A beautiful handmade collection can transform your view of hand making. That’s the conclusion that I came to after spending some time in Amanda Trentham’s Lilah Vintage shop on Etsy.
The first thing that hits you are these stunning handmade pieces, made brilliant with touches of cold and wondrous color. That would be enough to make me pay attention. But there is a secondary story here, one that I find to be both intriguing and enlightening.
When Amanda says that she has a love for Mid-Century design, she really means it. This is fully reflected in her collection, which she calls The Moderne Line. Check this detail out:
“The mid century beads you see on each necklace and earrings were made by a European designer from the 1940’s through the early 1960’s. In that time the designer disappeared and the entire collection was lost for decades. The beads were just recently found buried in a factory.”
- from Lilah Vintage Product description
What an interesting detail. How impressive is it that Amanda has taken something from the past and turned it into something so fresh and modern. Plus, Amanda donates 20% of the proceeds from Lilah Vintage to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Very kind indeed.
Amanda agreed to answer a few question for us. If you are in the Pasadena area, be sure to check out Amanda’s answer to question #7.
1. What inspired you to begin your collection?
My grandmother passed away leaving me her collection of jewelry. She was a spit fire and lived a long fantastic life where you dressed up to get on an airplane. Much of the jewelry was broken so I took classes on jewelry making and chain work learning how to take apart the old and make it modern. Ever since I have been making elegant everyday jewelry using a combination of mid century and new – I love it. I use quality materials of 22k, 14k gold and sterling silver to make sure your jewelry lasts.
2. Can you name a favorite source of inspiration?
What inspires me the most are the clean lines of mid century designers like Eames, Herman Miller and Neutra. Their work contains an effortless elegance where every element has a purpose.
3. What materials do you love to use?
Gold! Its sharp yet etherial, shiny yet soft and instantly makes any outfit look classic.
4. Do you have a dream collaborator?
Audrey Kawasaki. She is a local LA painter/designer. I met her many years ago and have a print hanging in my bedroom I wake up and see everyday. Beautiful.
5. When you need a musical muse, who do you turn the volume up for?
Sam Cooke for everyday, Explosions in the Sky for creating new designs and Shaggy because my dream is to be one of his backup singers for a day.
6. How do you use social media to promote your work?
Facebook is where I go everyday to check in with LilahV’s friends, clients and fans. Its about 1/2 business and 1/2 my life because I like to connect on a personal level as well. My mom checks LilahV’s page to see what is going on with me that day.
7. Where do you see your shop going?
Exciting news – my Moderne Line was just placed in the Pasadena Museum of CA Art store. I am working with more and more stores around the world stocking pieces. I see that continuing as my business grows and hopefully someday a brick and mortar LilahV. I will always want to have a direct connection with customers – I especially enjoy the custom pieces.
Thanks Amanda for making such beautiful things. Connect with Amanda here:
SHOP | TWITTER | FACEBOOK