By Åse Anderson in London
Daniela Villegas' jewellery is imbued with its creator's fascination with the world around her.
The US-based designer compares daily life to a playground with its constantly changing colours and movements. Specialising in handcrafted one-of-a-kind pieces, her intricate designs are inspired by her surroundings, from nature to her family and friends. Feathers, woods, porcupine quills, insects and pebbles all make an appearance in Daniela's lovely, joyful pieces, translated into gold and precious gemstones.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Daniela now lives in Los Angeles and is married to the younger brother of actress Salma Hayek. Until 29 October 2014, the Spring/Summer 2015 Daniela Villegas jewellery collection is available to buy exclusively at Moda Operandi's online trunk sale.
The delectable line-up includes her Emerald City earrings, which are inspired by The Wizard of Oz, one of Daniela's favourite books. Those with a love for creepy crawlies will not be disappointed either as the collection boasts a number of bejewelled insects, from the imposing Anemoi ring to the yellow diamond spider on the La Poderosa necklace.
Among the more intriguing pieces are the almost-squeamishly life-like Frog Skeleton earrings from Daniela's new Rebirth collection. In rose gold with white diamonds and Keshi pearls, they are undeniably beautiful.
Online high fashion boutique Moda Operandi offers shoppers the chance to buy pieces straight off the runway - months before they hit the stores - through its limited-time trunk show. Current jewellery trunk shows also include Delfina Delettrez, Alison Lou and Nina Runsdorf.
