The jewelry designer on her capsule collection of necklaces, available at our Madison Avenue boutique, and what it’s like to live in Bangkok
- The inspiration behind my eponymous line…
We moved to Bangkok in 2005 and, right away, I noticed Buddha amulets sold on nearly every street corner. I began to research and collect Thai “lucky charms.” Then, I found some semi-precious stones at a street market in Luang Prabang, and attached them and my Thai amulets to a sterling chain. It felt good around my neck, but what really surprised me was that people stopped me everywhere — in New York elevators, L.A. parking garages, London restaurants — to find out where they could get one. My two daughters, Anthea and Xenia, encouraged, no I should say insisted, that I make a few more. Before I knew it, I was a jewelry designer.
- And this collection of necklaces…
I call this the Inle Collection. It’s inspired by the blues, greens and neutrals of Myanmar’s magical Inle Lake, where our family spent a very special holiday last year.
- The back story here…
In 2010, a mutual friend suggested I show Tory my collection of charm necklaces. Tory’s feedback was so encouraging, and she asked me if I could design one in gold. I wasn’t ready then, but when I finally did move into gold a few years later, Tory placed one of the first orders for herself!
- My travel influences…
I am very lucky that my husband’s career has taken our family around the world — to Vienna, New York, London and now Asia. Along the way, I have always collected items that have caught my eye or inspired me. Now with my jewelry in mind, when we travel, I look out for small memorable objects that I believe will have a place on a future necklace or will spark my creativity in other ways.
- My good-luck talismans…
I’m very superstitious and always wear my Nang Kwak, which, according to ancient Thai legend, brings good fortune and luck into the household. I also feel empowered wearing Hindu Ganeshas, Buddhas, the Chinese goddess Kwan Yin and the earth goddess Mae Thoranee. I also collect Phra Pidta amulets, which feature a Buddhist monk with his hands covering his eyes, believed to ward off external evils and ensure peace and happiness within.
- My personal mantra…
Let the charms and good spirits of the world surround and protect you.
- Best style advice I ever received…
My mother has always been my style guru. “Quality classics are keepers” is still her motto. To this day, both my daughters and I constantly borrow her European-chic clothes and accessories.
- And my style tip…
I love finding disposable style at Bangkok’s seemingly endless Jatujak Market as well as the latest designs among the up-and-coming Thai designer boutiques at Siam Square.
- My ideal day in Bangkok begins with…
The sound of the birds in the palm trees. I like to meditate on the little terrace overlooking our frangipani trees and ginger bushes in our garden, then make offerings to our Thai spirit house. After a morning swim and breakfast, I’ll take a car ride — Bangkok traffic can test anyone’s patience — to one of my favorite amulet stalls, then meet my husband for lunch at the charming Issaya Siamese Club.
- And then…
If it’s a weekend, I can always be found scouring Jatujak for goodies. Otherwise, I may stop in and see my friends at Kathmandu Photo Gallery; buy lotus and jasmine garlands at the Indian temple for my Buddhas; then jump on a long-tail boat along the Chao Phraya River, and catch the late afternoon sun for a photo shoot with my daughters at my favorite temple Wat Ratchanatda.
- And it ends with…
Khun Teen’s pomelo and spicy green papaya salads on the terrace, en famille. Dinner would be followed by necklace designing in my little studio upstairs, with a good glass of wine and Sanook, our Labrador, breathing heavily under my desk. I’m so much more creative at night!