Portraits: Madri van Zyl of Iloni

Hannah Lavery Portraits: Madri Van Zyl
Jewellery designer, founder of Iloni Jewellery and Hannah Lavery studio partner
Madri started her own jewellery brand in 2015 in the heart of Cape Town - called Iloni jewellery designs. Iloni is a Finnish word for ‘my joy’. Her designs are characterised by simplicity, understated detail and precise finishes. Madri says that her main motivation for her label is to distinguish her brand from the work of others and is always looking for alternative materials and techniques to use in her jewellery.
Tell us something about your upbringing, background and where you come from, in relation to where you are today.
I was born in Windhoek, Namibia. A few years later we moved to Potchefstroom where I grew up and completed school. I was always drawn to the beautiful mountains and wine lands of the Western Cape and was lucky to study in Stellies after school.
Where are you today? What do you do?
Today I am jewellery designer and the founder of Iloni jewellery. I work from my studio in Cape Town.
What project are you currently working on that is exciting to you?
I am developing a 3D printed range of jewellery, playing with the new material and manufacturing technique excites me.
What is one of your favourite Hannah Lavery pieces and how does it  help you to dress #WithEase ?
I love Hannah’s Tuxedo shirt! It looks elegant yet ‘edgy’.
What do you do for fun, to promote balance and to live #WithEase?
I spend a lot of time in the outdoors; often going for hikes and weekends away doing outdoorsy activities. Spending time with friends always recharges me too.
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