he climax of the new Akillis Animal Tattoo collection takes the form of a Manta Ray extending its majestic, silken, luxurious “wings” over the nape of the neck, the shoulders and shoulder blades: a veritable work of art.
The Manta Ray, 38 cm long and 36 cm wide, features 22 mobile components, each individually assembled for ultimate flexibility. Like the pendants, its graphic design adopts the searing lines created for the Tattoo collection; unmistakable Akillis triangles round out the contours, representing the animal’s dorsal fin and tail.
Fashioned entirely in black DLC-coated titanium, the Manta Ray’s lightness is enhanced by the abundance of bare spaces interspersing its sharp lines. Each of the nearly two dozen components, made up of 246 grain-set- and close-set black diamonds, contributes to its ethereal quality, further adorned by a shower of black hematites that cascade over the shoulders, enveloping the arms and caressing the skin. As with Haute Couture, the creation is fitted and adjusted on Stockman mannequins. The piece requires a total of 130 hours of work to assemble.
A great adventurer, Caroline Gaspard traveled far and wide in search of seven animals that embody the freedom she cherishes. Felines - jaguars and lions -, plains zebras, desert oryx, koalas, hammerhead sharks and manta rays, all created in gleaming openwork, enrich the genre through revolutionary interpretations.
Untamed, sensual and wild, Akillis’ vision of the animal kingdom pulsates with Rock N’Wild tattoo magnetism. The brand drew from its repertoire of silhouettes and its unique channels of seduction: searing lines created for the Tattoo collection, sharp triangles, alternating solids and openwork to reveal the skin. Unexpected thunderbolts electrify a koala’s branch, a zebra’s neck, a lion’s mane...
To express the character and personality of each animal, Akillis workshops opted for the exacting precision of a meticulously calibrated laser to cut Animal Tattoo pieces from a single sheet of metal. The laser beam infuses the king of the jungle’s erupting mane with life, and imparts the punk panache of the zebra’s neckline. It also forms the head, the triangular jaw and the incised, arrow-like tail fin of the hammerhead shark.
Caroline Gaspard chose monochrome white and black, and two-tone black & white, magnified by a sparkling precious stone gaze. Each Animal Tattoo is available in three variations.
The black & white versions in white gold undergo black DLC treatment - a cutting-edge technique known for its applications in luxury watchmaking and aeronautics. The workshop called on a specialized craftsman to individually treat each specific segment intended to retain the gleam of white gold. The Diamond-Like Carbon was then applied on the remaining surfaces like a veneer of jet-black ink.
The versions in titanium and black diamonds seem to be etched directly on the skin. The material is so exquisitely light as to be virtually weightless for absolute comfort. Finally, Akillis’ obsession for excellence means that the reverse side of each jewellery tattoo piece is stunningly calligraphic and just as magnificent as the front.
The diamond-paved white gold versions seem to watch us with their gemstone eyes - tsavorites, sapphires, Paraiba tourmalines, black diamonds - brilliantly asserting the temperament of each Animal Tattoo.
