Michelline Syjuco: Renegade Woman

MANILA, Philippines - Michelline Syjuco’s jewelry can be described as art pieces rather than fashion accessories – sculptural statements encrusted with gems.

“My design aesthetic is bold and daring, but I’d like to think that it is tastefully so,” she says. “I design for a woman who can equate taste with daring.”

Michelline currently has two lines: MS which offers the bold style through sculptural, bulkier pieces, and LOVLOS, her diffusion line, which will be featured at the upcoming MaARTe artisan fair.

“LOVLOS means Renegade Woman,” the designer explains. “It’s for the modern woman who wants that modern edge, yet also wants to be tasteful and classic.”

She adds, “LOVLOS styles are also more accessible and wearable for everyday.” Understated compared to her MS line, but artistic and unique nonetheless, the pieces in LOVLOS are intended for women who like to have an exciting accent in their classic style, even as they go on with their daily routines.

With gold and blue green as the predominant colors, the new pieces in the collection are simple, yet big enough to make a statement, and with surprising details like little gold handcuffs instead of the usual chain links.

“They are very different, yet they are both still very me,” Michelline says of her two lines.

The daughter of multimedia artist-poet Cesare A. X. Syjuco and installation and performance artist Jean Marie Syjuco, and sibling of poet-visual artist Maxine and performance artist Beatrix, Michelline grew up immersed in the arts. Though she graduated – magna cum laude – with a degree in Business Management, Major in Entrepreneurship, art has always been part of her life.

“Being from a family of artists has greatly influenced my work. For one thing, I am completely self-taught,” she says. “I learned to use my hands at a very early age... and my creation process for jewelry-making is purely trial and error.”

This approach, perhaps, is what has led her to craft wearable art pieces. “Being from an artistic background has taught me to instinctively try and push limits, which I think works wonders for my designs,” she adds.

Michelline, in fact, started designing accessories for her siblings. “I started designing accessories back in the 90s when I had a band with my siblings,” shares the multi-talented artist. “We were signed with Vicor at the time, and had to do a lot of guestings for noontime shows, etc… I did all our accessories for those appearances.”
Years later, Michelline is well on her way to making her mark as one of the most exciting designers of her generation.

“I am inspired a lot by films,” she says. “I love sword and sorcery flicks, as well as futuristic ones.” These inspirations do shine through in her work, which at the same time reflects a medieval influence while evoking a visionary, innovative sense as well.

“Right now I am focused on finishing collections for both my MS and my LOVLOS lines,” Michelline shares.

The MaARTe fair will be particularly exciting for those interested in her work. “I will be showcasing new pieces that have not been previously offered to the buying market,” she says. “It will be a sneak peek at what’s to come from my brands in the future” – a peek, as well, into the future as envisioned by this renegade designer.

Check out Michelline’s jewelry at the MaARTe Artisan Fair on Aug. 29 to 31 at the Rockwell Tent.