It's hard talking about why you do what you do. I've edited this post so many times. Talked about it over and over. Up at AM to make edits. It is a delicate subject putting your creations and work out for all the world to see. Exposure. There's something beautiful though when that connection is made from what is in here (meaning, what's in one's being and in one's heart) to what's put out there. It's that question about the core that led me through this past year and subsequently throughout this design process.
Our newest collection is about courage. Its a word I come back to often. This time its about: what is needed to explore and ultimately do what is in my heart. The answer? Courage.
The Collection's banner, "Mina," means "Protector." Or a love that protects. The pieces act as reminder tokens of protection.
Every time I come to the design table, there is a process. What emerged from this season's design process is less intricacy and a little more contemporary...stripping down to basic shapes and form: the core of things. Asking questions such as: What is important? Authentic? What is at my core?
I started designing the Mina collection at the end of 2016 with many directions. I sketched about 10 full pages of ideas -- starting widely big picture and then I edited. Then my team and I produced samples and I spent time with the pieces. I consider wearability, movement, style. Considering what pieces make me feel best, knowing that what those will probably make you feel most beautiful too. While my process of design is partly about me and what is going on in my world and heart, so much of it is about you. I design these pieces for you to wear and feel lovely in.
Eventually after 6 months of this editing process we get to the final stage. All the pieces laid out, and then I edit for the final time. Taking out even some pieces I really love, because I'm considering elements like cohesiveness. Maybe its not time for this piece or that piece right now. I want to get my collection to a place that it is exactly what I’m wanting to present to you.
Normally it's point A to point B. This time it's A to B to C...and this time, C meant that less is more, in the end. I had to get down to the basic shapes and forms. I kept only what was essential.
In the past giving a piece meaning & significance meant adding.
For this collection, I explored how to express meaning in a new way - by taking away. What I was left with are the essentials.
It's representative. "Mina," means "Protection" and that protection is represented by a simple line, not a cage and they are found in these pieces here and here.
The essence of a shield is in this bracelet. It isn't an actual shield. A shield is represented by something else -- The Tarian Bracelet & ring has space in there. I'm making space in my collection and in my life. I'm exploring how the space I create affects the already full parts.
There's a lot of space in these pieces. A lot of breathing room. That room is for you. I'm in a season and its all about making space. Making room to breath. Don't we need that? We live in this world of social media, all the Pinterest ideas. And right now I'm finding more life in less, but I need space to make room for less.
There's something free flowing found here. This is the opposite of a big piece of metal wrapped around your wrist. It's a form that represents, not the function, but the significance of the essence of the piece, the meaning.
I'm simplifying.
I hope the collection feels like a breath of fresh air and a departure from the clutter of everyday life and that it acts as a reminder to breath, simplify and to do the things that have the most meaning to you.
What you need is to find your signature piece + GO with that. In. confidence.
Take the idea behind The Capsule Wardrobe, It's what I'm needing my season right now. How about you? It's where your accessories have been taken care of, the essentials, to where it's just YOU shining through.
I always keep my collections cohesive + fresh.
This collection is uncluttered, still timeless.
It's that boldness, without being outright bold.
I can keep things contemporary, but my designs are peaceful, not overly trendy -- there's something always feminine to them. Whimsical. Always whimsy. Its something I want to hold on to, in me and in the pieces I create.
If you love it, get it, it's yours! It's your signature look.
Always, it's my hope that those who wear my jewelry -- they feel free to be drawn to a piece, to go with their instinct + when they see a piece they'd like to wear, there is a little something inside that makes them want to do a little jig...that's what I do when I find my favorites :)
Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!