Exclusive Interview with Fashion Crossover London Designer Vosh Design x Harper's Bazaar UK June Issue

For the next exclusive interview with our most promising Fashion Crossover London Designer, we travel to the vibrant Mexico and introduce the handcrafted jewellery label Vosh Design. What started out as a hobby, progressed into a social project both securing jobs for local women while celebrating craftsmanship and individuality. Founder, Victoria Díaz de Rivera, looks to her childhood home in Merida, known for its rich Mayan history for inspiration. Vosh Design celebrates traditional Mexican culture through contemporary handcrafted products that allow people to express their individuality while championing sustainability.

You have taken your hobby of shining jewellery and turned it into a business, what was the inspiration behind your brand and the compelling brand name?

Vosh Design is inspired by Mexican culture, traditions and artisanal craftsmanship. When people think about Mexican style, they think of very traditional references such as Frieda Khalo. Even though we are proud of these cultural references, this isn’t an accurate representation of how Mexicans dress. With Vosh Design, I wanted to use our rich culture but make it more approachable and contemporary. A huge source of inspiration for me is my grandmother, who grew up in the Mayan city of Merida. I came across the Mayan word ‘Vosh’, which translates to black, my favourite colour. I then swapped out the B for a V, merging both my roots, identity and Mexican culture with my brand.

"With Vosh Design, I wanted to use our rich culture but make it more approachable and contemporary"

Your jewellery is handcrafted by women in Mexico and advocates slow fashion. Could you guide us through the process and the importance you attach to sustainable hand-craftsmanship?

Every piece is handcrafted, using artisanal processes from start to finish, in turn making every item a true work of art. We work with fourteen local women who are skilled in sewing with a loom. One piece can take up to 12 hours to complete, and that is what makes our jewellery unique, artisans our putting their soul into the designs. We work against fast-fashion we want to create products that last forever using local and sustainable materials such as sterling silver from Taxco, crystal sea beads, 14k gold as well as natural stones and sustainable cotton.

Why did you decide to join Fashion Crossover London, and embark on an expansion through Europe?

It came naturally, everything about the brand has been developed naturally. The services you offer as well as the network of contacts you have as well as the location, made your platform very enticing. We love London and we have always been in love with the city and having representation there is a milestone for the brand.

"One piece can take up to 12 hours to complete, and that is what makes our jewellery unique, artisans are putting their soul into the designs"

With regards to your final consumer, you don’t target a specific gender. What drove you to create jewellery that blurs the lines of gender restrictions?

We love the versatility that the world has to offer, and we understand the need that people have to communicate their personality through fashion. Who are we to decide what can and cannot be worn? Our designs are meant to be enjoyed and worn by everyone regardless of age or gender.

Your collection is a bohemian dream, what piece is dearest to your heart?

My favourite is the dancing souls together with the sun touch earrings and necklace, I love how the prints flow and it’s coincidentally also my best-seller, so I guess it's not just my favourite.

"Our designs are meant to be enjoyed and worn by everyone regardless of age or gender"

What other plans are on the horizon for Vosh Design?

You can expect a new premium line, which features many interesting designs that mix stones with sea beads and sterling silver. I would like for Vosh Design to become internationally recognised, and see people express their personality through our designs and in doing so celebrating Mexican craftsmanship.

Shop Vosh Design

Words by Lupe Baeyens