Talisman and Friends Are Mexico City Bound with Carla Fernandez

The Carla Fernandez flagship store in Colonia Juarez, CDMX. Image via Conde Nast Traveler.

Join Talisman Fine Jewelry and friends Animal Handmade, Salihah Moore, Young in the Mountains and Mario Zoots as we travel south of the border, for an extra special pop-up shop at the Carla Fernandez flagship store in Mexico City! Happening November 18-20 here.

Carla Fernandez flagship boutique on Calle Marsella in CDMX. Image courtesy of the designer.

As a longtime fan of Carla Fernandez’s work in fashion, including not only her incredible handmade garments, but also her forward-thinking ideas for the industry, memorialized in her Manifesto of Fashion as Resistance, I couldn’t be more thrilled.

So how did this opportunity come about? Thanks to the Denver Art Museum’s recent exhibit and my dear friend Jane Burke, a curator there, I had the opportunity to meet and work with the inimitable designer during a trunk show that was held in conjunction with the exhibition opening in May. Carla, ever gracious and down to earth, was incredibly warm and welcoming, and invited Talisman to come do a trunk show at her shop. Little did she know how readily I’d jump on that offer ;) Plus, I figured, why not invite some other artist friends to join us, and turn the whole thing into a CDMX-meets-Denver pop-up celebration for the books… Once in a lifetime, right?

Designer Carla Fernandez. Photo via Culture Trip.

So mark your calendar, because this is one that is not to be missed. Truly, you’re all invited… friends, clients, family, and anyone else who is looking for a little adventure. Fun will undoubtedly be had by all. Plus, it’s a fabulous excuse to visit one of the best cities on earth with some like-minded design folk :)

Curious about the other designers attending?

Animal Handmade. Image via the designer.

Animal Handmade’s hand-stamped leather bags and goods incorporate mystical, mythological motifs that not only tell a story, but are also an unbelievably cool addition to any wardrobe

Works by Salihah Moore. Image via the designer.

Salihah Moore’s painstakingly hand-beaded jewelry and garments play with geometry and come in unexpected shapes, offering both a visual and sensory experience for the wearer

A diamond and turquoise ring by Young in the Mountains. Image via the designer.

Young in the Mountains makes hand-forged, stunning inlay rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that nod to traditional artisans of the Southwest, yet are decidedly a look all their own

Mario Zoots installing his collage work. Image via the artist.

Artist Mario Zoots began his journey painting trains as a graffiti hooligan. These days he transforms images, colors and shapes into immersive collage works that are powerfully transportive.

Join Talisman at the Found Collective Market September 24th

Emmy Swenson is another one of those old acquaintances that I inevitably met via my former shop Goldyn. She’s an incredibly talented hairstylist, and I’ve been glad to get to know her more personally as of late. For quite some time now, she’s had a beautiful vision that goes beyond just hairstyling, to supporting other local artists in the Boulder community. Emmy noticed how many of her clients were incredible makers and designers, and yet didn’t have a place to showcase their work locally. So Emmy has gathered the best of the best, and decided to finally create The Found Collective. Our first pop-up market will be held Saturday, September 24th, at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. Tickets are $5, which you can purchase here, and are well worth the small fee. This is not your average maker market - shop for antique fine jewelry, designer apparel, hand-beaded adornment, botanically-dyed upcycled garments, beautiful ceramics, expertly curated vintage, and of course Talisman Fine Jewelry will be there with my latest and greatest. Hope to see you there!

Fall Trunk Show with Garbarini This Saturday

The fall 2022 collection is officially live, and there’s no better time than this Saturday, September 10th to see all of the new goodies if you’re in the Denver area… Join us for a special fall trunk show at Garbarini boutique in Cherry Creek, where you can touch and feel each piece IRL.

Garbarini has been a mainstay in Colorado retail since 1985, curating sought-after designer womenswear from across the globe. We were thrilled to be added to their exclusive roster of brands this summer, and couldn’t be more excited to host this upcoming event.

Enjoy champagne and good company while you shop (hey I’ll be there too!) from 11-4pm

239 Detroit Street

See you there!

