MARIA RUDMAN｜An Encounter in Paris
I first came across MARIA RUDMAN’s bracelets in Paris, around 2010.
At a boutique, I noticed a woman dressed in Rick Owens and Carol Christian Poell, wearing layers of leather bracelets from her wrists almost to her elbows. The way she wore them caught my attention, and I asked who had made them. She told me they were by MARIA RUDMAN.
I wanted to introduce her work at BORDEAUX, and when I mentioned this, she arranged an appointment at Maria’s showroom for my next buying trip to Paris.
About three months later, I met Maria for the first time. Her showroom was then at The Swedish Club in Paris.
Maria had a striking presence, but there was also a warmth about her. As we talked, she noticed the necklace I was wearing.
“SHARE SPIRIT?”
It was a necklace Hikaru Katano had made especially for me. Maria told me she had once visited Hikaru’s shop in Tokyo and met him there.
I had been introducing SHARE SPIRIT at BORDEAUX since 2004, and Hikaru and I had often spent time together in Paris. The unexpected connection led to a lively conversation. I placed my first order for MARIA RUDMAN’s work that same day.
For many years, Maria and I would see each other at least twice a year in Paris. Alongside visits to her showroom, we would share meals or spend time together over tea or coffee.
In 2018, I visited her showroom with Maya.
We stayed in touch over the years, and in June 2024, I went with Maria to a JAN-JAN VAN ESSCHE party in Paris and introduced her to JJ and PIETRO.
Over the years, I have gradually added to my collection of her bracelets. I still wear pieces from those early days, both at home and when travelling. I enjoy the way the leather changes in colour and texture over time, and how familiar each piece becomes through wearing it.
Maya, JJ, PIETRO, and BORDEAUX customers also wear Maria’s work, each in their own way.
ZENJUN / BORDEAUX