SUMMER RITUALS
With Renata Quaglia
Introducing the next muse in our Summer Rituals series: Renata Quaglia - jewellery designer and creative based in New York City. From slow mornings in the sun to afternoons spent sketching, Renata shares the rituals that anchor her days and inspire her craft.
How does your daily rhythm shift in the summertime?
I tend to wake up earlier, drawn by the light, and allow more fluidity between work and rest. I walk more, work later into the evening and spend more time outdoors, even if it’s just sketching or answering emails on a bench in the park next door.
Do you have particular rituals or environments you immerse yourself in to foster a creative mindset?
Being near nature - whether it’s the ocean, a garden or even just a patch of sunlight - always resets me creatively. I also rely on small rituals: meditative mornings with very little interaction with my phone and organising my studio for instance. I need a clear physical space to create, but I also need a certain emotional openness. When both align, ideas come more freely. A walk or a gallery visit usually shifts something too.
Do you have a go-to summer uniform or signature piece/s you always return to?
Yes! Oversized linen shirts, straw bags, simple leather sandals, and of course, one of my own crochet necklaces. In the summer, I crave ease. I gravitate towards breathable fabrics, easy silhouettes, fun accessories and pops of colours here and there.
How do you weave vintage into your everyday wardrobe? Where do you like to hunt for vintage finds - and what draws you to a piece when you see it?
I love mixing vintage into my wardrobe, it adds soul and dimension. I love pieces that come with a good story and are unique. I usually shop online, I love an Ebay hunt! I’m drawn to craftsmanship, interesting construction details, natural fabrics and unusual materials.
How do you carve out moments of stillness or slowness during the busier days of running your own brand?
Stillness doesn’t always mean stopping, it can be as small as taking 10 minutes to stretch, drink tea without my phone or listen to music while organizing my studio. I try to treat slow moments as sacred, even if they’re brief. They help me return to work with clarity and calm.
What are your most cherished spots in New York for;
A morning coffee - Francesco SoHo - unpretentious and a perfect start to the day. His sourdough bread and pastries are out of this world, all made in-house.
A long, leisurely lunch - The Odeon - a true classic. It always feels like a New York moment!
A sunset aperitif - Bar Pisellino - ideally sitting outside with a Negroni.
A spontaneous alfresco dinner - Sant Ambroeus - it never fails, especially when you get a table outside.