BTS: Talisman Fine Jewelry Fall/Winter 2022 Lookbook Shoot

This last weekend, we traveled into the wild with photographer Kristen Hatgi Sink and model Sunshine Fox (yes, that’s her real name, and I’d say it’s fitting) to capture our latest fall creations. Concepting, producing, and creative directing photoshoots is part of the other work I’ve done for decades, and it’s always a joy to flex these muscles for Talisman’s shoots. While I thought I had a pretty clear concept in mind before we left on our voyage, as per usual the universe had some different ideas. And, as per usual, it made all the sense in the world when it came together in the end.

Kristen Hatgi Sink photographs Sunshine Fox.

The short story: Two of fall’s standout new pieces include the Protective Eye Y Necklace, and its miniature little sister. The idea had struck us to photograph these floating in front of Sunshine’s eyes, and Sunshine noted how it reminded her of the way some of Salvador Dali’s jewelry (including an eye piece) was photographed back in the day. Couldn’t agree more. The next morning after our shoot, I woke up to a completely unrelated, random text from my mother, with a photo of Dali’s exact same work. She had just stumbled upon it online, and thought I’d appreciate his aesthetic. She had not, by the way, seen anything from our shoot. Hey, these are the serendipitous things that happen when you own a jewelry line called Talisman! Naturally, I went down a wormhole looking at Dali’s work, and remembered that he had a painting called “La Femme Nue Dans Le Desert,” or “The Naked Woman in the Desert.” Immediately my mind flashed to the moon-like desertscape of our shoot, where indeed, we took some nude shots (tastefully covered though). Clearly, it was a sign.

My other inspirations as of late include the work of artists like Elena Stonaker, Niki de Saint Phalle, fashion designer Carla Fernandez (see previous post), and the culture and modernist architecture of Mexico City. These things played into our shoot as well, in more subtle ways. But the Dali references stood out. Or more like they jumped out, right at us.

So, all of this is to say: I hope you enjoy these behind-the-scenes peeks at our FW 2022 shoot, an unintentionally-intentional homage to La Femme Nue Dans Le Desert.

Sorting through the goods. Photo by Kristen Hatgi Sink.

Photo by Kristen Hatgi Sink.

Photo by Kristen Hatgi Sink.

Photographer Kristen Hatgi Sink.

Photo by Kristen Hatgi Sink.

Sunshine and I captured towards the end of the day. Photo by Kristen Hatgi Sink.

Talisman Summer 2022 Playlist

Image from Binki’s Heybb! album artwork, released by Fader

Little known fact: Music is one of my other loves in life. Maybe you’re the same, but I’ve always got a soundtrack playing in the background, day in and day out. Back when I owned my shop Goldyn, I was always making playlists for the store and for our runway shows. It brought me a lot of joy, and still does. (Other little known fact: I’m finally learning to DJ after decades of wishing to do so!). I put together a little playlist of bangers and slow jams for late Summer 2022 that I thought I’d share here. Hope you enjoy!

Talisman in the Press: Boulder Lifestyle Magazine

I can’t tell you how delighted I was when I heard that Boulder Lifestyle magazine wanted to profile Talisman Fine Jewelry for their June 2022 print issue… I’m a huge fan of the publication, its creative art direction, and its support of local artisans. Plus it’s always nice to connect with folks from my beloved hometown.

Writer Kailey Beuerlein asked some fun, out-of-the-box questions that you can peep below. I’m always excited to gab about my hippie, weirdo parents and the eclectic, formative upbringing that Boulder provided. You can read the article in its full glory starting on p36 here. Thanks again to Boulder Lifestyle publishers Kate and Andy Manz, writer Kailey Beuerlein, and the rest of the team!

Alternative Wedding Rings: My Thoughts and Top Picks

Model Aleah Hyvonen wears the Rollo Band and Portal Ring on her ring fingers, as well as the Demeter Cigar Band on her pointer. Photo by Chiara Garland.

