Cartier ambassador and member of the Stray Kids K-pop group Hyunjin recently attended the maison’s En Équilibre High Jewellery presentation in Taipei, where a striking green Panthère necklace captured his attention. In conversation with YourLuxury Africa, the artist reflects on creativity, personal style, the importance of balance, and why the Panthère remains the one Cartier creation he would choose to wear for life.
YLA: You recently attended Cartier’s En Équilibre High Jewellery presentation in Taipei. Was there a particular piece or collection that stayed with you after the event, and what drew you to it?
Hyunjin: All of Cartier’s creations are beautiful, but the green necklace was especially stunning. I like colourful jewellery, so the Panthère’s eyes really caught my attention. It left a very strong impression on me.
YLA: High jewellery is often described as wearable art. As someone who enjoys drawing and creative expression, do you see any similarities between jewellery design and your own artistic process?
Hyunjin: When I draw, what matters most to me is whether I’m personally satisfied with it. When I finish a piece and feel proud of it, that moment brings me a real sense of happiness, and I find that high jewellery is very much the same. When you wear a beautiful piece and look in the mirror, it lifts your mood, gives you confidence, and just feels satisfying. In that sense, I think creating art and wearing high jewellery are similar because both are ways of expressing yourself and finding joy.
YLA: Cartier’s En Équilibre collection explores the idea of balance. What does balance mean to you in your own life, especially while managing music, performance and creativity?
Hyunjin: My life may look unbalanced from the outside, but I think there is a kind of balance within it that I naturally keep without even realising it. To keep doing different kinds of work, I think it is really important to take care of myself and maintain that balance. For me, balance is an important value that helps me continue doing the things I love.
YLA: Jewellery can change the mood of an outfit in an instant. When you are getting ready for an event, what role do watches and jewellery play in expressing your personal style?
Hyunjin: I think watches and jewellery are the finishing touches to a look. When the jewellery naturally complements what I’m wearing that day, it brings the whole look to life and makes it feel even more stylish. For that reason, I tend to pay more attention to accessories on important occasions.
YLA: Your fashion choices are often bold and distinctive, yet they always feel authentic to you. How has your style evolved over the past few years?
Hyunjin: Since I was young, I’ve liked things that feel worn-in more than things that are new. I think older objects have a unique atmosphere and charm. That vintage feel naturally became a preference of mine, and I think it is still a part of my fashion style today. My style is changing and will continue to change, but I don’t think that aspect of it will change much.
YLA: Since becoming a Cartier ambassador in 2024, what have you learned about the maison that has surprised or inspired you most?
Hyunjin: Cartier’s creations aren’t new to me, but every time I see them, I’m reminded of how beautiful they are. Beyond simply being dazzling, each piece seems to have its own unique charm and presence. I find myself admiring them every time I see them, and I think they naturally inspire me as well.
YLA: Cartier has a long history of working with artists, designers and cultural figures. What does it mean to you to represent a house with such a strong creative heritage?
Hyunjin: It is truly a great honour for me. More than that, seeing the depth and values Cartier has built over such a long period of time makes me want to grow and become someone with greater depth as well. Simply being able to work with a brand like Cartier has been a source of learning and inspiration for me.
YLA: If you could choose one Cartier creation – past or present – to keep for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Hyunjin: I would choose the Panthère. It caught my eye from the very first time I saw it, and I love its powerful yet sophisticated charm. It is the kind of design I would never get tired of, even after many years, so if I could keep only one Cartier creation for the rest of my life, it would be the Panthère.
