This A-list designer is a far cry from being his celebrity self. He is as humble as one can be. Kavita Parab got an opportunity to speak to him about his latest interest – Jewellery.

He has conquered the world fashion since he started showing at New York Fashion Week in 2009. Bibhu Mohapatra, the name that needs no introduction. The most celebrated A-list designer has designed for some of the most famous women including First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama as well as leading Hollywood stars like Jennifer Lopez, Lupita Nyong’o, Gwyneth Paltrow, etc.

The man who has stitched his way into the global fashion world with his expertise to create sophisticated yet edgy looks has recently made a foray the world of jewellery design with his first ever jewellery line exclusively for Forevermark India. He and the Artemis collection team have spent more than a year translating his sketches to jewellery — to try to merge his designs with precise engineering.

Though he finds inspiration in travels, new cultures, crafts, streets, for his first jewellery collection he found inspiration in the Sun, Moon and the Stars. Talking about his inspiration, Bibhu says “Of course, travels, cultures, crafts inspire but above all what inspires me the most are the people and their stories.”

His debut collection The Forevermark Artemisâ„¢ Collection is for the evolved woman who appreciates fine jewellery. It is for the woman who believes these pieces are not merely for decoration; they represent a state of life together, allowing her to feel confident and empowered. Why, not? Jewellery has more purpose to serve than being a mere adornment. Jewellery is heirloom that holds generations to generations together.

Giving us more insight into his latest collection Artemis™, master couturier Bibhu says “Since centuries, the skies have been looked upon for guidance and harmony in our lives. I’ve combined the surreal forms of the Sun, Moon and the Stars to create sensual, romantic jewellery. The central thought behind the Artemis™ collection was inner balance and outer strength, making it a very special collaboration for me. Forevermark and I have a strong partnership; I have previously accessorised my shows at New York Fashion Week with Forevermark collections. Their commitment to craftsmanship and excellence, represented by these beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced diamonds, are synonymous with my design philosophy.”

An amorous line of jewellery that has come to life with handpicked Forevermark diamonds at the heart of every piece, The Forevermark Artemisâ„¢ Collection is just as beguiling as the ever luminous Universe. Set in different shades of gold to represent the sun, moon, and stars the collection reflects the radiant spirit of the Universe, and also imbibes its inner balance and outer strength.

While talking about his jewellery collection, I asked him about if there was a design that he found challenging. Bibhu said “The bracelet cuff with brushed gold and pave diamonds. It was a unique experience and a challenge.” The Artemis bracelet has a unique gold scratch finish, with diamonds in an invisible setting. The core motifs are crafted stars that are meant to shine brilliantly, without losing definition. For this collection, he has worked mainly with gold and diamonds. However, he is keen to work on colour diamonds and gemstones for his next collection.

Opportunities may come every moment, but the key is to embark on the right ones at the right time to ensure success, believes Bibhu. And when one such opportunity came with Forevermark, Artemis happened. “It was a long-standing dream of designing a collection of fine jewellery and when this opportunity came with Forevermark I was very excited to start working on it,” said Bibhu. “A part of my education was in India and my studies in Fashion were done in New York City. My culture and heritage are the two things that have always inspired me to design jewellery,” added Bibhu.

As we all know, First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama has worn Bibhu’s collections more than one occasions. First Lady Michelle Obama, while on a diplomatic trip to New Delhi, India, in January 2015, arrived wearing an ensemble designed by Bibhu. I was curious to know about how it felt when he designed for one of the most influential woman in the U.S. – Michelle Obama. “The day I got to dress the First Lady Michelle Obama and the day I met her in person. I realised how grace, kindness and humility are the best assets in one’s character. With those tools, if one sets out to achieve something with passion, their work gets recognised and acknowledged,” said Bibhu.

If we go by names of women who have worn his collections, few things are quite common with all these women. They are remarkable, sensational and passionate about their work. So, what kind of woman would wear his creations? I asked. “She is global, educated, passionate, and someone who appreciates beautifully crafted clothes,” Bibhu pointed out. “As far as Indian women are concerned, they can wear a varied range of jewellery; they can be ultra modern to super traditional. It all depends on the lifestyle of the person,” he added.

For the maverick designer, Jewellery is something that empowers people. With many collaborations and brand developments in the pipeline, while talking about future, Mohapatra says “I want to be in the most lives of individuals, families in all over the world. I believe my pieces of jewellery have the power to live for a long time to tell stories of generations.”

As I wrapped up my interview with Bibhu Mohapatra, I asked him about the best compliment that he had received so far. “I have received a few awards and accolades, but the most prized ones are the acknowledgements from my clients all around the world. One such client said “Thank you for making me look beautiful and these words said it all,” said Bibhu.

Certainly, Bibhu Mohapatra’s designs are all about being luxurious and exquisite.