Maria Nilsdotter looks to the magical world of Mio in the Land of Faraway, crafting a collection of fairytale jewellery come to life in dreamlike animations
From Pippi Longstocking to The Brothers Lionheart, Swedish children’s book author Astrid Lindgren has created intricate universes inspiring millions. Today, Swedish jewellery designer Maria Nilsdotter turns to the beloved author’s magical fairytales as she releases her latest collection of enchanting jewellery.
Written in 1954, Mio in the Land of Faraway celebrates tenacity and friendship in the face of the ultimate evil – themes that are pointedly relevant today. “In many ways, Mio in the Land of Faraway is a timeless fairytale about the eternal values of good and evil,” says Nilsdotter of the story. “But it also poetically portrays the courage of vulnerability, friendship and daring to show emotions. It is one of my personal favourites”.
The Bird of Sorrow.
The Kato inspired heart shaped harness. Photo: Maria Nilsdotter
The gilded apple.
Related: Jewellery designer Maria Nilsdotter reveals her secret talent in this project for Vogue Scandinavia
True to its narrative, the collection is an odyssey of rings, earrings, and necklaces. When stacked and layered together, the pieces form literal precious armour. The items – made in silver and gold vermeil and crowned with diamonds, mother-of-pearl and black spinels – depict integral parts of Mio’s journey: A celestial necklace with interlocking star charms traces the way to the magical land of Faraway. A necklace with music note pendants in hammered silver represents the mystical, musical well whispering forgotten songs.
Vogue Scandinavia’s editor in chief, Martina Bonnier, pointed out some particularly gripping pieces of gilded storytelling in the collection. First, a delicate chain harness fastened to a bleeding heart dripping with garnet tears representing Kato, the knight with a heart of stone that Mio has to face in the book. Then there is the Bird of Sorrow, following Mio through his travels with movable silver wings.
Illustration by Maria Nilsdotter for the collection.
Illustration by Maria Nilsdotter for the collection.
Finally, Bonnier points out the gilded apple necklace. Meant to be shared, the apple splits in two, symbolising togetherness: “Granting strength to face your fears and conquer what scares you, it all comes down to friendship,” Nilsdotter explains. “We are ultimately bound to each other. With someone by your side, fear doesn’t stand a chance”.
Mio in the Land of Faraway will be released in four drops. Each capsule is accompanied by a short film where Maria Nilsdotter’s illustrations come to life in dreamlike animations with music by Markus Krunegård.