Jewellery designer Hleziphansi Zita reveals the loving energies that fuel both her modernist pieces
and her family life
New Yorker Hleziphansi Zita makes beautifully calm yet quietly potent jewellery. The self-taught designer, whose parents landed in the US as exiles from South Africa, established Nandi Naya in 2015 and named the label after the first of her own two daughters. Shot here together with Nandi and Indra enjoying some Brooklyn sunshine, it’s clear that the spirituality and love that surrounds her family life is at the heart of everything Zita creates. From her freedom-giving Fig Hand pendants to her Vase earrings, evoking water and vitality, to her Malia hoop earrings set with malachite - the stone of transformation - wearing Nandi Naya is to embrace strength and positivity.
What significance does jewellery hold for you personally?
Jewellery is my individual power! And I know for a fact it is also my mother’s - she is my style guru. The way she combines traditional South African Zulu beads with her business casual attire is hands down claiming her regalness.
What is your brand’s aesthetic?
Nandi Naya offers handmade jewellery to compliment the modernist woman. Delicate metals [sterling silver and 18 karat gold plate finish] are shaped, using the hand-carved wax method, into powerful yet weightless, sculptural pieces.
Where do you find inspiration?
All of my designs have a story to tell, that’s how I begin my process, but I am mostly inspired by architecture, art and nature. My most popular design to date would be the Zola earring, which takes its cues from Jean Arp’s Bell and Navels sculpture.
How has your daughters influenced your outlook on creativity?
I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing today if they weren’t in my life; I am constantly inspired! Their free-spirited nature and outlook on life is pure and bursting with unconditional love because to a child there is no past nor future - it is now, living in the present.