T: The New York Times Style Magazine

Mar 2026

In a sophisticated editorial campaign for T: The New York Times Style Magazine, photographer Clémentine Passet and set designer Gemma Tickle reimagine the high-end jewellery landscape by positioning a signature Messika necklace against an eclectic array of found objects. The project pushes the boundaries of traditional luxury advertising by pairing the technical brilliance of pear-cut diamonds and deep blue sapphires with the raw, tactile presence of crumpled metallic foil, ridged seashells, and smooth glass marbles. This juxtaposition creates a visually arresting tension, where the precision of pavé-encrusted metal meets the organic, gritty textures of olive-green leather and layered beige felt. The shoot leans into editorial minimalism, utilizing natural light to highlight the intricate facets of the gemstones while allowing the composition to feel both clinical and unexpectedly human. By capturing these pieces through an analogue 35mm film lens, Passet imbues the imagery with a nostalgic warmth that grounds the opulence of Messika in a more accessible, artistic reality. These macro studies of jewelry and everyday detritus demonstrate a masterful control over negative space and color theory, transforming high-fashion commercial photography into a series of still-life portraits that prioritize texture and narrative intrigue over purely descriptive display. The resulting series reads as an intimate, meticulously curated collection that celebrates the intersection of fine craftsmanship and the mundane beauty of the world around us.

Editorial

Macro

Jewellery, Fashion