Let’s be honest, not every woman (or man for that matter) is a diamond person, and it can most definitely be said that not all are seeking that traditional one-carat-diamond-or-larger solitaire engagement look. Not knocking the style - it’s a classic, no doubt. But no one should feel confined to a style defined by mainstream society, should that not fit with who they are as a person. Your love is also unique, and your ring should represent that individuality. Plus, not everyone wants or is able to spend a down payment on a house for their ring.

Aleah wears the Portal Ring and Rollo Band. Photo by Chiara Garland.

I’ve been thrilled over the last few years to design wedding bands, both custom and from the collection, that I feel are at once both very classic and timeless, comfortable, and yet utterly unique and modern. That is Talisman’s look, in a nutshell, after all. It’s such a personal, intimate thing to get to make a ring that someone will wear for a lifetime, and I treat these projects with a lot of special care and honor.

Model Niki Gibson wears the Demeter Cigar Band on her ring finger. I do love this look for a commitment ring <3 Photo by Andrew Vanasse.

Wondering what direction to go, or overwhelmed by all the possibilities? Some of my personal top picks for nontraditional wedding rings from the collection include the Portal Ring, with its comfortably tapered band, and both the Rollo and Petite Rollo Bands - two wonderfully pudgy, donut-like, fully-round bands that work great for both brides and grooms. These are bands that are simple, elegant, yet are certainly statement-making. And, should you want a little sparkle, I’d say that each of these rings, particularly the Rollo and Petite Rollo, also sit really nicely next to a diamond eternity band too. Though for those looking for a one-and-done, packs-a-bold-punch commitment look, going with the Persephone Ring is another great call. I also love the extra wide band and clean lines of the Demeter Cigar Band too. Perfect for the fashion-forward bride.

Model Nyasia Wyani wears the Persephone Ring on her ring finger. Photo by Blake Jackson.

Still unsure? Reach out to me here and we can begin a conversation about designing a custom piece to your liking. I love commissions, and am always happy to make you something one-of-a-kind.

Field Trip: Carla Fernandez at the Denver Art Museum

The opening looks from the Denver Art Museum’s Carla Fernandez Casa de Moda exhibition. Each piece is OOAK, incorporating traditional artisan techniques specific to various indigenous Mexican groups around the country. Carla’s husband, sculptor Pedro Reyes, designed the mannequins and their sculptural headwear for the show.

It’s pretty safe to say that in the world of fashion, a designer referencing each and every person by name who stitched their garments is pretty unheard of. But not in Carla Fernandez’s world. Carla is a Mexico City-based fashion designer on a mission, who uses her collection to lift up indigenous Mexican artisans, while also calling into question fast fashion practices, apparel industry waste, and violations of human rights all the while. I’ve been a huge fan of Carla ever since I learned about her line many years ago. So you can imagine my utter excitement when my friend Jane Burke, Curatorial Fellow of Textile Art and Fashion at the Denver Art Museum, told me that she’d be co-curating an exhibition featuring Carla’s work, along with Florence Muller! What a dream! And, doubly exciting, Jane invited me to help out at an ancillary pop-up event for the brand. A chance to meet Carla IRL? Count me in.

A quick photo op with Jane Burke, collector Tanya Melendez (Senior Curator of Education at FIT), Carla, and myself

Not only was the exhibition of Carla’s work utterly stunning and inspiring, but I was so happy to find how kind and down-to-earth Carla herself was upon meeting her. Truly a gem of a human. And her work… oh. my. God. her work! The attention to detail, the fabrications, the colors, the dance performances in lieu of fashion shows… there’s so much there. Personally, I love Carla’s aesthetic, which I would describe as both modernist and yet also evoking the style of Mexican indigenous garments… Ancient modern, if you will. Peep little snippets from the DAM exhibition below, and also be sure to read Carla’s “Manifesto of Fashion as Resistance” in its entirety here. It’s worth a scroll through if you’re into fashion, or yunno, if you wear clothing in general (cough cough). And, if you find yourself in the Denver area, get yourself to this show at the Denver Art Museum stat. Thank you Carla, you are a true inspiration.

A group of Carla’s garments from the exhibition that really evoke traditional indigenous Mexican craft work

Obsessed with the fuzzy (alpaca?) fabrication on this piece.

