Marte Mei van Haaster, a model, and Charlotte Chesnais, a jewelry designer, first met at Nicolas Ghesquière’s spring 2012 Balenciaga show, where the benches collapsed, forcing guests to stand. Van Haaster, in her debut season, was taking a gap year and was intrigued by Chesnais’ work. The two hit it off, and when Chesnais launched her brand nearly 10 years ago, she enlisted van Haaster to model for her. Their collaboration began then and has continued over the years.
Chesnais was responsible for the fashion jewelry at Balenciaga, including the ergonomic cuff bracelets in clear glass and orange resin that were featured in the collection. She and van Haaster bonded over their shared love of creativity, and when Chesnais launched her own brand, she knew she wanted to work with van Haaster again. The model’s unique look and ability to bring life to Chesnais’ pieces made her the perfect muse for the brand’s launch, and their partnership has only grown stronger over time.
Van Haaster describes herself as a “little Bambi” during that time, with her knees trembling in awe of the fashion world. She looked up to Chesnais and asked her questions about her design process. Despite their age difference, the two formed a strong bond that has endured over the years. Chesnais recalls their initial meeting fondly and notes that they “never cut the link” between them, even as they each pursued their own paths in the industry.
Their collaboration has since evolved into a deep friendship, with van Haaster continuing to model for Chesnais’ brand and Chesnais supporting van Haaster in her career. The model’s distinct look and ability to showcase Chesnais’ jewelry in a unique way have made her an integral part of the brand’s identity. Their working relationship goes beyond just business – they have a genuine connection that shines through in their work together.
The partnership between Chesnais and van Haaster is one built on mutual respect and admiration for each other’s talents. Chesnais values van Haaster’s ability to bring her designs to life, while van Haaster appreciates Chesnais’ creativity and innovative designs. Their shared passion for fashion and art has cemented their bond over the years, and they continue to collaborate on projects that showcase their unique talents and creativity.
As they look to the future, Chesnais and van Haaster are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Their collaboration has been a successful one, and they continue to push boundaries and explore new avenues in their respective fields. With van Haaster as the face of Chesnais’ brand, the duo is poised for even greater success as they continue to inspire and innovate in the world of fashion and jewelry design.
