The Vanina jewelry line explores the synergy between sustainability and fashion. Their latest creation involves 3D printed paper leaves.

Vanina is a self-proclaimed “Responsibly Capricious” label established in Beirut, Lebanon. The company was begun by childhood friends Tatiana Fayad and Joanne Hayek.

Since its launch Vanina has gone from a single jewelry line, exploring up-cycling devalued Lebanese Lira, into an internationally distributed fashion brand. They now have concept stores in Paris, Milan, Florence and Hong Kong.

Most notable about Vanina is how they create collections using unique materials. Their most recent pieces use an Mcor 3D printer to create delicate leaves made from paper. As well as being beautiful, the jewelry also carries an important message about the environment.

Joanne Hayek, Co-founder and Designer at Vanina:

“The starting point for the design was the idea of using paper as a raw material, which could be transformed into a new object, and thus carry on a second life. Taking it a step further, we chose to work with used papers, in line with our environmental policy that focuses on raising awareness about waste management issues and maximising reuse in our collections.”

Vanina’s Environmentally Friendly 3D Printed Jewelry

Vanina’s pieces go from being used paper to wearable jewelry with help from a Mcor 3D printer. The idea is to explore new methods of reuse by creating a collection of statement jewelry called ‘Leaves’. 

To create the pieces, Vanina designers took inspiration from leaves and their natural geometries. Fractal logics and traditional hand-carving techniques gave a set of formal guidelines for the designs. Rhinoceros and Grasshopper parametric design software allows designers to digitally model the jewelry.

A Mcor paper-based 3D printer creates the final product and prototypes. Hayek added: “We wouldn’t have used 3D printing as a manufacturing tool if it wasn’t eco-friendly.”

After printing, the final 3D printed jewelry is treated to enhance its strength and then painted. Swarovski crystals and metal are added for a beautiful final touch.

Vanina’s new “Conceptual Jewelry” line and first release of the 3D printed ‘Leaves’ collection includes three pairs of earring and six necklaces. The pieces are on show in Avant-Premiere in the brand’s showroom in Beirut. You can find the 3D printed leaves in Vanina’s online shop and at high-end boutiques and concept stores.

“The ‘Capsule Collection’ is produced at a rate of 100 pieces per month, which corresponds to approximately 1500 used paper sheets that are reclaimed,” said Tatiana Fayad, Co-founder and Designer at TA. “Later, we plan to expand the collection. We project this rate to speed up to about 1000 pieces per month for the coming season.”

Source: Mcor Technologies