PRESENTED BY MARS PROJEVT
The world of Maria Nilsdotter is filled with wondrous creatures, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists. Each piece of jewelry tells a unique story often inspired by a mysteriously dark, yet sparkling fantasy world. Whether it is fine jewelry, elaborate rings and headpieces, or material and craftsmanship, her work creates a personal yet timeless universe where one can find strength and inspiration to conceive their very own collection of everyday armor.
How or why were you drawn to a career in the world of fashion? Do you feel that you chose your “passion,” or did it choose you?
I kind of stumbled upon what became my passion and when I did, it felt amazing! I never even thought of it as a choice. I just felt a need to keep doing it. I was quite lost after graduating high school, not knowing what I wanted to do and trying out different things, like economics, photography, and art history. I kind of knew I wanted to do something creative, and when I heard about Central Saint Martins in London, I set my mind on getting in there. First, I did a foundation year in art and design at Saint Martins and for two weeks, we worked with jewelry design. When I tried it, things fell into place. This was what I needed to do, where I felt connected. For me, it was like finally being able to focus in on my imagination in a way that made sense. It was a feeling of homecoming.
What is one of the most valuable things you learned while producing the “Queen of Chaos” collection?
It has been fun and playful, but also a difficult process. While a lot of my inspiration for this collection came from fictional characters like Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, there is also an autobiographical side to it. I did a lot of self-reflection while creating the collection. One of the things I thought about was how “chaos” is a word with a negative feel to it. But in chaos there is also creation. It brings change and that’s one of the feelings I wanted to bring out in this collection.
If your creative work were edible, what would it taste like?
It would be a mix for sure—salty and sweet, like a sparkle on your tongue. If you have tried salty licorice in a mix with chocolate, perhaps you know it?
What do you do to get into your creative zone?
I’m almost always in that zone. I just need to find the time and space to focus in on it. Most of the time, it is late in the evening, listening to music and drawing at my kitchen table.
What impact do you think that commercialism and the media has had on your work?
I am forever grateful for and amazed by the way my work is received. Commercialism hasn’t been something that has driven me. It has just always been my need to create. What has impacted my work the most has been the way individual pieces speak to the person who chooses to wear them, how very personal jewelry can be, and the way in which certain pieces can communicate emotions or carry stories with them. In a small way, I can help others express themselves through my work.
What does the word “vendetta” mean to you?
Personal vengeance or going after someone seems like wasted energy to me. I see it as a sign that you should probably do some inward reflection instead.