Carla created a protest collection specifically for the Women’s March in 2016. Truly powerful work from a powerful woman.

Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Guide

We’ve all been there… Mother’s Day creeps up on you, and all of a sudden you’re scrambling to find something for your mom/wife/sister/BFF. Never fear, we’ve got you covered! Peep below for my top picks of in-stock items that can ship to you in a matter of days (or available for local, same-day delivery if you’re in the Denver/Boulder area)…

The Portal Ring is an easy, classic and timeless take on a gold domed ring. Mom will love, trust.

One of my latest creations, the Freyja Necklace is ultra-dainty with a 2mm diamond, and perfect for the low-maintenance mom. Worn alone or layered with other necklaces, Freyja can be kept on 24/7 for a little extra sparkle.

Once again, low-maintenance and easy… a pair of Circle Studs are a no-brainer (PSA: order 2 for a matching pair, as they’re sold as singles)

One of my best-selling items, I love the amorphous, organic flow that the Sirius A Ring has. Dainty and affordable, it’s a certain winner as far as gift-giving goes.

A definite classic, the Rose Cut Diamond Necklace on a Paperclip Chain is simple yet unique, and ultra sparkly. Great for layering.

For more, see our full assortment of in-stock and made-to-order items here

Pre-Mother's Day Pop-Up at Common Threads Boulder

Photo by Kristen Hatgi Sink

Join Talisman along with jeweler Salihah Moore and other incredible local makers for a Mother’s Day pop-up at Common Threads boutique in Boulder!

Saturday, May 7th

12 - 4pm

2707 Spruce Street, Boulder

If you haven’t checked out this incredible designer consignment boutique, I can tell you that it’s a must-see. As sustainability and circular fashion become more and more important, Common Threads has quickly become THE spot for fashion-centric folks in the Boulder area. Seriously, I can’t walk in there without finding something to pick up... From Gucci lace leggings to Ulla Johnson dresses and Jerome Dreyfuss bags, they’ve got you covered. So come stop in, say hello, and pick up some new-to-you pieces along with the latest Talisman Fine Jewelry spring wares for mom :)

Talisman in the Press | Worthwhile Goods

At the bench, image by Sara Ford

I could not be more thrilled to be featured in the very first iteration of Worthwhile Goods’ series “Good Humans,” up now on WorthwhileGoods.com. Worthwhile Goods is a curated resource for ethically-minded fashion, beauty, wellness and home goods, launched by an old pal of mine, Hannah Armitage. Hannah and I go way back… back to when I owned my boutique Goldyn, before it was even a brick-and-mortar boutique (yeah that’s way way back). Picture 26 or 27-year-old me, working out of a giant open warehouse space, packing up online orders, while Hannah, roughly the same age, photographs her vintage wares on the seamless backdrop we shared. Anyway, I digress.

Fast-forward to today: Hannah has launched several successful companies in the fashion sphere, including her latest, Worthwhile Goods, and I am in my 3rd professional life as a jeweler. She and I sat down and got to talking about all kinds of interesting topics - from beginnings and creative inspiration, to things like business advice for entrepreneurs, morning routines, and wardrobe staples. Fun stuff! You can peep the whole interview here.

Behind the Scenes of the Spring/Summer 2022 Lookbook Shoot

Handmade driftwood mobile by my late Great Aunt Susan <3 - something we were able to incorporate as a prop during our Talisman photoshoot

Journey with us to Phoenix, Arizona, where photographer Andrew Vanasse and myself ventured for a sun-soaked photoshoot of the latest Spring 2022 collection arrivals. While lookbook shoots may seem simple enough, many customers don’t realize just how many hours of concepting, planning and effort go into them (and after the fact as well). This one even involved a cross-country jaunt to the Sonoran desert, but hey, it was February and we weren’t complaining. With major, statement-making new pieces like the Mary Pendant and Metanoia Chain in the mix, we wanted a major shoot to showcase them in. Plus, where else were we going to photograph the new Phoenix Amulet Necklace than in Phoenix itself, right?

