Love Marie Ongpauco-Escudero (also known as Heart Evangelista) can be likened to a walking piece of art, a chic one at that. With a well-thought-out style, from casual to couture, and an artistic talent, she combines her two passions in a stunning accessories collection.
Evangelista turns her paintings into wearable art in her latest jewelry collaboration with Royal Gem.
The 2019 Royal Gem x Love Marie Jewelry Collection: The Modern Muse is an intricate expression of the complex but beautiful roles that a woman plays in today’s world. Inspired by the different facets of the modern woman as expressed in paintings from her 2018 In Full Bloom Collection, each piece tells its own story.
“This is my most personal collaboration with Royal Gem thus far since I’m featuring my actual works of art,” shares Evangelista. “I’ve had my artwork on clothing, lipsticks, and bags but never on jewelry—and you all know how much I love jewelry.”
The Modern Muse collection is divided into two selections: Cameo and Italian Gold.
The Cameo pendants feature Evangelista’s paintings on carefully selected hand-carved queen helmet conch shell, making each piece unique.
“I feel that the Cameo collection is very unique because the pieces are extremely detailed. So much intricate work was put into creating each Cameo piece. Of course when making the collection, I had to make sure my designs would be timeless because these pieces of jewelry are the kind that you can keep forever,” says Evangelista.
Italian Gold, on the other hand, features artworks set on fine enamel jewelry, outlined with Italian gold. Pendants from the collection can be used in bracelets or necklaces, and can be worn as is or layered together.
The idea to feature Evangelista’s artworks in her second collaboration with Royal Gem came up after Royal Gem general manager Merrill Gaisano-Gothong attended the 2018 In Full Bloom Collection exhibit opening.
“Her aesthetic, vibrant colors, and themes perfectly capture the spirit of Royal Gem’s style. The whole collaboration process was done mostly virtually through casual exchanges between Heart and I for almost half a year. She’s very hands-on with the whole creative process. She personally looks into each piece and makes sure each and every piece is up to her quality and style standards,” relates Gaisano-Gothong.
As for tips on how to style and wear her new collection, Evangelista believes there’s no particular way to style jewelry, as long as a person feels good wearing it.
“I personally love to layer two or three at a time—no matter how big or small the pendant and chain. As long as the chains fall at different lengths, they’d look really good. Overall, you just have to have fun with it! That’s what it’s all about.”
The limited edition 2019 Royal Gem x Love Marie Jewelry Collection: The Modern Muse is available on www.royalgemjewelry.com and in select Royal Gem stores.