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From the Desk of Estelle Dévé

From the Desk of Estelle Dévé

The brilliant creative behind our limited-edition, sterling silver Perfume Necklace. 

What inspired you to start Dévé?

For over 15 years, I worked as a design consultant, collaborating with a wide range of brands across various price points. However, none truly reflected my personal aesthetic. Over time, I also witnessed how profit margins often took priority over thoughtful sourcing and ethical production. I felt there was space for a brand that prioritized quality and responsible trade—without making it the sole focus.

During lockdown, I found myself feeling incredibly homesick, longing for the Mediterranean. I immersed myself in imagery of Modernist design, most often created by artists who had taken refuge to the south of France during the war, which became a major source of inspiration. With most of my contracts on hold, I realised I might never have this much free time again. It felt like the perfect moment to create something of my own and the time I decided to set the foundations for what became Dévé.

What does the brand name represent?
Dévé is my last name, and much of my inspiration comes from stories passed down by my family, who grew up in the South of France and Catalonia. For instance, my latest collection, La Maison du Fada, takes its name from the nickname locals in Marseille gave to Le Corbusier’s La Cité Radieuse when it was first built. My grandfather used to talk about it when I was a child, and the story always stayed with me. Using my name for the brand is my way of honoring my family and their influence on my work.

Can you walk us through your design process?

My design approach is deeply personal, rooted in my Mediterranean heritage and shaped by family stories of Picasso and generations of strong, independent women, as well as the vibrant communities of craftsmen and designers I grew up around. Inspired by the idea of a permanent summer, I design seasonless, timeless jewellery that embodies the optimism, openness, and enduring beauty of the Mediterranean.

I look to the work of Modernist Mediterranean-based creatives: architects such as Le Corbusier and Carlo Scarpa, industrial designers (Eileen Grey, Charlotte Perriand, etc.), artists (Matisse, Picasso, etc..) and their bold use of color for inspiration. These artworks, themselves inspired by the Mediterranean’s natural palette, inform the distinctive lines, shapes, and textures seen in Dévé’s collections.

You believe “values creates value” - tell us about how this manifests in your business?
Fairness, equity, and transparency are at the core of Dévé, both as a business and as a brand. I believe that creating products crafted by artisans who are paid fairly and work in sustainable environments inherently adds value to the final piece. My hope is that customers can feel this when they wear our designs.


Beyond just selling products, I see Dévé as a community—one built on shared values. By fostering these principles, I hope to create something more meaningful than just a brand, but a space where people connect through a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, ethics, and design.

Tell us about your collaboration piece with Nette?
Perfume has always captivated me—scents are deeply tied to my childhood memories of growing up in the Mediterranean. Whenever I think of home, there’s always a fragrance that comes to mind. I’ve long admired Carol’s vision of using scent as a mood enhancer, as well as our shared dedication to sustainability. So when she approached me about a collaboration, it felt like the perfect opportunity to create something we both loved. I was drawn to the idea of keeping a meaningful scent close to your heart, and this perfume necklace allows you to do just that.