Andrew Vanasse uses a square-patterned wooden wall, some old boxes we found, and my family’s ceramic vase as a backdrop for the Plane Earrings and Phoenix Amulet Necklace (coming soon)

The earthy, bohemian vibe of an adobe house in Paradise Valley, on the outskirts of east Phoenix, provided just the right backdrop for the highly sculptural new wares. The scene we laid out had a look akin to an artist’s messy desert studio, and thus we mixed in an assortment of fruits and other (very) random foods for our still life shots - as if our artist had just plucked them off the table for a snack between working on her latest pieces. Fun side note here: I was also able to incorporate some of my family’s heirlooms into the pics too - including some handmade ceramic vessels and a driftwood mobile made by my late Great Aunt Susan. How special is that? Given the handmade nature of my jewelry - the Metanoia Chain alone took nearly 100 hours to make! - it all made sense together.

Snack, anyone? A cool mid-century stucco wall at sunset played backdrop to the Portal Bracelet, Mary Pendant (coming soon), and Demeter Cigar Band

Another fun fact: I oftentimes find during photoshoots that, even with the concept nailed down before hand, themes present themselves on the fly. When that happens it’s best to go with it. That’s definitely what occurred here… Rather unintentionally, fish kept making their way into the photos. Don’t ask me why, but when selecting food for the shoot at the local grocery store, the fishmonger called to me, and once we arrived at the location, we stumbled upon some decorative terra cotta fish that just sort of fit the bill. So we went with it. Fish, after all, are said to symbolize rebirth, the higher self, prosperity, abundance and good luck, among other things. I took it as a good omen. And thus, I present to you: the making of “Pisces’ Studio,” a lookbook shot by Andrew Vanasse in creative collaboration with myself, with hand modeling by (my dear cousin) Alianna Martinez. Stay tuned for the final result, coming to the web soon!

Did we make our hand model Alianna touch the fish? You’ll just have to check back in to find out ;) Pictured here are the Aphrodite Hugs, Plane Earrings, and the new Metanoia Chain (coming soon). Alianna wears the Rollo Band.

XX,

Vanessa

A Wedding Band and More Recent Custom Work

While Talisman Fine Jewelry is mostly known as a seasonless collection of heirloom jewelry, some customers are surprised to learn that a large part of my business actually includes custom jewelry. Hence why I like to occasionally share my latest custom work with you all here.

Most recently, I had the honor or creating a custom 14k white gold men’s wedding band for Nick. Nick liked the subtle wabi-sabi nature of my work, but agreed that keeping the ring low-profile (in a literal sense) would be most comfortable for everyday wear. He also opted for a brushed finish, rather than the bright shine of a mirror polish. The result can be seen below. It is always such an honor to create commitment rings and wedding bands for customers… it’s something they’ll be wearing and cherishing for a lifetime, with so much meaning attached to it. As with all Talisman Fine Jewelry pieces, I imbue each creation with intention while crafting it, and take time to set the finished piece on my altar for blessing. This is especially important for commitment rings, for obvious reasons. So with Nick’s ring completed and a blessing for a happy, long-lasting union bestowed upon it, the ring is ready to ship out before his July nuptials! (Side note: custom jewelry can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks to complete, depending on the piece, so always make sure you’ve allotted enough time when putting in your order, especially if you have a deadline to meet).

Custom 14k white gold wedding band for Nick

Another fun custom project that came across my desk was a request for two pendants to represent a client’s work. Specifically, Alexandra works in the women’s health field as a pelvic care practitioner, and she wanted to be able to wear her pendants daily to honor the important medicine that she performs. Working together on the design, we came up with the concept of the spiral - an ancient symbol found historically across many global cultures - as a representation of the womb and its creation process, and of the life cycle journey, including growth, death and rebirth, and a return always to the Great Mystery.

The spiral, a representation of creation, and the journey of life

The second pendant was a more literal request - a yoni. My version was ever-so-slightly abstracted, but generally pretty anatomically obvious, at Alexandra’s request. Not your typical custom order, but I was thrilled to oblige! Participating in destigmatizing the yoni in particular was something that excited me. Alexandra and I both felt, ‘To he** with people who are freaked out by the organ from which they came into the world!’ For this piece I also added a twisted bail detail, to subtly tie it in with its spiral counterpart. Check out the end result below.

