Petra Toth, the Jewel amongst Jewellery Designers

How many people follow their dreams? Petra does very well. She cooperates with the top-level Slovak fashion designers. There is a constant demand for Petra Toth Jewellery on the domestic – Czech and Slovakian markets. Emotions and cultural heritage stand beyond Petra's style and her life. Young and talented celebrities seek out designs that sensibly express these elements of life.

Petra Toth is fashion jewellery designer no. 1. Born in Bratislava, she created her first jewel as a six year old. Her initial designs were given as gifts to her friends. Many things changed since then. She has become more focused. Petra is the beautiful soul. Petra’s motto: “successful person is the one who creates things and shares his creations with pure heart.” Petra adores the simplicity and tranquility of everyday life.

Together with her partner they bought a house including vineyards, based not far from Slovakian capital city, Bratislava. She found herself in pursuing the art of wine making besides jewellery art and craft jewellery making. It is not a secret if you visit Petra’s house, you will find a wine named Andre of its dark-rubious colour with distinctive smell and taste of mulberries.

Within the space of simplicity and tranquillity Petra is surrounded by her pets, cats and dogs. Petra does not like flowers and probably the biggest mistake would be to give her some jewellery as a gift. Petra fully enjoys life with her partner who develops and maintains a good background for creative work. Petra’s partner cooks and takes care of the house and garden while she creates and pursues the art of cultivating grapevine.

What are you working on?

In these days I work on further designs that will broaden Slovakian Epopee collection. I work on some new technological advancements that were not applied yet. I also plan cooperation with the fashion designers from Hungary and Czech Republic. For now I prefer to say less rather than more. I am very excited about the upcoming fall which is highly distinctive season when it comes to our customers in making decisions what jewels to wear.

Not a long time ago you did your first fashion jewellery show. By making such courageous step you did draw the attention of Czech and Slovakian public. What’s happened since then?

Nothing special excited has happened since then. The show was done because of my need to say a big thanks to my clients. I am the owner of the successful internet store. Unfortunately, I don’t know most of my clients so I was interested to meet up and get to know them personally. I was very excited to say a big thank you to them for their amazing support.

After the show you went backstage with a bouquet of flowers which you received from the well-known Slovakian fashion designer, Lydia Eckhard. How is your relationship with Lydia?

I have known Lydia for a couple of years now. It took me a half year to take courage and to approach her personally. I knew she is willing to support young and talented people. I went to her saloon and I asked Lydia to give me some space in presenting my jewellery designs. I like the beautiful soul that she is. Without asking for rewards Lydia is willing to help each young designer who comes to her. I am very grateful for the opportunity she gave me and her tremendous effort in making things happen.

Many times, people do not realize that an every opportunity might rapidly move them towards their passionate vision. Since my first cooperation with Lydia, we have done together many fashion shows. She was giving me the space to present my work on the fashion models wearing Petra Toth’s jewellery collections. In my opinion, and I and Lydia have a beautiful friendship. I believe that our friendship will last for many years.

We know that beside your cooperation with Lydia, you also work with Janka Gavalcova. Rightly said, there were fashion models who worked for Janka wearing your jewelleries. Are you in some closer relationship with Janka?

We met six years ago when I started working for one boutique where Janka already worked as a main fashion designer. In the realm of symbols, Janka was the person who tailored dresses for my first jewellery fashion show. After the five year we did it again with pleasure. She is beautiful mind with no hesitation to unworldly support my steps towards my vision.

Let’s look at your past several years ago. You and your first jewellery design?

I was six years old and my first act of design was hairgrip decorated by everything possible what could be used…

That’s why you were thinking about to start your studies at the University of Arts?

I wished so much to get the opportunity to study at the University of Arts with specialization in jewellery. It was my big dream, but it did not happen. I was very disappointed, but I said to myself that I will make things happen without a title. Well, I did it! Now, when I look at the past, I am actually glad that I did not succeed in getting the authorization to enrol into the University program.

I believe that University would negatively determine my capability to create things and this is only reason why I am saying that. The University of Arts is not only about talent, but also about expressing and clarification of perspectives that future artists have. I prefer doing rather than talking. I am different than other students at the University and probably that’s why I am capable of selling my art.

How is perceived your work by those who are closest to you?

Everyone is very supportive. I am stubborn in nature and that is why it is very difficult to convince me about something else. Since my childhood I have known that I want to be a jewellery maker. I have been crafting my jewellery since then and I will never give up in doing what I always wanted to be.

During your career as a jewellery designer have you experienced human reluctance or envy?

It is possible, but I have never taken it personally. I am a huge introvert. I don’t let others to become too close to me. People cannot hurt me. In this sense, everything possibly hurtful is out of my persona.

Your jewellery designs were literally elevated into art. We may see broad scale of different collections. Where do you get you inspiration from when creating new designs?

Anywhere around, sometimes it happens in a blink of an eye. Sometimes I dream about it. Another time I like some jewel and I get creatively inspired in its qualities.

We may say that you give a life to your designs. Would you be glad if you get some jewellery as a gift?

Definitely not, that would be very bad idea. In this year, I had my espousal. My partner built a maypole instead of giving me a ring. It was the best present I could get.

Which type of women are your jewellery designs for?

My jewelleries are designed for any type of women. There are no limitations. I admire women who have experienced life already –women who have own perspectives. I like women who are healthy self-aware and capable of expressing themselves. I admire women who want to make a difference by having a high-quality sense for a unique piece of art.

Are men also seen as part of your clientele?

I have one collection of hip-hop jewellery accessories named Gangstas Bling. The collection includes men’s jewellery as well. They were selling very well. Currently I don’t have a sense of urgency for designing men’s jewellery. I don’t like much when men wear jewellery.

When it comes to faces of your promotional campaigns they belong to girls who come from the modelling agency of Lucia Seniasova. What is your relationship with this an incredibly successful model and fashion designer?

I have a very good relationship with Lucia. She is just perfect. Lucia is very creative. She has a broad clientele. From an every woman she makes one elegant as well as very sexy lady. I care about the same when it comes to my jewellery designs. This is probably the reason why we are perfectly matched regarding Lucia’s dresses and my designs. Lucia is a beautiful woman. For this reason I made a choice in employing Lucia as a cover for the jewellery collection named Sympathy for the Devil. Well, she is a devilishly beautiful, no doubts.

I can only agree with your opinion. What is your recipe for success?

To find what you love and do it no matter what. Don’t listen another people! Be patient, goal-seeking and steady. Be open and experiment.

 

Interview by Maja Hornacek Fabian