VANIA Founder and Designer, Vania Truchsess. Image supplied.
Vania Truchess founded her eponymous jewellery brand VANIA back in 2009 and has grown a loyal following for her handcrafted pieces. Her contemporary designs are inspired by the beauty found in nature, by music and the way it makes her feel, as well as the sublime colours from the changing of seasons. Each piece is designed and handcrafted in New Zealand using A grade gemstones and precious metals.
We caught up with Vania to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
Our Stardust Collection is comprised of dainty, fine and iridescent bracelets, filled with tiny, precious beads that resemble the night sky. They have been designed to be stacked together when worn and each piece effortlessly complements one another – so you can take the stars with you, so to speak.
Each of our bracelets are crafted by hand in New Zealand with semi-precious stones and metals. Each design carries powerful meaning that reflects the properties of the gemstone e.g. Onyx repels negative energy whereas Rose quartz attracts love. My intention is for wearers to be constantly reminded of the healing powers of gemstones and our connection to Mother Nature no matter where we are and what we do.
We also launched our Sunglasses Savers, just in time for summer and something I think is an absolute essential! These are also handmade here in New Zealand using A grade Freshwater pearls. They come in two variants; a black finish if you have dark or tortoiseshell sunnies, or transparent if you have lighter coloured frames.
What made you become a designer?
Out of the desire to create things with my hands and wanting to produce pieces that were unique from what I was seeing elsewhere. In my eyes, the custom jewellery market is saturated with a lot of cheap mass-made jewellery so I felt the urge to diversify and differentiate my product offering.
Each VANIA piece has been designed to remind wearers to seek equilibrium in life, not follow trends but to be the most authentic version of themselves, stay present and enjoy the world’s beauty around us.
What inspires you?
I feel I’m most inspired by nature and gems, music and the way it makes us feel, the seasons and their varying colours; all which transcends into my pieces and what makes them effortless but luxe, and timeless but with a bohemian edge.
Jewellery by Vania.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
I am very creative so naturally I am drawn to effortless, refined bohemian styles, full of prints that are both eclectic but portray an understated elegance.
My favourite designers are Etro, Emilio Pucci, Alberta Ferretti, Isabel Marant and Kiwi brand Hideseekers.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
A blue hoodie from Maggie Marilyn. There is nothing better than combining comfort with luxury! I wear it so much with leggings, with biker shorts; wearing it with a white denim skirt is my favourite.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A really good winter coat that you know you can wear year after year and maximize your cost per wear. I’m not a fan of consumerism so quality over quantity is key.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
My mantra is ‘follow your soul and be your own kind of beautiful,’ which I apply to both my business and my lifestyle. I always wear clothes that makes me feel good and myself. To unlock the happiness of being in your own skin, you need to be the absolute truest and best version of yourself – I aim to encourage this through my designs at all times.
Jewellery by Vania.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Running into a girl on the bus that was wearing my Daydreamer Earrings. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven when she said they were her favourite pair of earrings.
It made me feel so good because that is exactly what I want to achieve when I create products: I want to put meaning back into what fashion is. It also made me feel good because it was a total surprise!
What can’t you live without?
My parents. They are my biggest champions and have always encouraged me to allow my creativity to flourish into a career.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
CROCS!! I think they are the most unflattering invention ever.
Images supplied.