When we were casting for our Tinted Moisturizer Dewy photoshoot, we wanted to use real women who inspired us. Meet Marie Seguy, a Paris-based jewelry designer who embodies the Parisienne chic vibe Laura Mercier is all about. Seguy stands out not only for her distinct vision but also for her ability to blend seemingly disparate worlds, from the intellectual rigor of architecture to the sensuality of ancient spiritual traditions.
From Architecture to the Art of Adornment
Marie's journey began with architecture, earning her DEFA degree. This foundation imbued her with an understanding of form, space, and structure that would later permeate her jewelry collections. But it was at the Studio Berçot school in Paris, where she shifted her focus to fashion, that Seguy found her artistic voice.
Then Marie pivoted to train in jewelry design at the prestigious Boulle school, Nicolas Flamel. Here she honed her technical skills and melded her passion for art, history, and design.
Marie also studied at the École du Louvre, where she specialized in ancient civilizations like Egyptology and pre-Columbian cultures. You can see her deep love of symbolism reflected in her jewelry designs. For Seguy, jewelry is not just about aesthetics—it is an ongoing dialogue with history and spirituality.
The Spirit of Travel and the Mystique of Symbolism
Seguy’s work reflects the rich, diverse tapestry of her influences. Each piece of jewelry is a meditation on travel, spirituality, and symbolism. Her passion for Hinduism and Vedanta informs her creations, with their deep respect for the spiritual significance of form and material. "The object is not merely ornamental," Seguy has said, "but a bridge between worlds—connecting the sacred and the profane, the ancient and the contemporary."
Marie's pieces seamlessly blend ancient craftsmanship with modern design and sets her apart from her contemporaries. Her jewelry evokes a sense of timelessness, yet carries an unmistakable modernist edge. Her use of unexpected materials—sometimes pairing ancient, tribal motifs with sleek, architectural forms—pushes the boundaries of traditional jewelry design.
A Career Built on Intuition and Inspiration
Marie spent a short stint in Hong Kong, working as a personal stylist to some of China's most famous stars. From Hong Kong, Marie went to Saigon, designing for several fashion houses. But even as her career blossomed in the world of ready-to-wear, Seguy felt a pull toward something more intimate and personal—jewelry. In 2007, she made the bold decision to launch her own jewelry brand, following her intuition and passion for the craft.
Betting on herself paid off. In October 2007, Seguy was awarded the prestigious Andam Prize. Sponsored by the French Ministry of Culture, LVMH, and Yves Saint Laurent, the award cemented Seguy’s place in the world of design, elevating her jewelry brand to new heights.
Today, her pieces are sold in boutiques around the world, with her creations gracing the necks, wrists, and ears of some of the most stylish and influential people on the planet. Celebrities like Milla Jovovich, Rose Byrne, Faye Wong, and Yoko Ono have all been spotted wearing Seguy’s unique pieces—testament to her ability to marry artistry with elegance.
The Signature Aesthetic: Unconventional, Yet Timeless
Seguy’s work speaks to the idea that jewelry is not just about beauty but about identity—an extension of the self that reflects both inner truth and external expression. With her fearless blend of ancient traditions and modernist design, Seguy has carved out a space for herself in the world of jewelry where the past and present, the spiritual and the aesthetic, meet in a stunning, harmonious whole.