DMJ - Nature's Luxury

knitwear designer Editorialist Teacher Germany
Born in St. Gallen, Switzerland, Danica discovered her passion for creating and working with beautiful materials at an early age. After training as a goldsmith at the renowned Goldsmith School in Pforzheim and completing her studies with a degree as a gemmologist at the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) in Santa Monica, California, she worked as an independent goldsmith and jewellery designer. Over time, she felt drawn to softer, warmer materials.

In 2007, Danica followed this calling and founded the label Nature’s Luxury, a brand dedicated to expertly and lovingly hand-dyed, high-quality hand-knitting yarns made from noble natural fibres and/or the wool of rare, native sheep breeds. Her focus lies on sustainability, animal welfare, respectful use of resources and a mindful approach to materials.

Knitting has been part of her life since childhood. What began with simple stitches in primary school grew into a lifelong passion. She became not only a dedicated knitter but also a designer for renowned knitting magazines, bringing together craftsmanship, creativity, and a deep connection to nature in every aspect of her work.
7 sense-ible questions for Danica
1) What are your favourite views, sights or reads such as books, movies or others?
The view from the Piazza in Ascona onto Lago Maggiore, the sound of waves at the ocean, endless, vast land; deciduous forests
As an avid reader, it's impossible for me to settle on one book. I like good fiction, occasionally a thriller, a biography or non-fiction book. Currently, I really enjoy Anne Freytag's books. 😉
All-time book favourites are Temptation by János Székely, Seinetwegen by Zora del Buono, Die Schwarzgeherin by Regina Denk, This House is Mine by Dörte Hansen, Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart, everything by Delphine de Vigan and Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Movies: French comedies, Frida, The Fisher King
Colours: Bright shades of yellow-green, pink, orange as well as natural tones

2) What are your favourite feels/things to touch?
Fibres and yarns – from fluffy-soft to rustic-hearty (no surprise there), linen fabric, smooth metal, fine, cool sand trickling through my fingers, snowflakes melting on my skin

3) What puts your life in balance?
Nature, long walks, reading, yoga

4) Favourite odours/smells/perfumes?
Magot by Etro, citrus fruits, roses, lavender, violets

5) Favourite tastes/flavours/food?
Sweet: good chocolate, fine truffles, anything with rose, marzipan, accompanied by a cup of tea
Savory: definitely cheese, olives, Bündnerfleisch, Mostbröckli, Grisons barley soup

6) Favourite sounds such as music or others?
Sound of the 80s, chansons, the classics - Supertramp, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd etc. except the Beatles, Enigma, Rita Mitsouko, Gina X
Rustling leaves in the wind, waves, cowbells

7) Favourite quote
"Life is a gift!"- from my Mum

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