I Luv Moda is excited to introduce you to Rapelana, the talented designer behind the exquisite jewelry line, Xita Designs. Her story shows how much your personal journey can shape what you create.
Rapelana’s start in jewelry design was simple: she was “bored, curious, and had a deep need to create.” She began by taking apart old clothes to make necklaces. First, she used t-shirt fabric, then fake leather, and finally, she started working with leftover leather and shaping brass with her own hands. As she got better, she realized she wasn’t just making pretty things. For her, Xita became a way to explore “identity, culture, and complexity” and a way to feel seen in places where she often didn’t.
Xita Designs are special because of how Rapelana bravely mixes brass with pieces of leftover leather. She takes simple materials and makes them into elegant shapes. Each piece is made by hand and comes from her own journey of “self-discovery, storytelling, and cultural reflection.” She gets her ideas from her own personal growth and from sculptural shapes, turning feelings and who she is into jewelry you can wear. The difference between the soft leather and the hard metal creates interesting pieces that celebrate being yourself and thoughtful making.
Rapelana imagines her design to be worn by someone who cares about “craftsmanship, sustainability, and individuality.” They like bold but thoughtful designs that feel like “wearable art, timeless, soulful, and unapologetically original.” This person is learning and growing, and they want accessories that show their story and help them be themselves. They appreciate meaningful, handmade pieces that can start conversations. Often someone who loves to travel and art, they like to stand out in their own way and put meaning into everything they wear.
Rapelana is especially proud of being named one of the “One for the Future” by NYC Jewelry Week. This award recognizes new talent in the jewelry world. She also won the JGAA “It’s All in Our Hands” competition for her “Evoke” earrings, which showed her dedication to new ideas and caring for the environment. These moments made her feel good about her work and encouraged her to “continue pushing boundaries in jewelry design.”
For Rapelana, jewelry is more than just something to look at; it’s “a form of personal storytelling and self-expression.” Each piece has a meaning, showing moments of change, identity, and culture. Making and wearing jewelry is a way to celebrate being yourself, the skill of making things by hand, and the beauty in both imperfections and purpose.
Rapelana gets her ideas from “people’s life experiences, everyday objects, and moments of emotion or transformation.” Sometimes, a design comes to her while she’s “playing” with materials. Other times, it just pops into her head, sparked by music or a feeling. The way life goes also shapes what she creates. For her, finding inspiration is personal and comes from within. She believes you need to “block the noise and listen to yourself.”
Rapelana’s story shows how much heart and soul goes into Xita Designs. Her jewelry isn’t just beautiful; it’s a way to wear a piece of her journey and connect with something truly unique. For anyone dreaming of sharing their own story with the I Luv Moda audience, Rapelana’s path is a wonderful example of what happens when passion and purpose come together.
It’s an honor for I Luv Moda to share her journey, hoping it inspires others to follow their creative callings with authenticity and grace. Perhaps, your story of innovation and artistry could be the next to grace the ‘Designer Spotlight’.
Explore the exquisite designs of One Rapelana at:
