In this edition of The AP Journal, we sit down with Ida Héritier — a true creative whose ability to move effortlessly between disciplines brings authenticity, curiosity, and beauty to everything she touches. Reflecting on one year of ANN x IDA, Ida shares the story behind the collaboration, the lessons it brought, and the inspiration that continues to shape her work.
IT’S BEEN A YEAR SINCE THE LAUNCH OF THE ANN X IDA RING. HOW DID THIS COLLABORATION FIRST COME ABOUT, AND WHEN YOU LOOK BACK NOW, WHAT MOMENTS OR LEARNINGS STAND OUT TO YOU FROM THIS JOURNEY?
It all started with a simple conversation. I told Ann about the ring I dreamt of creating, but no one had been able to meet my expectations. She confidently said she can make it happen and asked for some time to work on the prototype. When she came back to me, it was exactly what I imagined. The whole process felt incredibly natural, and I loved every step of it.
My biggest learning is that collaboration can be seamless when it’s the right match. It was comforting and exciting to see how naturally everything came together.
WHO ARE YOU, AND WHAT DRIVES YOU IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE OR WORK?
I always find it challenging to define who I am, because I never felt like I belonged to one title or one career path. At my core, I am a creative. My journey began with architecture, and over time it naturally expanded into content creation and storytelling, product and fashion design, and curation. What drives me every day is the process of creating and exploring ideas across different disciplines. That freedom and diversity keep me motivated, curious, and genuinely excited about my work.
WHAT DOES JEWELRY MEAN TO YOU – IN DAILY LIFE OR FOR SPECIAL MOMENTS?
For me, jewelry is an extension of my outfit. I see it as part of how I build a look, just like choosing the right shoes or bag. It adds structure and balance to what I’m wearing. It doesn’t need to be tied to a big story or moment. It just needs to feel like me and complement my wardrobe naturally.
IS THERE A PIECE OF JEWELRY THAT HAS A SPECIAL STORY OR MEANING FOR YOU?
It’s definitely the heart ring we created together. I genuinely love wearing it every day. But what makes it even more meaningful is seeing so many other women wear it too. Whenever I spot someone with it, or a friend sends me a picture of someone wearing it, it makes my day. It’s a really special feeling.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU RIGHT NOW OR GIVES YOU STRENGTH?
I’m inspired by people who are building things, putting themselves out there, and creating meaningful work. Seeing what others achieve really motivates me.
What gives me strength is feeling supported and connected to my family. Knowing they are there gives me a lot of stability and confidence.
IF SOMEONE WERE LOOKING FOR YOU IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD – AT WHICH FAVORITE SPOT WOULD THEY MOST LIKELY FIND YOU?
You’d probably find me at Draft, the coffee place we designed at our architecture studio, RDZ STUDIO. Otherwise, I’m either in a flower shop dreaming I’m a florist, or at Russo getting my favorite ham, fresh fruits from Sicily and an espresso macchiato. And on the way home from anywhere, I always stop by Ann’s store to look at our heart rings in the window.
IF YOU HAD TO CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF THIS COLLABORATION IN ONE MESSAGE, WHAT WOULD THE ANN X IDA RING SYMBOLIZE FOR YOU?
It symbolizes a collaboration that felt effortless and honest, and turned into a piece I truly enjoy wearing every day.