Our Virtual Virtue Trunk Show with the creator and founder Cheryl “Finn” Finnegan of VSA Designs was absolutely heaven sent. It was such a welcome reprieve to be submerged in the inspiring culture of San Miguel Allende via an artist who lives and breathes the spirituality of the people on a daily basis.
Finn started us off on the cobblestoned street outside her studio space in San Miguel, which is located a half block away from a bull fighting ring! No joke! She loves sharing this fact and my goodness – who wouldn’t?! Spanish Baroque architecture fills the screen and immediately we’re glued to our screens with a romantic longing to be right where she is.
As she steps through the door to her workshop, our eyes go wide with wonder. Handcrafted artisan touches abound – from custom tile flooring to handcrafted brushed steel glass cabinetry that houses wonderful religious relics. Beautiful artful pieces with incredible detail like nativity scenes, carved wooden crucifixes, colorful embroidered silk scarfs, even a 3 foot crystallized Virgin Mary are all lit up with spotlights. Finn explains all of these things are gifted to her - a testament to the magnetic spiritual connection Finn has with San Miguel.
Hanging on the wall are framed pics of celebrities, the likes of Lady Gaga and Brittany Spears, adorned in her very own designs! Finn explains that they chose to wear them – they weren’t paid to do it - an otherwise common practice in the fashion world. This makes a great segue into how Finn often comes encountered with women who don her designs. She’ll discover one of her pieces adorned on someone while sitting next to her on an airplane, or standing in line to get coffee. She’ll notice one of her pieces, and compliment the wearer (without revealing her identity). The stories they go on to share with her about how meaningful and special they are come pouring out in earnest. She says she’s heard so many wonderful stories, it’s enough to fill a book!
An early highlight of the hour was learning that one of Finn’s creative passions involves shopping for beautiful Virgin Marys crafted by the locals. She’ll find the perfect Mary, take her home and put make up on her, and begins the enveloping her with Swarovski crystals by hand. This effort takes anywhere from 6-8 months. Large Virgin Marys sell upwards around $20,000 and smaller ones around $8,000. They are absolutely breathtaking to behold! Deep in her large studio space is an alter filled with candles. Here is where she prays and lights a candle for those in need. She remembers a time when New Orleans was under threat of a hurricane and she lit one in our honor.
By now we are all just in awe, and more in love with VSA than ever before, placing a trip to visit her in San Miguel at the top of our bucket list. The objects d’ arte about her studio command a reverence, and I’m instantly reminded of times I've seen women discover VSA. Eyes wide with wonder and excitement, I’ve seen women actually shake with emotion taking in the collection for the first time. We now have a deeper understanding learning and seeing first hand where Finn draws her inspiration.
Finn settles into a comfy chair in front of her laptop and begins
talking about the very first piece she designed –
The Magdalena. At the time, she was obsessed with Mary
Magdalene, hence the name, but she admits the piece almost didn’t come to fruition.
THANK the GODDESSES it did, or we’d all be in big trouble. A definite must-have for any fashionista,
this 4 multi strand necklace comes in an array of colors, beads and stones and
is extremely versatile. She demonstrates
the versatility with the long time best selling version –
the pearl.
An embodiment of classic and cool, pearls are transformed with the inclusion
of
gold, silver or gunmetal – the options for the color of the chain. The
centerpiece, or the medallion, is removeable and is offered in many ways,
depending on the season and availability. Classic medallion offerings that are almost
always available are the cross, or the San Benito, and seasonal options pop up
that are clever takes on the classics.We move on to some serious eye candy – the latest Spring
Summer color ways. Blush Rose, Pacific
Opal, and sparkling Light Colorado bicone – (premium Swarovski beads) twinkle in the
light. Pacific Opal and Light Colorado are
gorgeous paired with gunmetal – and these proved to be favorites at the
event.
From here, we moved on to layering our Magdalenas and we learned about the essential 3 pieces: The Magdalena, the Wrap, and the Rosary. When new color ways are introduced, these 3 styles are made available in that season’s bead offerings. See the Pearl here:
The 3 layer beautifully together and are just as versatile individually as the best selling Magdalena. The wrap can be worn long, doubled, or tripled OR even wrapped as a bracelet. Finn admits that when she designed it, she wasn’t sure it would be understood, but she knew how important it was as a finishing touch. Luckily, her fans totally got it and Magdalena Wraps have become a coveted style in the collection.
The rosary, styled like its namesake, is an easy piece that goes great with or without company. Shorten with a rosary extender (a misnomer if there ever was one, as it actually shortens, not extends the piece) and the long necklace can become any length you need by linking the eyelets together.
An important part of the VSA collection is the insertion of
hip on-trend pieces that Finn designs to blend well with all these classic
favorites. A perfect example and a total
hit with the Trunk Show crowd, is the
Candy Pop necklace. Chunky links make up the body of the necklace
and a big round pearl adorns the front.
Fantastic layered with existing pieces are left alone for quick grab and
go glam.
Another great layering piece we gushed over was the Vivienne – named after Vivienne Westwood. This long layering piece is UBER long – hanging to my knees if left in a single strand.
Wrap it 6 times if you need – and this piece is yet another must-have. A few other choker necklaces were introduced it our layering segment – and for more necklace layering tips and tricks - be sure to check out our in-depth tutorials on how-to-layer long necklaces and how-to-layer short necklaces.
A short version is this simple choker – that is stunning layered with a medley of VSA pearls.
If white pearls is just too plain jane, we have an offering for you! Spring Summer color ways included “ Mulberry” a vibrant pink and “Elderberry” a rich burgundy.
We moved into charm necklaces - simple, sweet delicate pieces that Finn, herself, was adorning that day. She had on some delicate cross charm necklaces – a long bikini style necklace called Lover Drop Cross Necklace, layered with the Single Lovers Cross Choker. This all worked well with her Lucky Charm Necklace – (which was likely a talisman for the internet connection to stay stable during the event!) and her Love my Guadalupe charm – a powerful symbol of identity and faith, her image associated with everything from motherhood to feminism to social justice. Other new pieces included the Tiny but Mighty charm necklace – a great layering piece as well as the dramatic Tempt Me Cross Charm Necklace. Jet black crystal baguettes make up this super chic piece. Another crowd favorite was the Luvie Charm – a resin cast pendant necklace featuring 2 guardian angels.
We highlighted a newer piece in the collection that has been very popular, the Madonna Cross Necklace.
Hand set crystals make up the body of the cross, and the craftsmanship of the metalsmiths is evident when you look closely at the bezels surrounding the crystals.
We moved on to other great accessories – rings and earrings. We had a classic on display, an all-time favorite, a nice big statement ring – the Vintage San Benito Ring. A new look for the classic medallion is The Meche Ring – styled like a varsity or letterman ring, this style can easily be worn on a woman or a man.
A few pairs of earrings dominated the conversation. Center stage was the pair Finn and Monica were wearing – the For the Love of Lovers Cross Earrings. Hanging long and lean and super lightweight, these dainty crosses are easy and fun. As an alternative, and more of an every day look, the Solo Lovers Hoop Earrings are perfect huggy styled hoops that have a single cross charm dangling.
Franny, our New Orleans dame, was wearing some limited edition Archangel Gabriel earrings that everyone quickly crushed on! Thankfully, we had a few pairs in stock and yet another reminder that you must grab those pieces you have your eye on lest they disappear forever more!
It was such an absolute and inspiring time we spent with Finn. We were truly honored to have her spend time with us!
Virgins Saints and Angels Trunk Show | Givingtreegallery.com
