forever and cement themselves in the earth, years after I’m gone [is what I treasure].” In addition to her luxury jewelry biz, Jules Kim partnered with Urban Outfitters and created pieces for the company’s specialty stores, selling her trademarked “nail rings” both online and in-store.
While Jules Kim [or as I like to call her, Jewel Extraordinaire] has conquered the stoney world of gems and metals, she knows that New York City isn’t just the city of dreams but serves as constant “growing potential despite anyone’s seedy-ass-history”, said Kim; almost like the gem stones that sit in metal claws. So when you’re flipping through past issues of Vogue Italia, Elle or Numero Magazine; stay on the look out for 360 degrees wrapped around the fingers, necks and wrists of the fashion industries leading ladies.
Contributed by John James Muller / Images by Elizabeth Raab
