DANIELA HOYOS

Creating new universes the represent Latin American beauty.

A conversation with Colombian jewelry designer Daniela Hoyos about craftsmanship, the handmade, and discovering Pre-Colombian heritage in a search for brand identity.

HS: The soul of the brand is inspired by Latin American culture and traditions - How does this translate into your collections?

DH: My intention as a designer is to create new universes that represent the beauty of Latin America through the reconnection with the matter, the history, and the culture. The challenge of all my collections is to search for a way to reflect this intention across the aesthetic aspects like the forms, volumes, and the artisan’s techniques in each piece. It is fundamental to my work that I capture the results of this detailed research. At times the inspiration is less apparent, but when observing our creative process, one will clearly see the influence of Latin America and its culture.

HS: Your jewelry is handmade in Colombia by skilled artisans. What traditional techniques are used to craft your pieces?

DH: Since I was a young girl, my parents engrained a love for handmade crafts in me. This appreciation values the dedication and wisdom that can only be the result of a crafter’s hands. My career as a designer has taken this love for craftmanship to produce collections that utilize the inherited techniques. Through my various collections, I have had the fortune to meet and work with many master craftsmen and observe each of their techniques. When I make the decision to use a specific technique within my designs, it becomes a personal curiosity to familiarize myself with the details of these processes. For example, my collection titled “Otros Mundos” features bronze bathed in gold accompanied with handmade embroidery from Cartago, Valle del Cauca – a small town in Colombia – which is recognized for its tradition of embroidery. My current collection, titled “Vista al Mar,” implements a technique typically utilized by local jewelers called lapidación (stoning). Lapidación is the art of cutting, polishing, and forming natural rocks into art.

The artisans behind the technique sculpt the stones through the implementation of different artisanal processes. In the case of my current collection, we implement this technique to achieve authentic forms inspired by the sea. The technique is reminiscent of Pre-Columbian cultures such as the Sican Lambayeque, Chavin, and Mochin that produced pieces of gold encrusted with semi-precious stones.

HS: The newest collection, Seaview, is inspired by the heritage of pre-Columbian art and sea. What is unique about this collection from your previous collections, and do you have a favorite piece?

DH: This collection is my favorite thus far. It is the result of years of accumulating knowledge and a personal search for identity as a designer that consolidated the brand’s DNA. In this collection, I venture to implement the artisanal technique of lapidación of natural rocks, a technique that originates from the Pre-Columbian art that I was getting prepared to present. The mix of noble materials that accompanies precious stones is new for me, on the other hand, I used the sea and its diversity as an inspiration that opened my eyes and helped me discover new worlds in contemplation of the beauty, vastness, and all that is related to it. In fewer words, this collection is a mix of many things that are very special and dear to my heart.

My favorite piece in the collection is the Pecten earrings, the value of this piece is the artisanal work of the lapidador, which features a carved sculpture in rock accompanied by sterling silver. The semi- precious stones are humble materials that with the appropriate amount of artisanal contribution will acquire a special value.

HS: You have such a special eye for design and craftsmanship. Where did you develop your skills from or is it something that comes naturally to you?

DH: The aspect of design is something that is born and enhanced with time through study, interest in the art and understanding the marvelous people that have paved the way. However, I believe the inspiration for the crafts come from a love and profound respect for our ancestors and their legacy, my own years of experimentation and the history that accompany the craftsmen. This deep interest in the crafts have provided the tools for design, which translates into my collections.

HS: The ethos of Holiday St. is built on the essence of how travel influences style. Colombia is high on our list to visit - what would you say influences style in your home country the most?

DH: I believe that the influence comes from a tropical country with an artisanal and cultural inheritance that is amplified by the diversity of flora and fauna. Colombia is a place where all the elements join to create a folkloric style full of magnificent colors and details that seduce the mind in feeling the exhilaration of the vibrant traditional music and costumery clothing that give the appearance of a rainbow, in addition it’s a permanent invitation to cherish the sun and recognize the fortune of living in a climate that allows for a seemingly eternal spring full of flowers, scents, and vivid sensations.

HS: Speaking of holidaying in Colombia, where is your favorite place to visit and what would a day’s itinerary look like?

DH: I personally love Medellin and recommend it be your first stop when visiting Colombia. If I were to design the perfect day in Medellin it would look like this:

To start your day, I recommend a breakfast that consists of french toast accompanied with tropical fruit, coffee that is Colombian-grown, and great company. Betty’s Bowls is the place to enjoy a fun and nutritious breakfast. Their delicious variety of tropical flavors will carry you away while the colors and details will not only satisfy your hunger, but it will fill your heart with happiness.

Embrace a dose of Colombian culture on your trip by visiting the Antioquia Museum. Founded in 1881, the museum holds a collection of more than 7,000 artifacts. Located in the historical center of the city, it is a building with American Art Deco influence – declared a national architectural heritage site in the nineties.

For lunch, visit the restaurant Oci.mde, the design of the space is a whole experience in itself. It is essential that you try their Pesca Coco dish, Pacific fish with coconut, chili and ginger sauce, fresh coconut and cilantro salad served over squash, broccolini and corn with their exclusive Author’s Cocktail.

You cannot go to Medellin without visiting the local stores and meet the Medellin talent. Makeno is a concept store where they gather the best designs made in Colombia. Without a doubt, Makeno is proof of the marvelous creativity found in our culture.

In the Provenza neighborhood, one would encounter ample gastronomical options, the perfect location to enjoy a dinner surrounded by nightlife. The music will make you want to enjoy a night of partying in Salón Amador which can be found in this neighborhood. This is a place where you will encounter good music and a delicious gin and tonic and if you’re lucky, you may stumble across one of the great local DJ’s that play in this night club.

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