I stumbled upon ToniMay mid 2011 and thought her jewels were just magnetic. Each collection we feature a special talent in our campaigns and The Romantic (shot in Miami) was dominated by ToniMay.
*If you’re looking for the give away head on over to Facebook, LIKE our page and look for the giveaway details. (terms and conditions are below)
Laura Byrne (owner and founder) took some time out to answer a few questions for us.
Tell us about your label and why jewellery?
My label, ToniMay, was born from two things, my love of accessories and creative boredom, a little less than two years ago. At the time I was working as a Graphic Designer and was restless with the 9-5 grind. My mother is a trained silversmith and despite having no formal training in Jewellery design myself, it is a world that I have been immersed in since I was a teenager, so it was a very natural progression for me.
ToniMay is unique in that each and every single design is meticulously handmade. I love the feel of handmade jewellery. Each piece offers a story that you can’t replicate with manufactured products.
There is something very intimate about jewellery, unlike clothing you can wear the same piece of jewellery everyday and never take it off. I have this romantic idea that it becomes a part of you, a part of your identity.
Describe your own style…..
I would say my day – to – day style is “relaxed� as much by inclination as by necessity. I work long hours so I have the whole “I just threw this together� look down pat.
I’m an inveterate wearer of basic colours, but am an absolute sucker for beautiful and intricate detailing such as lace, leather and beading.
Tell us about your latest collection. What’s your inspiration?
My latest collection is called DAWN.
I thought the name dawn was fitting as it is the beginning of something new, a new day, and new opportunities. It also gives connotations to rebirth and awakening.
DAWN is a beautiful mixture of rutilated quartz crystals, semi precious stones, creamy leathers, exotic feathers, suspended in sterling silver and oxidized brass.
I take inspiration from everything I see; even when I’m not consciously designing my mind wanders. The materials that I am working with were a big driver for me with this range. It is very raw and organic, so I wanted to highlight the intricacies of the natural materials. There is also a quirky side to the range which plays with colour and contrast.
What’s your favourite piece?
Favourite? But I love all of them.
If I had to choose my one favourite piece, I honestly couldn’t, but if I was to choose my staple piece that’s easy. My staple is my sterling silver I keep Secret Pendants. It’s beautifully simplistic and I love that no two pendants are the same.
Where do you stand on over accessorizing?
If you can feel pins and needles in your hand, you should probably take off a few bangles. But if not, you’re set.
People often push the boundaries with clothis, but you don’t see that so much with accessories. I think it’s wonderful when I see girls being experimental and bold with their accessories.
What is next for ToniMay?
There are so many good things happening right now, it’s hard to not live blissfully in the moment.
Being a new label the options and possibilities are wide open for ToniMay. But that said I always have one eye on the present and the other looking forward and 2012 is the year to hit the ground running!
I am already working on new pieces for release in 2012, which is the next piece of the pie. But ultimately I want to continue to challenge myself and my designs, creating beautiful pieces that you can’t help but fall in love with.
Toni May Give Away Details
To enter you must correctly identify 3 Names of prints in our current Romantic Collection by leaving the names in the comment section of the giveaway post in Facebook. Entrants MUST also ‘LIKE’ the post on Facebook.
We will have a 3rd party choose 5 people at random to win pieces from ToniMay’s 2011 Range.
Winners will be notified in facebook on Tuesday 28th Feb fia Facebook Message and are encouraged to check back on our page then to see if you’ve won.
Prizes are distributed to the winners at our discretion and all decisions are final.
Any faults or warranty claims must be taken up directly with Toni May Jewellry.