Vara Of London: ‘Jewellery Allows Women To Make A Statement By Individualising Their Look’

I remember the first time I met Mayuri Vara of Vara of London. It was at the Jewellery & Watch Fair, Saatchi Gallery. The designer debuted with her first collection and presented a variety of statement cocktail rings in coloured gemstones, cuff bracelets and various earrings. Some of them were crafted in silver, others in vermeil and embellished with peridots, amethyst, smoky quartz and citrines. Regardless of the material, Mayuri’s jewellery stood out at the show.

Since then Vara of London has been featured on the pages of Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar Deluxe Hong Kong, Hong Kong Tatler and The South China Morning Post – Luxury. So, what makes Mayuri’s pieces so popular among women? Is it the glamour, the stylish and eye-catching designs or perhaps the ease of pairing it with almost anything in the wardrobe? I’ll let you work it out. For now, let’s get to know Vara of London.

Katerina Perez: Mayuri, do you have a special occasion in mind while designing the voluminous and bold pieces?

Mayuri Vara: I would say that Vara of London collections are elegant, glamorous and timeless. They are designed to be versatile, worn with a fitted shirt, evening gown or even a divine leather dress. You may dress up or dress down the pieces with ease. I have never believed that jewellery should only be worn at night. It is wonderful to see that women no longer abide by rules -they wear a jewellery to a cocktail party and wear the same thing to office as well.

MV: I have always worn jewellery to different occasions, right from meetings to cocktails. I feel underdressed without jewellery and perfume.

KP: One of my favourites is the Fleur de Chine. Tell us about the inspiration behind this jewellery.

MV: The Fleur de Chine was inspired by lotus. The Chinese love lotus; these flowers are symbolic of beauty, purity and harmony. Just as a lotus rises from unclean water to blossom into a beautiful flower, an individual’s mind too has to grow before it attains purity and enlightenment. The lotus has a similar meaning in Indian culture too and is widely depicted in art.

MV: Rhodium lends a more dramatic, contemporary and edgy feel. Our clients love these pieces, especially in Hong Kong, as they tend wear chic all-black and grey ensembles.These pieces compliment the look perfectly.

MV: We have select lines that became popular with many of our clients. So, we created some pieces in 18k gold. There will be minimalistic pieces as well as dramatic jewels themed around the peacock motif that was a key part of Mughal art. The minimalistic pieces will feature pearls, since pearls have made a resurgence. Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur loved pearls and I have always admired her old Hollywood glamour and remain inspired by her style.

We all need a little bit of glamour in our lives. I believe after reading this interview and seeing the jewellery you’d want to see more Vara of London.