The traditional art of goldsmithing is characterised by countless work steps, at the end of which there is always something special: a unique piece, a work from a small series or a specially commissioned piece. An elaborately crafted piece of jewellery from the Patrik Muff studio stands out from conventional standard jewellery, because these pieces of jewellery are luxurious, individual and always personal.
At Patrik Muff, customers can discover his handmade jewellery in an artfully staged display: Old display cabinets in the counter area quote historical elements, while the new object cabinets with museum-like lighting show the jewellery in a special light. The Wunderkammer invites you to be inspired by the symbolism of the pieces. The objects alternate with the unmistakable jewellery, which is made in the Muff studio using solid, traditional craftsmanship. Muff’s style is unmistakable, the pieces made from high-quality materials exude punky power and ornamental splendour. Each one is a statement in itself – all together the fantastic world of Patrik Muff.
Patrik Muff grew up in a small village near Lucerne in a family of craftsmen. His father worked as a carpenter and his mother painted porcelain. As a child, he made pendants and earrings from found objects from the school playground and tools from his parents’ workshop. At the age of 14, he began training as a goldsmith. After this four-year apprenticeship, he worked for a jeweller in Zug, where he became acquainted with Brigitte Moser’s jewellery gallery and the work of Peter Skubic. He then studied jewellery design at the Cologne University of Applied Sciences and later opened his own gallery “Der vierte König” in Cologne city centre with two fellow students. “For me, jewellery is a status symbol in the sense that it says something about the wearer,” he says, describing his philosophy. Muff has been honing his unmistakable style for 40 years, contrasting the prevailing minimalism of the industry with opulent, detailed designs. Then the “young savage of the German jewellery scene” travelled far and wide in a motorhome with a built-in workbench. He only just made it as far as Munich, where Muff fell in love, split up and found the woman of his life in Bele.
For around 20 years, the Patrik Muff jewellery studio has stood for powerful, striking, handmade jewellery that draws on symbols from all over the world and from all eras. The new location is also highly symbolic: in Graggenau in the heart of Munich. In the Middle Ages, this was a craftsmen’s quarter, which over time was transformed into a residential neighbourhood for court servants. Alongside symbolism, authenticity and the finest materials, craftsmanship is the defining element that unites the now over 2000 creations: Every single piece is handmade; in addition to Patrik Muff, a team of goldsmiths and master craftsmen, stone engravers and gem-setters work closely together and are involved in every single creation process. Patrik Muff’s designs are aimed at those for whom jewellery is not an interchangeable accessory, but an authentic self-expression – from bikers to bankers, from the young and wild to the grande dame. Anyone entering the studio feels a touch of magic, archaism and mysticism. Something special!
Patrik Muff is also unusual: colourful tattoos on his skin, a man of the world, his hair cropped short. An appearance that you might not immediately associate with a jewellery designer. This first impression is quickly disproved as soon as you start talking to Patrik Muff. In a surprisingly gentle voice that goes well with his equally gentle eyes, he says: “Tattoos are a powerful means of communication.” And so is jewellery. The jewellery he designs makes a strong statement. The motifs are highly symbolic. Horseshoes, stars, wings, claws and the skulls that made him famous. Strong pieces with a high recognition value. A unique signature that has developed over years of work. Patrik Muff calls his style punk baroque, which also suits men.
Atelier Patrik Muff
Am Kosttor 2, 80331 Munich
www.patrikmuff.com
Personal tips from Patrik Muff
BAR CENTRALE
Ledererstrasse 23, 80331 Munich
www.bar-centrale.com
Rösterei am Platzl
Orlandostraße 6, 80331 Munich
www.instagram.com/roestereiamplatzl
HANNES ROETHER
Promenadeplatz 2, 80333 Munich
www.hannesroether.de
Schumann’s Tagesbar
Maffeistraße 6
80333 Munich
www.schumanns.de
Portun Restaurant
Leopoldstraße 150
www.portun-restaurant.de
DIE GOLDENE BAR
Prinzregentenstraße 1
80538 Munich
www.goldenebar.de
Komu
Hackenstraße 4
80331 Munich-Altstadt
www.komu-restaurant.de
Kiosk 1917
Tierparkstraße 2, 81379 Munich
www.kiosk1917.de
Editor’s Choice
Read more about Patrik Muff and his studio … even better: visit it when you are in Munich!
