Accessories Designer Liane Aboitiz Peña Talks About Her Brand and Design Philosophy

The Modern Swan also shares how she wears her pieces and her favorites.

What keeps you busy?

I’m very excited to launch Flora Magica, an accessories brand I started in 2017. Apart from building my brand and designing my first collection, I have two boys, a four-year-old and a four-month-old. I am also working on introducing a fine jewelry line of limited, made-to-order pieces that combine more precious gemstones with unconventional and organic materials.

Tell us about your design background.

I went to school at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in California, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management and an associate’s degree in graphic design.

What is your jewelry philosophy?

The core of Flora Magica is to create bold yet wearable artisanal pieces that are thoughtfully made, globally sourced, and locally inspired. I aspire to create accessories that stand out from an overly saturated market. My pieces fuse conventional shapes with unexpected elements, like the raw aqua-blue color of Amazonite stones and the delicate shine of mother of pearl.

IMAGE JOSEPH PASCUAL

How do you wear your pieces?

I wear them with anything, whether paired with a sarong and swimsuit at the beach or with a white button-down and jeans during the day. Wearing accessories in general, not just earrings, is an easy way to feel well put-together. Though most of my pieces are bold and playful, I design them with wearability in mind so that they feel comfortable, light, and effortless.

What is your favorite?

The Diego hoop, which elevates the traditional hoop earring by adding colorful stones and natural seashells. The piece is inspired by my hometown of Cebu and pays homage to the vibrant city and easy-going culture. I wear this piece often and I’m always reminded of those amazing memories of growing up near the beach.

What inspired your collection?

My travels and experiences influence my designs. I grew up in Cebu but moved to California shortly after high school. Sourcing components from different parts of the world, whether it’s coral from Italy or seashells from the Philippines, inspires me to create pieces that highlight the beauty that comes from using natural elements that are unique to a specific place. Each piece I design reminds me of home or translates to a specific memory that I have. With each collection, I hope to convey a distinct narrative.

This story was originally published in the May 2018 issue of Town&Country.