Abraxas Rex is a unique brand, making jewellery out of meteorites. But that’s not all: the story behind the label is as intriguing as its jewellery is, too!
By Chere Di Boscio
GNOTHI SEAUTON – KNOW THYSELF.
That’s the motto of Abraxas Rex, the unique, almost mystical, jewellery company created by Paris Kain.
Created under the same name as his breezy, Boho, hand-painted kimonos, Abraxas Rex jewellery couldn’t be more of a contrast. Fiercely oversized and futuristic, his cuffs, rings and pendants are not for the timid. But it’s exactly that kind of contrast that fascinates Kain.
The name for the brand was inspired by the ancient Gnostic deity Abraxas (a mystical representation of both light and darkness). Kain claims he’s fascinated by this deity because we all contain duality. We can be cruel and kind. Smiling and depressed. In love, but unfaithful. And so his Abraxas Rex jewellery collection represents the natural coexisting duality that is in every living form.
In addition, Abraxas Rex merges ancient themes and shapes with the modern, as well as ancient minerals found on earth juxtaposed with meteorites from outer space.
A Lucky Discovery
Kain stepped into the world of jewellery design after having found a captivating stone outside a monastery in Kyoto. Fascinated by it, he wondered how he could incorporate it into something wearable.
And since then, he’s incorporated other precious found objects from the natural world into his work. These include precious and semi-precious stones found on his travels, dinosaur bones, and meteorites. All were extremely rare finds. But the meteorities in particular. These can only be sourced from Siberia.
Kain, who is also a painter, film maker and multi-media artist, incorporated the stones, bones and meteorites into bold bases of platinum, gold and silver to create artistic accessories that border on the sculptural.
Celebrity Favourites
Sold at Barneys in New York, Browns in London, and Colette and Rick Owens in Paris, Kain’s outstanding work has won celebrity clients and fans.
These include A listers such as Beyonce and Jay Z, who are fascinated by the dark, mystical qualities and vibrations of the meteorites. Kain’s work with Abraxas Rex has also been incorporated into several runway collections, such as those for Calvin Klein in 2008, Alexander Wang in 2009 and most recently, Rick Owens.
Killer Cool
Intriguingly, Kain says he also finds inspiration for his Abraxas Rex jewellery in the work of his father, Paris Theodore.
Perhaps that’s because Kain’s father was a weapons inventor and assassin for the CIA. He created gun holsters, firearms and shooting techniques which were used by government agencies and police departments in the U.S. and abroad, as well as by the fictional James Bond. Brutally cold blooded, he used to make killing devices out of Zippo lighters and walking canes. But he was also, apparently, a loving, kind father.
So there’s that theme of duality again. And there’s another connection to the brand, too: Abraxas Rex jewellery, named after the god of light and dark, is also killer cool.
For more information on Abraxas Rex jewellery, please click here.
