The 96th Academy Awards has come to a close and there were countless memorable moments to recount: Ryan Gosling brought the Ken-ergy with his performance of “I’m Just Ken”, Emma Stone graciously accepted her second best actress win in Louis Vuitton and first-time nominee Cillian Murphy took home the award for best actor for his role in Oppenheimer.

The newly minted Best Actor attended the ceremony in a custom Versace tuxedo and a gold brooch hailing from the Hong Kong brand Sauvereign. The meticulously crafted “HS14” brooch took 150 hours to create and it all started from the brand’s founder and designer Bertrand Mak. The shape of the brooch was inspired by the interior structure of Oppenheimer’s world-altering invention. 

Sauvereign was formerly known as R.Sanderson and their signature is the 24-carat gold leaf heels. Founder Bertrand Mak has a rich portfolio in the luxury business with experience as an intern at Louis Vuitton and watch specialist at Christie’s. With his vast background in the luxury industry and a penchant for the arts since childhood, he established his own brand Sauvereign. 

Sauvereign has developed its own gold leaf technology, working with ateliers in Italy and elsewhere to achieve exquisite hand-craftsmanship. Luxurious designs with artistic flair have become synonymous with the brand. Take Murphy’s brooch for example, which is cut, finished, and assembled by the hands of master craftsman Kari Voutilainen in Val-de-Travers, Switzerland. Seeing it appear on an international stage like the Oscars was a true shot in the arm for Hong Kong’s fashion and luxury industries.

Can you tell us how this collaboration between Sauvereign and Cillian Murphy came about? Why did you start this collaboration?

I met the renowned stylist of Cillian Murphy in London last December. Rose Forde was forward-thinking and progressive – valuing creativity and quality beyond fame and popularity, which allows independents such as myself and Sauvereign to have a chance in proving our worth amongst the usual suspects on a truly global stage. Over lunch Rose remarked that she was toying the idea of a pin for Murphy and ask if I would propose a design. Although never intended for the Oscars, it was a unique opportunity that I couldn’t refuse, even if it were to only end up on his dressing gown.

The short answer is that Murphy’s award-worthy performance and the Oscars occasion is a once in a lifetime opportunity, which by the way cannot be initiated by my own wants, but serendipity.

I greatly admire the conscious choices he has made in the past 30 odd years to be where he is today. I can personally relate to them, which has helped me find balance in the design that was able to evoke Cillian’s emotions.