Kiu

Inspiration: Leather as a Sculptural Material

Most artisans work with leather as a flat material: they cut it, they sew it. In the Kiu Collection, we explore leather as a three-dimensional material. The flower of the Kiu V necklace—made entirely of vegetable-tanned, hydrated leather, shaped by hand—is a perfect example: each petal is formed by folding, stretching, and drying the leather in the exact position until it "memorizes" the floral shape. It is sculpture, not just craftsmanship.

The Kiu Collection Models

    • Kiu II: a necklace with movable, silver-plated metal pieces that the wearer can move along the leather to create their own design. It's the necklace that changes with the wearer's mood.
    • Kiu IV: a V-shaped necklace that outlines the neckline with leather rings finished with fringe. The movement of the fringe with each step creates a hypnotic visual effect.
    • Kiu V: the leather flower with a central pearl. The model in which the artisanal work on leather reaches exceptional sculptural complexity.
    • Kiu VI: minimalist necklace with a central metal tube and fringes finished with metal finials. The elegance of simplicity taken to the extreme.
    • Kiu VII: adjustable necklace with a central ring and a metal leaf that can be positioned at the desired length.

The Kiu V Necklace: the handcrafted flower

The Kiu V deserves a detailed description. To create the leather flower, the artisan starts with a piece of vegetable-tanned leather, which is moistened until it reaches the necessary flexibility for shaping. Then, using steel tools and their own hands, they shape each petal individually: curving the edges, highlighting the veins, and differentiating the planes of depth. The central pearl is attached while the leather is still damp, so that the final shaping integrates it perfectly.

Once the flower is complete, it is left to dry very slowly so that the leather "memorizes" the three-dimensional shape. As it dries, the leather regains its rigidity but retains every fold and curve of the shaping. The result is a flower that appears to have grown naturally, not manufactured.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can the leather flower of the Kiu V get wet?

The Kiu V flower is especially delicate when exposed to moisture, as it was precisely moisture that allowed it to take shape. If it gets wet, it may partially lose its three-dimensional shape as the leather softens. Store this necklace away from moisture, and if it accidentally gets wet, let it dry at room temperature, trying to maintain its original shape.

Can the moving pieces of the Kiu II actually move?

Yes. The metal pieces of the Kiu II necklace are set into the leather with rings that allow them to slide freely along the strap. The wearer can group them in the center, distribute them asymmetrically, or place them in any position that she finds most attractive.

Which necklines best suit the necklaces in the Kiu Collection?

The Kiu IV (V-shaped necklace) works especially well with V-necklines or open shirts. The Kiu V (leather flower) looks perfect with round necklines. The Kiu VI and VII are more versatile and work with practically any neckline. In general, Kiu necklaces stand out more when paired with simpler clothing.