INSIDE DANNIJO'S HOLIDAY DIARY: ON CAREER, LOVE AND GOING OFFLINE
Sister act Danielle and Jodie Snyder launched the luxury accessories brand DANNIJO in 2008, with immediate industry acclaim. The kaleidoscopic jewelry collections are handmade in New York and beloved of A-list clientele including Olivia Palermo, Beyonce and Jessica Alba. With its latest collection, called Love is Love, arriving in Harvey Nichols Kuwait and Riyadh, Le66 in Dubai and Sophies Closet in the UAE, creative director Danielle took much-needed vacation to Tulum, Mexico. The DANNIJO designer shares her intimate travel journal with Vogue Arabia for an insider view on what fashions finest ponder when off-duty.
- Philippa Morgan via Vogue Arabia
(Read Danielle's full diary below)
When my British best friend, Sophia, called to see if I'd want to do a spontaneous girls trip to Mexico, she'd barely finished her sentence before I was telling her where we should stay, eat and shop: Jashita Tulum and La Esencia hotels, Posada Margarita and Hartwood, and La Casita de Xaman for unique pieces.
DANNIJO designer Danielle Snyder on holiday in Tulum, Mexico
Every season Jodie and I travel somewhere for work-- either to be inspired or to bring a collection to life. In the past we went to Cuba (before the gates were officially opened to Americans) to shoot our #dannijocubano collection on locals as a means to bring back their stories and spirit. This time, Jodie was 9 months pregnant, so it gave me an opportunity to do some much needed soul searching amidst the Mexican breeze and mesmerizing sunsets, with Just Sophia to keep me company.
Jashita Hotel Tulum in Mexico
The Love is Love collection is meant to serve as little reminders to Love -- be it your best friend, significant other, sister or self. I'm 32 and don't yet have kids or a family of my own (though I spend 90% of my time with my sister, her husband and my niece), just a career that has brought me great fulfillment on a number of levels. I often feel like I've done something wrong that I haven't yet settled down, but when I really think about it-- amidst the Mexican saltwater and blue skies-- I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
Over these last ten years in New York, I've experienced tremendous love-- many times and in many forms. I've learned more about myself through every relationship and I've grown in ways I never imagined. I recently stumbled upon a great analysis by New York-based therapist, Vienna Pharaon (@mindfulmft) about the exchange between Alice and the White Rabbit in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland that really resonated with me. Alice asks the White Rabbit: "How long is forever?" He replies, "Sometimes just one second." Vienna explains that it's not always about how long we are with someone that gives a relationship meaning and value-- rather, it's how transformed we are in that time. There is great comfort in this truth.
"Every day, we'd watch the sunset from the hammocks at Jashita Tulum and let the Mexican breeze dance through our salty hair."
Because of societal norms we're meant to feel like we're broken or doing something wrong if we're not married or in a long-term relationship by a certain age, but it shouldn't be the case. Sometimes, as Vienna says, forever is in any moment that changes the fabric of our souls. This spontaneous Mexican getaway gave me the clarity to see that my soul was not broken or missing something-- rather it's fabric is full of color, texture and wear.
I come from a very close family-- my parents have been married 36+ years and have the most incredible relationship. I see the way they always put eachother first and the confidence they have in their union and I dream of that. I remind myself that when they met it was a different time-- before cell phones, social media, or dating apps. It was much simpler and people had an easier time focusing on what was right in front of them... they also didn't feel the need to constantly market/brand themselves on Instagram and maintain an additional "digital life." The landscape today is different-- it's about juggling (people), constantly comparing options and instant gratification.
We're living in a divisive time where a literal wall is being built to separate the US from Mexico and all I can think about in Mexico is how we need to be breaking down walls (both physical and mental) and get to the meat of who people are underneath and what Love really is about. The mediums through which we connect may be different than it was for our parents, but the concept of love hasn't changed-- it's a powerful, indestructible connection that brings out the best in two people.
The thing about travel is that no matter how far away you are from home, you're still with yourself. The beauty of it though is that it gives us a fresh perspective and an ability to unpack and organize the piles of our jumbled thoughts. I haven't yet met the love of my life, but I have realized I'm whole-- I come from so much love and I have an abundance to give.
"Sunbathing at Jashita, Tulum."
DANNIJO designer, Danielle Snyder at Jashita, Tulum wearing a Love is Love headpiece and a one-piece by Blue Life.
A postcard from Hotel Esencia. "We loved everything about the room- modern Mexican minimalism at its best."
Dannijo’s latest collection, Love is Love, features brightly colored crystals, neon vintage beads, and “LOVE” adorned designs. It is available at Dannijo.com, Harvey Nichols Riyadh and Kuwait, and Sophie’s Closet in the UAE.
Originally published on VOGUE ARABIA. View full article here.
