Jewelry often whispers, but VILLUS speaks in a sharper tongue. Founded on a fascination with the tension between protection and danger, the brand reimagines armor and weaponry not as tools of war but as intimate, wearable objects. Each piece is a “modern relic,” shaped by history and hand-finished to echo the slow erosion of time. In this conversation, the designer behind VILLUS shares how rust, ruin, and reverence fuel the label’s creative philosophy. Japan’s embrace of imperfection made it the ideal setting for the brand’s first showroom.
Let’s begin with the origins — what inspired the creation of VILLUS, and why choose armor and weaponry as the foundation for your jewelry?
VILLUS started from my fascination with the dual nature of armor and weaponry—their power to protect and destroy, their inherent danger yet undeniable beauty. This contrast is compelling, and I wanted to reinterpret it in a way that feels both personal and wearable. By transforming these objects into jewelry, we breathe new life into them, reshaping their meaning and significance. Our goal is to immortalize these forms, elevating them into modern relics that bridge the past and future.
How do you approach the balance between strength and vulnerability in your designs?
Strength often comes from the bold, protective elements—like the sharp lines of armor or the resilience found in weaponry. But vulnerability speaks through the delicate, feminine details—like the soft curves of Art Nouveau, the fragile elegance of seashells, or the fluid forms of instruments.
Each piece becomes a fusion of contrasts, where sturdy materials and bold shapes convey power, while the finer, intricate details evoke a sense of intimacy and fragility. The beauty of design, to me, lies in the harmony of these opposing forces, creating something that feels both strong and tender, timeless and personal.
Your concept of “modern relics” is fascinating. Can you describe the research and experimentation behind bringing these imagined artifacts to life?
We treat “Modern Relics” as an ongoing research and development project, constantly exploring new ways to bring ancient jewelry practices and metalworking traditions into modern designs.
For our first exploration with modern relics, we want each piece to carry a human touch and the imprint of time. Every design is delicately hand-painted with clear intention, embracing imperfections to achieve a sense of ruined beauty. It’s about capturing the tension between past and present, strength and fragility, creating something that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
In your first collection, the rusted and decayed finishes tell a story of time passing. What draws you to this tension between preservation and decay?
I’m drawn to how time transforms objects—how something once pristine can wear down, yet gain a deeper meaning. Preservation and decay aren’t opposites to me; they exist together, shaping stories and memories.
With my first collection, I wanted to capture that transformation. The ruined and aged finishes evoke something ancient yet still alive, like relics that speak through their imperfections. I see decay not as loss, but as a natural evolution—proof that time doesn’t erase, but instead leaves its mark in a way that makes things even more profound.
You now have a completed showroom in Japan. Why was Japan the right place for this presence, and how does the culture there resonate with VILLUS’ philosophy?
We‘re incredibly grateful for this opportunity to launch our brand and open our first showroom in Japan. As an Asian-owned brand, this milestone is especially meaningful.
Japan’s deep appreciation for craftsmanship, history, and of course the Wabi Sabi philosophy aligns perfectly with VILLUS’s mission. The concept of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in impermanence and imperfection, resonates with our idea of “modern relics”—pieces that carry the imprint of time and human touch.
Japan also values objects that tell a story, much like our jewelry, which blends historical influences with a modern perspective. Being in a place where heritage and creativity coexist makes Japan the perfect home for VILLUS, and we’re excited to share our work with an audience that truly values meaningful craftsmanship.
Your collections blend traditional craftsmanship with constant experimentation. What does innovation mean to you as a designer?
To me, craftsmanship is the foundation of innovation. True innovation doesn’t come from abandoning tradition but from understanding it deeply and pushing it forward. I draw from traditional techniques because they carry history, intention, and a level of precision that can’t be replicated.
At the same time, I believe imagination and curiosity are what bring beauty and individuality to life. Experimentation allows me to break boundaries while staying connected to the essence of craftsmanship. The process of creating new pieces is also a journey of self-discovery to me as well. We must look into our history to design our future.
How do you see VILLUS evolving, or perhaps, how do you plan to let it decay beautifully over time, in keeping with your themes?
VILLUS at the moment is just a jewelry brand. And like any aspiring and ambitious creatives, we are working towards eventually disrupting other industries such as product design and spatial design. VILLUS will not only be the brand but also the lifestyle.
Could you share what’s currently inspiring you for future collections, both in terms of material and concept?
We’re continually researching and drawing inspiration from our usual sources such as historical weaponry and armor. But we are also looking at different objects in other design practices such as ceramics, silverware, lighting, product design, etc.
The way these elements blend strength, elegance, and intricate detail is something I want to bring into our future collections. In terms of materials, we’re excited to explore more within the world of stone setting, looking at its textures, colors, and how it can be used to create depth and contrast in our designs. We’re also delving deeper into the finishes and applications of sterling silver, experimenting with different treatments to bring out new dimensions and possibilities in the material.
VILLUS isn’t content to stay within the borders of jewelry. It’s a concept in motion, fluid, tactile, and laced with contradiction. With future collections nodding toward silverware, lighting, and ceramics, and an eye toward product and spatial design, the brand’s evolution feels less like expansion and more like a deliberate weathering. Not everything must stay pristine to hold value. Sometimes, beauty is found in what time leaves behind.
