Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/575200
70 BAL HARBOUR enamel, glow in the dark like bioluminescent sea creatures. "Man can create beautiful things—paintings, architecture and sculpture—but what nature creates is unbelievable," says Niarchos. "The colors, textures and shapes are my main inspiration, and then I add a futuristic twist." Niarchos is among an exciting group of young Europeans bringing a modern sensibility to the fine jewelry market. Fourth generation Delfina Delettrez's surrealist diamond and pearl earrings with ruby lips and gold and enamel honeycomb cuffs have become akin to status symbols among the cool set, and Gaia Repossi's articulated diamond-band finger cuffs and abstract chokers have reinvigorated her family's 90-year-old house. At 19, Niarchos worked with her friend Repossi on two capsule collections, which is what led her to a career in jewelry design. "What's nice about jewelry is that it makes people dream."She enrolled in the esteemed Gemological Institute of America in London and, after graduation, apprenticed at Christie's in its fine jewelry division. In 2008, she collaborated with French designer Vanessa Seward, then creative director at Azzaro, on three costume jewelry offerings and later Niarchos worked with knitwear label Lucien Pellat Finet on a limited edition selection of sweaters with bauble encrusted necklines. When she launched Venyx in 2012, "it was a bit of a surprise for a lot of people because I didn't really talk about it," Niarchos says. And although she's garnered an extraordinary amount of success in only three years—the collection is sold in more than 15 stores worldwide, including The Webster at Bal Harbour, and counts Russian media maven Miroslava Duma and London-based designer Mary Katrantzou among its supporters—Niarchos admits to the same jitters as any emerging designer. "There's always that thing in the back of your mind: what if no one will like it?" Little chance, says The Webster's Laure Hériard-Dubreuil. "The Bal Harbour customer is very well-traveled and educated in fashion and luxury. She's looking for a statement piece that is not seen everywhere. Venyx is the perfect fit." What a Gem For her third fine jewelry collection, Oseanyx, Eugenie Niarchos mined the natural world for inspiration from the cosmos to the sea. From left, the Kaleidoscope Tiger Ray ring, Lady V ring and Pharaonys earrings. PHOTOS COURTESY OF VENYX