Melinda Zeman brings equal doses of nostalgia and pizazz to her fine jewellery brand Boochier.
Melinda Zeman has always been creative – but her path to becoming a jewellery designer happened pretty organically. She did it for herself, then started designing for friends – and the rest is history. Boochier was born from a love for childhood joys, something Zeman replicates in her playful and sentimental jewellery. Arcade is the brand’s latest drop: it’s inspired by the video game Tetris, with stud earrings and rings designed in the game’s unmistakeable geometric shapes.
What inspired you to start Boochier?
I started Boochier in 2021, but even before that I was designing jewellery, mainly small pieces for myself to commemorate special occasions. I loved drawing but I never once considered starting my own brand. When I started creating bespoke pieces for more and more clients I simply fell in love with the process. I love every single part of it, from design to meeting new clients and presenting them with the sentimental tokens that tell their unique story. I’ve found my calling and I’ve never looked back.
Where do you find inspirations for your designs?
Most of my inspiration is rooted in childhood joy. I love the idea of capturing that innocence, wonder, and the unbridled hope and positivity that’s associated with childhood. There are few things as sentimental as jewellery and I want to be able to connect that to nostalgia in a vibrant and colourful way. Our latest collection, Arcade, is inspired by the video game Tetris, and I love the idea of all the pieces being seemingly different, yet somehow they all fit together – which is a philosophy I try to apply to life in general.
Which pieces are you most obsessed with recently?
I’m really obsessed with our latest Jumbo Slinkee bangle. The Slinkee bangles are my daily go-to and the Jumbo version is a more elevated statement piece. You can wear it by itself because of the scale. It’s playful and elegant at the same time, so you can dress it down with jeans and wear it with an evening gown. My favourite kind of jewellery!
Which one item in your jewellery box will you never part with?
My Slinkee bangle.
What’s your everyday style?
Colourful, although I’ve been known to wear black occasionally. I love being unexpected, mixing conservative with playful. I love jackets and how they complete outfits in the same way jewellery does. I love experimenting, so I try to express this part of me through my clothing choices. I have four kids, so my daytime style has to be functional too.
What’s your biggest fashion faux pas?
They all involve trying to fit into clothes that don’t compliment my body shape.
Who’s your style icon?
I love anyone brave enough to experiment, mix unexpected pieces together and just be untraditional. I love people who are confident enough to be a little different – Rihanna, Marianne Theodorsen, Leon Bridges, Julia Sarr-Jamois … and so many more.
What’s your best tip for layering jewellery?
More is more and just have fun with it. It’s a personal preference but I generally don’t mix bracelets with bangles.
What’s the last work of art you bought and loved?
A sculpture of a lady in head-to-toe leopard print, with a handbag in one hand and a cigarette in the other, which I got for my new showroom. Hong Kong is such a small city, it’s important to support local talent – and there are so many – whenever you can.
What beauty product can’t you do without?
Fenty Cream Blush in Rose Latte. I never had a beauty holy grail item before and now I can’t live without it.
Do you have a signature scent?
Le Labo Bigarade 18.
What’s your favourite place to go to in Hong Kong?
I love hiking, so anywhere with a beautiful trail.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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