Sylvia has put her paintbrushes to create little masterpieces with Svarowski crystals. They are like small paintings, enclose a spiritual and dreamlike meaning, half way between the absolute elegance and a daytime accessory expressing its modern style, casually
Sylvia Toledano leads us into a poetic and spiritual world, to meet colours and childhood images stemming from the heart of a dream, and the theme of the day… as glamorous as ever these clutches are more than an accessory because they are the perception of fashion and elegance!
A creative artist, trained in fashion at studio Berçot, with her artistic determination exploits her inner self without taking herself too seriously.
The spirituality of the designer can be felt: playing with everyday life, its values and reference points… an emblem of Peace and Love, the hand of Fatima, a coral in the seas, a small manga or just simply four magic words making up the word L.O.V.E… Sylvia Toledano has paced the world over, bringing back themes discovered elsewhere, which only she can formidably blend into trends and desires. Her creations are like invitations to travel, expressions of a culture taking us to discover different worlds, one at a time.
“The artistic accessory designer Sylvia Toledano has conquered elegant fashionistas and stars such as Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez or Lindsay Lohan.”
How did you get the idea of creating these clutches? Were they conceived for yourself initially?
“I have always loved jewel bags because I think that to carry a clutch handbag gives you elegance, style and personality. I looked out for one to suit my character for a long time without succeeding, so in the end I created it myself”.
Looking at your creations, they look like miniature paintings. Did Sylvia as a painter have to change techniques to express herself?
“I certainly changed techniques to express myself but not spiritually. I always love what is symbolic and try to convey messages of happiness, which are spiritual and playful symbols”.
Your designs are full of messages: of peace, sweetness, lightness and joie de vivre.
“I hope they are! I love harmony, joy, humour and as an Aquarius with an ascending Aquarius, every morning I dream of peace in the world”.
Does ‘painting’ with shining crystals give you the same “ecstasy” as when you finish doing a painting?
“I think I find this when I see my creation being worn, a bit like when my paintings were sold at auction and set off for a new future”.
Your creations have become an elegant, international «MUST HAVE» in a short time. What’s your secret?
“If there is a secret, perhaps it lies in the fact that I love what I do. Con- fucio said: ‘Choose a job you like, and you will never for a second feel you are working’.
Up until now clutches/minaudieres were reserved only for an élite category and above all worn for balls or to the Opera. I have noticed that your creations are worn with more nonchalance..
“It was necessary to put a stop to that image which was only for a pri- vileged few; women have changed a lot and something different had to be offered”.
Your source of inspiration, sometimes linked to a land of fables or the world of art, maintains its poetic sensitivity…
“It is a path led by intuition rather than consideration. Perhaps my rela- tionship with the world is very feminine, without forgetting that I am also very much inspired by women”.
How does your creative process start: with sketches? Designs?
“A lot of sketches and many sketches, and I never go out without my sketch book and pencils!”
An accessory has become an essential element of a woman’s look. What do you think?
“I think very highly of it, it’s the element which highlights and defines a look. A true expression of a person’s personality”.
I have noticed that you are having more “personalized” orders, in limited editions.
“Personalization, which corresponds to a need for artistic identification, is one of today’s luxuries. This addition is an absolute luxury, you beco- me an actor without becoming a fashion victim”.
How would you define elegance?
“Number one in elegance is not to take yourself too seriously”
