JÉBLANC - AN ODE TO FEMININITY
Raw, handcrafted visions are the formalities of jewellery maker Jeniece Blanchet’s brand, but how do her designs relay the essence of femininity? Explore with us the work of art that is JÉBLANC.
“I love the word sexy, and I just want to make people feel sexy,” JENIECE BLANCHET.
It is the blend of mixed metal wiring and carefully sought out crystals and beads that have built the foundation for jewellery designer Jeniece Blanchet’s vision to grow. Femininity and art side by side are the chronicles of JÉBLANC’s story which ends with those who try on her pieces - a sort of fairytale in the form of channelling their own sensuality and confidence. The brand is an ode to femininity, and even only looking at her designs makes you proud to be a woman.
Jeniece Blanchart, originally from Atlanta, began her journey in retail and then started designing by reworking clothing and selling the pieces on to her friends. Moving to Los Angeles gave Blanchet the push she needed as she took on jobs working with multimedia artists and styling, which helped establish her creative vision. Blancet slowly transitioned to jewellery making and thus created JÉBLANC - the epitome of sensuality and art - which soon became one of Complex’s emerging “Brands to Watch”.
JÉBLANC steers away from the turmoil that is mass produced fashion, and offers a different approach. Each piece is handcrafted by Blanchet herself, and the crystals used are sourced from a crystal dealer in Africa - a trade that is far removed from the normality of appropriation we see in the industry many times, but rather a celebration of culture and origin.
Living in a tech world, it would be easy to mass produce, especially at this newfound level of success, however it is the craftsmanship that keeps the essence of JÉBLANC alive, and being the sole employee, Blanchet has spent the last four years doing everything from designing, to customer service, to packing orders has allowed her to keep her imagination alive.
“I believe that every piece I create reflects the energy I put into it and I want to put good energy into my pieces.”
“I would never want to limit myself to just one title, I just want to be completely an artist. As I get older, I see myself forming into more of the artists that I’ve always dreamed I would be.”
And her artistry is demonstrated so beautifully in her designs. Inspired by an interest in science, Blanchet is able to craft the oxymoron that is an array of industrial yet feminine pieces using mixed hardware alongside the infamous crystals. Reminiscent of punk jewellery like that of Vivienne Westwood in the 70s, JÉBLANC produces structural pieces that coincide with the nature of sex appeal and essentially, everything else a woman needs.
This notion of femininity and what it means to be sexy is not only completed once a piece is worn, but it also is in the small details of each piece itself. Popular styles include the Amethyst Crystal Hoop, and the Angel Aura Quartz Belt - all containing properties that cleanse from within, aiming to balance your energetic system. When it comes to the aura of each crystal, Blanchet takes attention to detail to the next level, focusing on the chakras they produce and only using certain crystals for certain body parts in accordance to their purpose.
The rough round the edges, but still defined style that JÉBLANC portrays is one influenced by the avenue of appreciating things the way they are, and feeling beautiful from the inside first. “I’m not not trying to sell another beauty standard or hard-knock-rule about what one should or shouldn’t wear,” Blanchet explains. Each design works with the female body and not against it. Wanting her people to be able to enjoy life, eat, dance and sit in her creations, they simply work as a way to amplify the feminine and encapsulate what this means for each person.
“It’s just about confidence and kindness and love, and just making sure you feel sexy in yourself so that the next person that sees you feels sexy in themselves.”
Jeniece Blanchet’s mantra is one to live by as we navigate the chaos that is self-acceptance and being a woman. This is relayed by each piece being one-of-a-kind, a true testament to her goal for the brand as a means of instilling confidence and inner-uniqueness in those who wear her pieces.
Each piece is a work of art and reflects the consumer's desire for quality items that’ll last a lifetime. JÉBLANC offers body jewellery as well as the more traditional necklaces and earrings. As seen on the likes of Tracy Ellis-Ross and Kylie Jenner, here are a few archival pieces worth a look at.
Jeniece Blanchet’s craftsmanship is evident in each design that is produced. Her desire for artistry and sensuality radiates as her brand grows. While the current collection is out of stock, find JÉBLANC on instagram here, or browse the website and feast your eyes on the visions that is her jewellery.