Jessica Cooper’s – OHLIGUER Vision for the Modern Bride
In an era where bridal jewellery is no longer confined to the conventional, Jessica Cooper, founder and creative force behind OHLIGUER, is challenging the norms and redefining what it means to be a bride—or groom. Known for her fierce designs that blend classic gemstones with a contemporary twist, Cooper is setting a new standard for bridal jewellery. In a candid conversation, she shares her inspiration, the evolution of bridal jewellery, and her commitment to sustainability.
Breaking Away from Tradition
For many designers, bridal jewellery is synonymous with tradition, but for Jessica Cooper, it was initially a space she deliberately avoided. “I wasn’t drawn to bridal imagery,” she admits. “In my mind, it was cliché and saturated with generic designs that were repeated infinitely.” However, a pivotal moment shifted her perspective, sparking the creation of OHLIGUER’s bridal range. “Why couldn’t I do bridal our way? Through an anti-bride lens?” she questioned, leading her to reimagine traditional elements like pearls and diamonds into something “fierce for the modern-day bride and groom.”
This fresh take on bridal jewellery is aimed at those who seek to express their individuality through their jewels. Cooper’s designs stand out with their unisex appeal, challenging the boundaries of what is considered classic and feminine. “This unisex edge is what sets OHLIGUER apart from classic jewellery companies today,” she explains.
A New Generation of Bridal Jewellery
As the landscape of bridal jewellery evolves, Cooper is at the forefront, observing trends and pushing boundaries. One of the significant shifts she notes is the growing importance of jewellery for grooms. “Men are really levelling up their jewels as much as the bride,” she says, highlighting the increasing popularity of custom brooches and statement cufflinks for grooms.
Incorporating contemporary fashion influences into bridal designs is another area where Cooper excels. “Generally, we tend to go the opposite of what is considered the norm,” she reveals. The latest OHLIGUER shoot for pearls, for instance, features a 1990s-inspired brown pinstripe suit by Jean Paul Gaultier and an old baseball cap, creating a striking contrast that places the focus squarely on the pearls. “We like to break tradition and create our own standards,” she adds.
Sustainability and Personalisation
In today’s market, the demand for personalised and sustainable jewellery is growing, and Cooper is keenly aware of this shift. OHLIGUER’s RESET initiative is a testament to her commitment to both these trends. “RESET enables clients to repurpose their beloved items of jewellery into one of our bridal pieces, recycling the gold and turning it into an iconic OHLIGUER design,” she explains. This approach not only offers clients a way to preserve their personal histories but also aligns with the modern bride’s desire for bespoke creations that tell a unique story.
Feedback from clients has been instrumental in shaping OHLIGUER’s bridal collections. “The OHLIGUER bride and groom couldn’t find anything on the market that captures their style,” says Cooper. This gap in the market has driven her to reinvent bridal jewels, offering a fresh energy that resonates with a new generation.
The Future of Bridal Jewellery
Looking ahead, Cooper sees the future of bridal jewellery as one of versatility and bold self-expression. “Brides today are risk takers,” she observes. “They want a big statement; they don’t always want a simple piece for their wedding day.” This shift is reflected in OHLIGUER’s designs, which are created to be worn beyond the wedding day, transforming bridal jewellery into pieces that can be enjoyed daily.
The upcoming launch of OHLIGUER’s first full bridal collection marks an exciting new chapter. “The collection will focus on reinventing traditional classics like diamonds and pearls, giving them our own edge,” Cooper reveals. With stackable elements designed to suit the next generation of brides and grooms, this collection is poised to set new standards in the world of bridal jewellery.
As Jessica Cooper continues to innovate, her approach to bridal jewellery is clear: it’s about breaking away from tradition, embracing individuality, and creating pieces that are as unique as the people who wear them. “Jewellery shouldn’t be restrictive; it should be empowering,” she affirms—a sentiment that is sure to resonate with modern brides and grooms across Australia and beyond.
