STEVIE MAY COLLECTIVE: FEATURING FABIENNE COSTA

Drawing on timeless looks to create uniquely beautiful pieces, YCL jewels is a cruelty-free and consciously manufactured Australian jewellery brand, each piece artfully designed by CEO and Creative Director Fabienne Costa. We talk to Fabienne about transforming passion into a business and where to seek inspiration.

YCL not only creates intricate timeless jewellery that looks beautiful, but each piece has a connection to an inner chakra. What do you believe jewellery has the power to achieve?

My hope for our YCL Women is that when they adorn our jewellery, they feel empowered, feminine and connected to their true selves.

Have you grown up with a curiosity for crystal healing?

I was 9 years old when I received my very first Amethyst and I have been adding to my mineral collection ever since.

Why is it called YCL?

It stands for Your Core Light.

What was the turning point for the creation of YCL and turning your passion into a business?

I had been making jewellery as a hobby since I was 13 years old, so 12 years ago now. It’s funny, making jewellery was always something I just turned to. I remember I had a really challenging day when I was younger, so I went and just bought myself a bunch of beads, string, wire and tools and made a necklace. Now, it was not the most stylish of necklaces, but making it made me full whole… I felt full. Then after feeling an intense creative pull (that would later see me quitting my nursing degree and secure job as a nurse), and seeing other designers at markets selling their jewellery, something just clicked and I said to my partner ‘You know what? I want to do that! That is what I want to do with my life!’ I felt a calling, I ran with it and I’ve never looked back since…

Hong Kong, India, Australia; you travel a lot with YCL. What parts of other cultures influence your designs?

I find that travelling influences my designs dramatically, as I find myself constantly inspired by the landscapes, architecture, culture and colour of each country I visit.

Do you have a dominant muse or person you look up to?

I don’t necessarily have one person that inspires me but rather, I find I am bemused and inspired by all of the different people I meet on this journey.

You’ve just created your first Ceremonial Collection Rituals featuring white sapphires rather than diamonds. Would you say you are a modern day woman or old fashioned at heart?

My personal style is very modern, minimal and classic however when it comes to my lifestyle, there is nothing I love more than being at home with my family and my animals, cooking and gardening.

What is your most treasured jewellery piece?

My plain Rose Gold eternity band gifted to me by my partner and definitely my YCL Constellation Disc Necklace which never leaves my neck.

What’s next to come with YCL?

We have two or three more collections that are launching this year and we are moving into having all of our treasures ethically manufactured, which will alleviate our long wait times. We also have an exciting event that we are looking forward to announcing at the end of the year.

YCL Jewels Rituals Campaign featuring the Novel V Neck Maxi.

YCL Jewels is available for purchase here.