Finished womb spiral and yoni pendants for Alexandra

If you’re looking to get engaged, need a commitment ring, or simply have an idea for a jewelry piece that you’d like to turn into a reality, I encourage you to reach out and start a conversation. The best way to contact me, as always, is email - vanessa@talismanfinejewelry.co

Special thanks to Nick and Maddi, as well as Alexandra, for trusting me with your special creations!

Talisman Studio Tour with Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

Image by James Cromwell Holden

This fall I was honored to be asked by the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art to join them for an online studio tour. I love the ‘full circle’ aspect of getting involved in the Boulder community more, given that it’s my hometown! BMOCA’s Kiah Butcher - who is just a lovely human BTW - and I had a casual convo about my process, the space, how Talisman got started, and more. Since my blog doesn’t support video content, you can peep the full studio tour HERE.

The 2021 Gift Guide

Hard to believe, but the holidays are approaching quickly (cue the Home Alone-esque, hands-on-face scream)…

A quick PSA: Because many Talisman Fine Jewelry pieces are made-to-order (in an effort to create less waste as well as create pieces with custom intention for YOU), we kindly ask that holiday orders on items that are not noted as “in-stock and ready to ship” (written in the product description) be placed by November 15th in order to ensure they’ll arrive in time for Xmas. Not to worry though, if planning ahead isn’t your bag, we’ve also got an assortment of in-stock styles that can ship just in the nick of time too.

Confounded on what to get? We’ve put together this handy-dandy gift guide for all the lovelies in your life, for your assistance…

Our top picks for the high-fashion statement-maker, clockwise from left: The Plane Earrings, Yin Yang Necklace, Sea Glass Necklaces, and Spiral Stud

For the lover of classics, our favorite timeless styles include, clockwise from left: The Demeter Cigar Band, Rollo Band, Central Sun Earrings, Rollo Hoops (paired with the Peace Sign Stud), and Rose Cut Diamond Necklace

For the chic spiritualist, we love these styles, clockwise from left: The Michael Amulet Necklace and Solomon’s Seal Necklace, the Sirius A Ring, Talisman Pouch Necklace, and the Protective Eye Stud

Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Recital Boutique

Hip Denver boutique Recital (you may remember them formerly as Queen City General Store) is hosting a holiday pop-up shop of local makers that’s not to be missed! Join Talisman Fine Jewelry and friends Ida & Moon, Mecla, and Non-Porous Ceramics for this very special event. It’ll be the last chance to catch Talisman in-person before the holiday rush, so please save the date! I’m also told *on the hush, hush DL* that Dad Grass will be giving away CBD joints to shoppers, so be sure to get there early and score your gift with purchase ;)

Where > Recital Boutique - 1362 27th Street, Denver, CO 80205 (in the paved alleyway behind Denver Central Market)

When > Saturday, November 6th, 4-9pm

Who/Why > Recital is a destination for sought-after designer labels like Rachel Comey, Jesse Kamm, Batsheva and more. Owner Olivia Meininger and Manager Coco Correa have an eye for fashion-forward style, and have curated a group of swoon-worthy local makers (if we may say so) for this special holiday pop-up shop. Along with baubles by yours truly, shoppers can peruse the handmade leather handbags, accessories, and botanically-dyed apparel by Ida and Moon, dresses to suit the modern woman by Mecla, and highly-giftable ceramics by Non-Porous Ceramics.

Save the Date: Maker Mavens Collective Holiday Pop-Up Shop

Fall trunk show season has begun! If you’re local to the Denver area, come say hello and see me in person, along with my friends Andrea Li, Marie Margot Couture, and B. Shigley Designs for a group pop-up shop at Walker Fine Art on October 14th from 6-9pm. There’ll be bevvies and hors d’oeuvres, along with some very special, one-of-a-kind pieces that I’m making exclusively for our event (hint hint, some found sea glass from the Pacific Ocean has made its way into the collection - one man’s trash is another woman’s treasure, no?). Hope to see you there! For more event info and to RSVP, please visit this link.