MUSE COUTURE CONVOS: Lito
Welcome to "Muse COUTURE Convos," where we journey into the world of exceptional fine jewelry with the talented designers showcasing their fabulous collections at the annual COUTURE Show in Las Vegas. In this exciting series, we explore the inspirations, craftsmanship, and stories behind some of the most stunning collections in the industry. Join us as we chat with these visionary artists, unveiling the passion and creativity that drive their work. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a jewelry enthusiast, our conversations promise to inspire and enchant, bringing you closer to the heart of jewelry.
This Greek globe-trotting gem hunter, with the precision of a Paris-trained craftswoman, turns precious stones into wearable tales of adventure. Lito's creations, a mix of meticulous artistry and boundary-pushing design, have crowned her the darling of modern bohemians and collectors alike.
Tell us what you’re focusing on or debuting at COUTURE this year.
We are reintroducing our brand after being away for the last two years. We are focusing on our core collections, which include the Tu es Partout collection (where the eyes are the subject), the il Paradiso collection (where the scarabs are the main subject), and the La Bouche collection (where the lips are the main subject).
Which piece from the collection you’re showing at COUTURE best captures your essence as a designer?
I would have to say the necklace “My Dearest Darling,” which was inspired by Etta James. It’s a unique necklace, as the design was based on three strands of vintage gold chains my grandma gave to my mother, who passed them on to me. So I wanted to bring new life to those chains and make a necklace that would enhance the beauty of the chains and make every woman wearing this necklace feel like a Diva!
Who are you most excited to see at COUTURE/would you want to collaborate with?
Everyone! But I do have missed the COUTURE team, especially Elana and Morgan and the Muse team!
Now, onto some general jewelry questions! If you could only work with one gemstone for the rest of your career, which would it be and why?
That’s a really hard question for me as I can’t limit myself to one stone. But I could limit myself to one metal, and that would be 18K yellow gold!
Which historical era do you wish you could have designed jewelry in, and what appeals to you about that time?
Art Deco, for sure! I love everything about that era! The aesthetic is so sleek, symmetrical, and bold. I love tassels and the jazzy playfulness of that era, which was also elegant and stylish.
Which artist or designer has had the most profound impact on your work, and how do they continue to influence you?
I would say it would be Maroulina, a Greek jewelry designer who lived in Greece in the 40’s and was active until 1980. Her real name was Sophia Thanopoulou. She was from Myconos and lived there half of her life, had a store there where everyone would visit the island, from Greta Garbo to Elizabeth Taylor, who would buy her unique designs made from shells, corals, and anything else she could find in her surroundings. Her designs were so bold, free, and unique!
Where is your favorite place to design, and how does this space influence your creative process?
My favorite place is my studio. I am surrounded by all my treasures and sources of inspiration: collections from my trips, jewelry I collect, jewelry I designed 20 years ago, images that inspire me somehow, and quotes I love. That space makes me feel safe and free, which is exactly what I need to let myself dive into my creative world.
What is one thing you hope people will remember about your jewelry 100 years from now?
How they felt when wearing them.
