Eugenie Niarchos
For jewellery designer Eugenie Niarchos, what makes a piece of jewellery precious is the story it tells as much as the materials and craftsmanship it represents. After starting her career in fashion, Eugenie was drawn to jewellery, interning at Christie's and collaborating with Repossi and Azzaro before founding her own brand, Venyx – a playful portmanteau of planet Venus and precious gemstone Onyx. Underpinned by her fascination with antiquity, mythology and symbolism, and informed by her interest in Art Nouveau, Art Deco and modernism, Eugenie’s jewellery is imbued with a retro-futuristic sensibility and trend-defying timelessness. A keen traveller, Eugenie also finds inspiration in her frequent journeys, eclectically mixing cultural and historical references with precious stones and diamonds to design eccentric collections that make up the mystical cosmos that is Venyx. We recently caught up with Eugenie to ask her about her inspirations, favourite destinations and guilty pleasures.
How would you define yourself in three words?
Curious, adventurous and eccentric.
A project/initiative you’re most proud of?
My new collection “Mother Earth”. I donate a percentage to the charity Sea Legacy in support of their amazing projects! I’m super happy.
Where do you draw inspiration from?Literally everything. I constantly observe everything and have an eye for details so inspirations come from the most obvious things like nature, from rock formations to the reflection of light on the sea, to the least obvious thing like the details of an Art Deco post box.
Which art/design/style icons you are most inspired by?
I go through phases. Right now I’m doing a lot of research on fonts to do a collection that includes words on jewellery so I have been researching a lot on Ed Ruscha’s art. I also have a passion for antiquity.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Literally everything. I constantly observe everything and have an eye for details so inspirations come from the most obvious things like nature, from rock formations to the reflection of light on the sea, to the least obvious thing like the details of an Art Deco post box.
Which art/design/style icons you are most inspired by?
I go through phases. Right now I’m doing a lot of research on fonts to do a collection that includes words on jewellery so I have been researching a lot on Ed Ruscha’s art. I also have a passion for antiquity.
Which colours are you currently enamoured of?
My choice of colours depends on my mood. I’m in Greece right now and I’ve found myself wearing a lot of greyish light blue with silver and beige. In the winter I like electric orange. Light pink is another one of my constant favourites.
A timeless design piece you own?
A Muzo emerald and diamond necklace I desi gned for myself. I have a passion for emeralds and it’s the type of piece you can wear in the day as much as the night.
What’s an accessory you had for ages?
My pair of Venyx Gold anklets. I made them for myself 6 years ago and hardly ever take them off. I wear them in the summer and winter too. They dress up any outfit. People loved them on me so much I started producing them and they’ve become quite popular.
What item in your closet do you wear the most?
My oversized black cashmere robe by the Elder statesman. It’s so practical, cosy and so soft. It serves me as a blanket when I travel.
The beauty product you can’t live without?
Right now I can’t live without the makeup from Westman Atelier foundation. It’s all vegan, rich in antioxidants and formulated with active ingredients to combat redness, calm irritation, an even out complexion. I love it.
Three Instagram accounts you check daily?
DiaChronique, Kellybehunstudio, Newagecocaine. I also follow a bunch of archaeological profiles’s and some about conspiracy theories. I love discovering things like that.
Favourite destination and hotel?
Udaipur Taj Lake Palace. Feels like you’re living in a movie from a different era when you’re there.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
Road tripping and camping in India.
What do you miss most when travelling?
My little Pomeranian dog Ruskin who’s based in London.
Which city would you choose to live in if you had to move?
I've always wanted to live in India at some point of my life. Living in a country that I have no attachment to. Possibly in Bombay.
What souvenirs would you bring back home?
I always bring back something from my trips. A t-shirt or a statue. During quarantine I tie dyed all of these t-shirts and they now have a second life
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
Road tripping and camping in India.
What do you miss most when travelling?
My little Pomeranian dog Ruskin who’s based in London.
Which city would you choose to live in if you had to move?
I've always wanted to live in India at some point of my life. Living in a country that I have no attachment to. Possibly in Bombay.
What souvenirs would you bring back home?
I always bring back something from my trips. A t-shirt or a statue. During quarantine I tie dyed all of these t-shirts and they now have a second life
What quote do you live by?
“First think, second dream, third believe and finally dare” by Walt Disney.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“It doesn’t hurt to try.”
What is your guilty pleasure?
The Torta Caprese, an almond paste chocolate cake form Capri. I’m obsessed with it.
Your idea of happiness?
Bliss
