Montreal Artist Vanda Neves

One of my favorite things about the glorious 514 is the sheer volume of people who are completely, absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt consumed with passion for the things they love. Never have I met as many people as I have here in Montreal who make their dreams come true by steering their natural talents towards fierce ambition. Montrealers are glorious go-getters, and there is nothing I appreciate more than the power of realizing aspirations and dreams!

Vanda Neves is exactly the kind of local I’m talking about.

Vanda created her jewelery line V Design merely three years ago as an outlet – a way to spend time with herself (and her daughter) sans distraction and pour her creativity into something that has the ability to stop time, if only for awhile . You see, by day, Vanda works for Nightlife Magazine enjoying the hustle and bustle of the cities hottest pop and underground culture mag. Awesome right? In fact, she admits that many of the events and openings she attends allow her to scope out what’s new and happening in the city and apply it to her craft. A jewelery line from Montreal, inspired by it and made for the lovely ladies who love it’s aesthetic .

In those short three years, Vanda has achieved numerous reviews and features in Canadian mags such as Clin d’Oeil, LouLou, Elle Quebec, Chatelaine and FLARE (to name only a very few) and hosts beading parties (with her very own signature charm bar) both personally and corporately (I wish I worked in an office that supported bracelet-making 5 a 7′s)!

Vanda prides herself in using some of only the best materials – for both your look as well as your wallet. She is passionate about making affordable and equally accessible creations that women from all walks of life can enjoy and wear without breaking the bank.

Prices for her pieces generally range from $50 to $75 and are composed of luxurious semi precious stones, Swarovski crystals, plated charms and sterling silver… the best part by far though?

Vanda knows the importance of a great versatile buy. Everybody loves pieces that multitask and Vanda does just that, creating individualized (and custom) orders that allow for clip on or attachment transformations… your studs instantly become chandelier earrings and your bracelet magically converts into a necklace… LOVE!!!

When I asked Vanda where she draws her inspiration from, her answer was crystal clear and oh-so-modern. Trends, friends, runway shows and pop culture. Me being the lover of all things retro and classic I asked her if she ever draws ideas from old movies, throwback tunes or whatnot… her answer? Nope! Her jewelery focuses on the present and future, not the past (hence her latest collection complimenting the gals of Sex & the City – pictures I used in this post).

As far as color goes, Vanda prefers color stories and themes as opposed to playing favorites to individual shades and hues… she admits she loves playing with complimentary and contrasting pigments .

Vanda creates earrings, necklaces, bracelets, key chains and pretty much any and everything else you can dream up and believes that everyone needs a hobby of their own! You can find her collection exclusively online, but I’m warning you folks – keep your eyes peeled and on the lookout for this one, she’ll be going far!

Congrats Vanda on winning the Stylebakery.com readers poll award for Designer on the rise (did I not JUST tell you?).

Happy Wednesday!

I will be guest speaking tonight as a blogger at Garde Manger in the old port with some of the amazing Bitchin’ Kitchen crew and some of Montreal’s marvelous foodies! Ecstatic to enjoy some of Chuck Hughes amazing creations!!!

And Happy Birthday eve to my intern Matthew!!! Turning 18 tomorrow!!! Wooohaaaa… cupcakes are in store!!!

xox