The new era of jewelry making is here, all thanks to Valérie Messika—founder and artistic director of luxury jewelry house, Messika. Founded back in 2005 with the idea of bringing a fresh sense of modernity and femininity to the industry, Valérie shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. After collaborations with likes of V alumni such as Gigi Hadid, Kate Moss, and Joan Smalls, the rule-breaking jeweler is continuing on her collaborative work with Moss with a brand new collection totaling 100 pieces across 11 themed sets, all sourcing inspiration from Kate’s personal jewelry pieces, while also launching her third US boutique in V’s hometown of New York City. The 93 square meters boutique, located in Hudson Yards designed by the founder herself, embeds her personal touch and sense of new-age elegance into the store while housing the brand’s latest collection with Moss.

V’s own Kevin Ponce caught up with Messika and Moss to discuss the many facets of the new co-designed collection, their source of inspiration for the specially designed sets, and who they think the Messika woman is.

Kevin Ponce: From the shapes of the stones to the selection of hardware, was there a particular theme that you and Kate wanted to follow, or was this just a creative explosion of ideas?

Valerie Messika: I see it as an expedition through Kate Moss’s jewelry box—her style intricately instilled through a Messika Paris High Jewelry collection. A majority of the inspiration came from Kate’s jewelry box: color, XXL motifs, large decorative headpieces across Aztec culture, and Art Deco style. A universe that first seemed far from Messika Paris jewelry, presented a real exciting challenge. It was important for me that each jewel created reflect the design and the techniques of the Messika Paris House. My team and I had to be innovative and daring to bring forth the collection. The movement of stones, the fluidity of lines, the flexibility of the jewels, and the audacity of wearing them – nothing is left behind.

KP: To me, the collection embodies a sense of duality in terms of wearability—do you think the collection is something that any woman could wear every day?

Kate Moss: Like Messika, we didn’t lock the diamonds away. I love that about the Messika ethos. I also enjoy jewelry every day so am always changing what I wear—there’s nothing I wouldn’t ever take off.

VM: It was important for Kate and I to create jewelry that embodied both of us. Out of this came a new concept we created together called: ‘relaxed luxury’. I don’t believe there is a perfect occasion to wear jewelry; even with the High Jewelry pieces from Messika By Kate Moss. This jewelry can be worn for any occasion.

KP: What are some of your personal favorites from the sets?

VM: My favorite set is Unchained Soul; particularly, the necklace, which is effortless, and seems slightly in disarray. You can wear it in a very casual way with a white t-shirt and a cool pair of denim jeans. I also like mixing and matching pieces from this set with pieces from another set called Liberated Spirit.

KP: Who do you think the Messika woman is?

KM: The Messika woman is a modern woman who is sensitive to nice things.

KP: When creating the collection, did you two share a common vision on what you both wanted it to look like?

KM: This collection has really been inspired by my eclectic tastes along with pieces from my own jewelry box, different cultures, and eras that I love—the 20’s and 70’s. There weren’t any limitations set by the design team at Messika which I loved—I had the freedom to create something I really love. Valerie and I had the challenge of combining my love of vintage, bohemian pieces with the modern aesthetic of Messika. I really admired Valerie’s aesthetic and trust her eye. Combining my love of vintage with the more modern DNA of Messika was a challenge but I feel we really managed to do this.

Discover the world of Messika by Kate Moss here!