In a retail landscape that is all about mass production, commercialism and everything China-made, it is quite refreshing to discover that there are still a few local brands that defy the odds and treat their business not just as a money-making vehicle, but as a craft. Such a brand is Vida Jewelleries.
The brain-child of designer Vida Tan-Lim, she started the line only last January, but her products feature design as fine as seasoned professionals. Vida graduated with a degree in interior design from the Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID) and College of Saint Benilde (CSB). After graduation, she realized that jewelry was her real passion, so she took up jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines and La Salle College International.
Vida emphasizes that while most suppliers source their merchandise overseas, her items are all made by hand — her hand. The semi-precious stones and beaded items are all wired by Vida herself. She hammers the gold-plated brass items; carves the molds and crafts everything herself. “Some people think that my items are a little bit expensive, but if they knew the thought, effort and manpower that goes into each piece, they wouldn’t find them all that pricey,” says Vida.
The label’s style is modern glamour. Vida is inspired by different design eras such as Byzantine, Rococo, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Egyptian and Baroque. She also finds inspiration in her travels, in architecture, and from reading fashion magazines. The Gehry bangle, for example, was inspired by Architect Frank Gehry’s shingled roof design for the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The Guilloche bangle is inspired by guilloche, an Egyptian pattern, while the New York bangle is inspired by the skyline of Manhattan. She tries to add a quirky element to her items but still wants to maintain a classic and chic design philosophy. Her Mirroir neckpiece is a favorite of many. The idea is novel: cute and functional, it is definitely a conversation piece.
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Vida Jewelleries pieces are available at True Love at Galleria, Backstage at Serendra, Debbie Co Atelier, and Dressing Room at Powerplant Mall. Vida Jewelleries will also open shop at My Pink Boudoir (146 Amorsolo St., VM Condominium, Legaspi Village, Makati City) this month, sharing space with fellow designers Gerry Katigbak, Danilo Franco, Christine Munsa and De Roca.