Madu Zimmermann at The Foyer
The first in a series of conversations with particularly interesting people who suggest refreshing approaches to adorning the body.
The best jewelry collections belong to the most curious, of that I'm sure. They are a reflection of interesting personalities and lives.
Dear reader, this is the first edition of a series of conversations I'm having with particularly interesting people who suggest refreshing approaches to adorning the body.
To start, let me introduce Madu Zimmermann, a stylist based in Florianópolis, Brazil. She embodies such a beautiful blend of grace and confidence that can be seen in what she wears, her home, her routine, and of course, her jewelry.
Madu is all about streamlined and intentional style. Urban, practical, and poetic. She started her academic and professional life in design (when we met), but recently completed her career transition to full-time image consulting—to the delight of us all!
She brings a new approach to conscious consumption while offering her clients and followers tools to communicate better through clothing, a true embodiment. Through her Instagram, she shares insights into editing and closet care, home, color, and all things aesthetically pleasing.
Isis: What words would you use to describe your personal style?
Madu: That's a tough one, huh? LOL. When it comes to the 7 universal styles (Alyce Parsons) which is the methodology I work with, I'm a mix of styles 3 and 4. I’d say that two styles are the base of any wardrobe, and a third comes to add the "spice" and "personality". And each person does the combination of three in their own way... so, no one has the same style as anyone else, right?!
When it comes to my personal style from this point of view, I'm a mix of casual styles—comfortable models and simple fabrics like cotton, urban—oversized pieces, dark colors, an unexpected "punch" in the look like black boots on a light base, or when it comes to jewelry, it can be a textured maxi hoop in a common production, and finally the romantic style—fluid fabrics, textures, prints, and puffy modeling.
So taking that into consideration, the words I would use to describe my style would be: easy, open, and refined.Ísis: We are from the same generation, the 90s and 2000s, and we were raised in the whirlwind of fashion must-haves and miraculous recipes. What style rules do you dislike and avoid in your work?
Madu: All of them! As I addressed in the previous question, I strongly believe that each person has a unique and incomparable style. My routine is different from yours, as well as my needs, desires, identification, and history... so there's no way the "pieces that are essential in my closet" are the same as yours.
This is how I look at the style of my clients. They trust me for my knowledge and taste, but our work together is to understand how THEY identify themselves and want to present themselves to the world, taking into account all those variables I mentioned.
The richness of the process lies in the uniqueness of each one, and not in generic information about "what to wear for body type X" or "pieces that every modern woman should have". Sometimes the "modern woman" with a "triangle body shape" wants to wear a model that doesn't suit her and that sends a much more casual message than a modern one, and that's okay. I'm here for her to make those choices consciously and safely, knowing the rules and what's best, but choosing above all what makes sense for her essence and style and not what's expected of her.Ísis: What are the requirements for a piece to enter your wardrobe? Do you suggest them to your customers?
Madu: Firstly I need to wear it—or see it in the case of online shopping, and be SURE I want it, feel that "click", you know? If I'm undecided (Libra speaking here) it's because it's not a good enough candidate. Plus, it needs to match a LARGE amount of what I already have in my closet!I try to buy a few pieces that are of quality and exactly what I'm looking for. There is a calculation I do, which I learned from a dear professor, which is to take the value of the piece and divide it by how many times you believe you can use it, this shows you whether it is a good investment or not. For example, a pair of pants is R$300 and matches most of the tops in my closet, because of that I believe I would wear them at least once a week… 300/52 weeks, in one year, they "paid for themselves". The secret is to invest in timeless pieces with a large number of combinations within what you already have. The more pieces that match each other you buy, the more multiplications you can do and arrive at an increasingly smarter wardrobe! That's what I apply and always indicate to my clients.
The same philosophy and calculation apply to jewelry. For example, a ring is R$500, but I believe I will wear it practically EVERY DAY. At a certain time it "pays for itself too" and you don't feel sorry to invest the amounts in your desired pieces.
There are exceptions, of course, such as a more refined and differentiated piece of clothing or jewelry for an X event. In this case, I prefer to rent a piece rather than buy something that will have little use and keep accumulating dust and taking up space in my closet.Ísis: In terms of accessories, is there anything that, if you're not wearing it, makes you feel naked?
Madu: First: earrings! I CAN'T leave the house without them. To the point of I’m already halfway to somewhere and if I forgot to put them on, I will go back home. And second, rings. Earrings make me feel complete and refined with my image. Furthermore, rings make me feel more prepared and even bring me a feeling of power.
But accessories are so much a part of my personality and style that I only feel complete with the whole set. Earrings, rings, necklace… I can't do a thing without them (laughs).
— On my pinky finger, my latest acquisition (silver with baroque pearl and chrysoprase), then my engagement ring (white gold with diamonds), on my middle a birthday gift from my husband (silver with my initial), and finally on my index finger my ring favorite that never leaves it (pearl with a star in silver).
Ísis: What jewelry has been in your mind and wishlist? (whether it's a down-to-earth or a sky-'s-the-limit wish!)
Madu: Talking about investing in desire pieces...(laughs). Because of my cold skin temperature, I always buy jewelry in silver or white gold. Another detail that enhances our beauty is choosing natural stones in colors that are within our palette. I'll leave here some brands that I like and pieces that I'm in love with:
Wishlist: Vehr ring, Vehr earrings, Victoria Sayeg necklace, Victoria Sayeg ring, Vehr bracelet, Kaja rings
The conversation was edited to fit the newsletter, and I'd like to say that I share many of Madu's perspectives. We agree, for example, that what makes a jewel, a jewel, is its value, much more than price or being made of gold. This thought opens up a wonderful range of options. But this and other matters are left to be properly addressed in the next one!
Thanks so much for reading this issue! How would you answer these questions? I'd love to hear your thoughts :)
With love,
Isis