Laurence Aerens (57) has been the Creative Director of BIGLI since 1997. She married Thierry Spitaels (Managing Director of BIGLI) in 2001. Laurence has two daughters and two granddaughters.
Here Comes BIGLI...
Around the age of 30, Laurence met her future husband, Thierry Spitaels. Unlike her, Thierry was destined to work in the jewelry industry. His older sister had immigrated to Italy, designed jewelry, and married the son of a family with a long history in the jewelry and diamond trade. At that time, Thierry was importing various Italian brands and distributing them in the Benelux.
Since Laurence grew up in an entrepreneurial family, it felt natural to create her own brand. Only in this way could she have full control over every step of the production process and, most importantly, complete creative freedom.
This meeting not only led to marriage but also to a professional partnership, marking the birth of the BIGLI brand.
It soon became clear that the creative aspect would be handled by Laurence, while Thierry took care of the business and commercial side. BIGLI quickly became synonymous with colorful, elegant, modern jewelry made with natural gemstones set in 18kt gold, designed to be worn easily every day.
Her first collection was mainly created in white gold. A journalist described it as: "This collection is the perfect mix of Italian frivolity and the minimalism of Northern Europe."
Laurence had to wait until 2009 for BIGLI's big breakthrough: the 'Mini Sweety' collection. A collection of rings that can be worn separately, in pairs, or in threes. Today, Mini Sweety offers a choice of gemstones in more than 50 colors. No other brand offers such a wide array of colors—and thus so many combination possibilities—within a single line. The secret lies in the unique craftsmanship of the jeweler: each shade is built up from 2 to 3 layers of natural gemstones.
Laurence believes it's very important to give each jewelry design meaningful value. “Every important moment in our lives can be captured in a piece of jewelry, and I wish that the wearer could have a piece that symbolizes all the beauty life has to offer."
Inspiration
“The nature and the people around me are so fascinating that everything that needs to take shape presents itself naturally.” Her daily morning walk in nature has become part of her 'work,' and it’s marked in her schedule every day.
Family comes first, and important events like births inspire new collections. For example, the Milla and Lilly collections were created when her oldest daughter was pregnant, and the Nicki collection was created as an homage to her mother, who passed away too early.
Leisure Time
Nature, movement, breathing, and mindfulness.
In addition to yoga and meditation, breathing techniques and ice baths, walks in nature with her dog are a major source of inspiration.
In recent years, Laurence has experienced the benefits of long hiking trips firsthand. Many more journeys are planned, including through the Alps or along legendary pilgrim routes like Compostela or Via Francigena, to name just a few.
The immense richness of yoga philosophy (also known as the eightfold path of yoga) gives her peace and focus. She also views her weekly lessons at the ‘School of Practical Philosophy’ as an incredible enrichment.
