Patrick Mavros Opens at the V&A Waterfront

WORDS Lynette Botha PHOTOS Supplied

With roots in Zimbabwe, international jewellery house Patrick Mavros has opened its first South African boutique at the V&A Waterfront.

Founded in 1978, Patrick Mavros began with a simple yet heartfelt gesture: Patrick carved a pair of earrings for his wife, Catja. This loving act garnered admiration from her hairdresser, sparking the beginning of what is now Africa’s definitive luxury jewellery and objets d’art brand, celebrated worldwide for its exquisite design and craftsmanship – and the Mavros family, including sons Alexander, Forbes, Patrick Jr and Benjamin, continues to uphold its legacy.

While the brand prefers to keep its esteemed clientele private, it has a notable global following of celebrities and leaders – including Denzel Washington, Hugh Grant, Bruce Springsteen and Catherine, the Princess of Wales – with dedicated fans regularly seeking out the Mavros family for custom pieces.

A hallmark of Patrick Mavros jewellery has always been an unwavering attention to detail in each handcrafted item. “You can easily tell from across the room whether a piece is Mavros or not,” says Alexander. The unmistakable style is a testament to the passion for craftsmanship passed down from Patrick Sr to his sons. Characterised by a particular look, feel and energy, the brand’s designs are distinct thanks to a process that’s rooted in tradition.

Using the “lost wax” technique, which is thousands of years old, the process involves making a detailed wax model of each piece, which is then encased in plaster. Once the plaster hardens, the wax is melted away, leaving a mould into which the materials are poured. This ensures that every detail is captured. “Our design process is not prescribed,” says Alexander. “There is no formula to how you start something and how you finish it. My father is a freewheeling artist who abides by no laws. He taught us that when you’re inspired, you just roll up your sleeves and do it.”

Sterling silver and 18-carat gold, both African-sourced, are used exclusively – an integral part of the Mavros identity. “Sterling silver in particular is very ingrained in our way of designing and creating,” says Alexander. “It is renowned for being the most reflective metal, making it a beautiful medium to enhance the details of each design.”

For the Zimbabwean brand, each creation is inspired by the rich tapestry of African culture, wildlife and natural beauty. “Every item, every collection, is linked to a story – we do not make anything that does not have a personal story that’s meaningful to us as a family,” says Alexander. “And we aim to tell each story colourfully and proudly.”

The Mavros family’s mission is to highlight the beauty of Africa through their objets, and to be Africa’s leading luxury lifestyle brand. As Alexander explains, “America has Tiffany, France has Hermès, the rest of Europe has its luxury houses… Then you look at Africa, a continent with so much mystique, intrigue and romance – who do we have? It’s our mission to show the world what our continent has to offer.” And this extends to conservation efforts: the brand supports various foundations on an ongoing basis, and aids others through proceeds from product sales. Perhaps their tagline sums it up best: “A family of creativity, a legacy of conservation.”

You’ll find the Patrick Mavros boutique at Shop 7 in the Alfred Mall, at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The brand also has boutiques in Harare, London, Mauritius, Nairobi, Windhoek and Victoria Falls. | uk.patrickmavros.com

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