RQ Cactus, an independent designer brand established in 2023 and rooted in Italy, embodies the fusion of nature’s harmony and artistic expression. Each piece of meticulously crafted silver jewelry serves as a tribute to the nuanced play of black and white tones, mirroring the intricate perspectives found in the natural world. Our designs transcend traditional gender confines, spotlighting the captivating textures and shapes inspired by nature’s boundless beauty.
Inspired by the delicate equilibrium of the environment, where heaven meets earth, light intertwines with darkness, and yin balances yang, our jewelry pieces stand as homage to these essential yet opposing elements. They serve not only as a dual representation but as a transformative dialogue between the human spirit and the natural realm—a pursuit of serenity and equilibrium.
Beyond mere adornments, RQ Cactus symbolizes a celebration of existence. We champion the youth to embark on a fearless journey of self-discovery, unapologetic self-expression, and the pursuit of life’s equilibrium. Our brand acts as a beacon for reconnecting with nature and rediscovering one’s authentic self, advocating for audacious exploration, unrestrained creativity, and courageous living.
In a realm bursting with infinite possibilities, RQ Cactus beckons you to delve into the myriad perspectives of nature and existence. Through our entwined artistry, we navigate our individual truths, synchronizing with life’s unique cadence, guided by the gentle whispers of the natural world.
IN CONVERSATION WITH RQ CACTUS
The core of RQ Cactus emphasizes the harmony of nature and artistry in your designs. How do you infuse elements of nature into your jewelry pieces, and what specific inspirations do you draw from the natural world?
Nature is full of amazing and natural asymmetries and symmetries, often hidden in the details. Examples include the hexagonal patterns of snowflakes, the structure of beehives, the stable arrangement of branches in bird nests, the distribution of tree bark, and the way tree trunks taper and extend. These elements are both irregular and regular at the same time. I have developed a habit of capturing these details, which sometimes manifest as textures, structures, arrangements, or unique combinations. I focus on the aspects that attract me the most and find ways to present them in my jewelry designs.
The Serie Nera collection showcases the profound beauty of everyday nature in a unique black palette. Can you elaborate on the creative process behind incorporating black plating and CZ embellishments to highlight natural elements like trees, flowers, and rocks?
In fact, the black series is often presented in a surreal manner. In reality, there are no purely black flowers, branches, or rocks, but when all colors are mixed together, they form black. The CZ stones used in combination with black are mostly in dark warm tones. It symbolizes a blend of reality and illusion. We pursue the real, but sometimes we can’t even know what is truly real.
Serie Bianca focuses on capturing the freshness and purity of natural elements in a refined white luster of 925 silver. How do you ensure that this collection conveys the ideal world’s pure beauty while maintaining a connection to nature?
For the white series, I hope to emphasize the purity and cleanness that nature represents. It is not always beautiful, but even in its most destructive moments, it occurs purely and without purpose. I strive to ensure that all my creative intentions and expressions retain, to some extent, the essence of nature itself.
The Water’s Essence limited edition collection reflects on the contrasting nature of water, being delicate yet powerful. Could you delve into how this series embodies the essence of water and the design choices made to represent its dual characteristics?
This series represents three different types of water. The first is seawater, which nearly fascinates me. It slows down the earth, moves the moon, twists time, and embraces all kinds of huge, tiny, and even mysterious creatures. Through the rise and fall of tides, it influences the lives of land creatures, including humans. You can feel its power, but at the same time, you can also touch its gentleness. I truly can’t describe the awe it inspires; nature is truly magnificent.
The second type is flowing water, gentle and embracing. It can surround you in any form, envelop you, and even merge with you. It can always change, become part of other things, or exist in the way they desire.
The third type is the power, the collision of water flow and hard objects. Contacting it does not reveal sharpness, but while being impacted by the force, it also generates its own power, and quickly returns to its original state after being shattered.
This multiple existence of softness, strength, and nourishment always fills me with endless admiration whenever I think about it. What I am currently presenting is only a very small part of it.
RQ Cactus aims to transcend gender boundaries in its designs. How do you approach creating jewelry pieces that appeal to all individuals regardless of gender and promote inclusivity in the fashion industry?
In fact, I hope to break all stereotypes related to gender. Who says that someone assigned male at birth cannot wear flowers, or that simple, powerful designs are not suitable for someone assigned female at birth? Any kind of beauty can be expressed by anyone. Gender is merely a symbol used for social categorization. I hope that people who see RQ Cactus are encouraged to break free from these symbols and make choices freely, not just in terms of jewelry, but in all aspects of life.
Your brand advocates for courageous exploration and fearless living. How do you see RQ Cactus inspiring young people to embrace these values through their choice of jewelry and self-expression?
In my personal understanding, returning to nature is also a symbol of breaking free from constraints and external influences, looking inward, and returning to one’s true self. These pieces of jewelry are merely fragments of nature, but I hope that different people can find resonance or their unique understanding in different fragments. Just like in the movie Inside Out 2, it expresses that we are all complex individuals, and every part of you is truly you. Those parts of yourself that are hidden due to external influences, I hope to encourage everyone to bring them out because they are also part of your true self.
The collections from RQ Cactus reflect a deep connection to the natural world and its diverse perspectives. How do you balance the artistic vision of the brand with the commercial aspects of creating wearable, marketable jewelry pieces?
To be honest, I hope to have less balance. The market is highly adaptable, but artistic expression cannot be compromised. If possible, I wish for more channels to let more consumers see different forms of existence. Therefore, I am very grateful to you for giving my new brand the opportunity to be seen by everyone. People’s preferences and what they pursue will change, and the market will follow. What I can do is to delay giving up as long as possible, allowing RQ Cactus to exist a bit longer.
Can you share a significant challenge or obstacle you faced in the process of establishing RQ Cactus as an independent designer brand and how you overcame it to achieve your current success?
The biggest challenge is not having a team. Besides the creative work itself, there are many other tasks that need to be done. Each step requires learning and exploration, encountering setbacks, and starting over. I believe you understand what I mean. However, in this process, I have also received many surprises and unexpected help, like magic. This includes the opportunity to be interviewed by your magazine, which is also a pleasant surprise.
My personal way of overcoming challenges is to not think about the future or things that haven’t happened yet, and not to set grand goals that create anxiety for yourself.
It’s better to focus on the present and the tasks at hand, completing them one by one. Also, when I feel like crying, I don’t try to be strong and hold it back. Actually it is very helpful and provides emotional relief. Once I finish crying, just simply get back to my work.
Each jewelry piece from RQ Cactus is described as a conversation between the soul and nature. How do you envision these pieces resonating with individuals on a personal level and sparking a connection to the natural world?
I’d like to give an example about the Arbor Nest Ring.
Birds are incredible architects, intertwining branches and trees to build their homes. Having lived alone in various European cities and countries for nine years, I’ve often reflected on the concept of home. This has made me think of my mother and consider societal issues and the quest for freedom and equality faced by women.
The design of the ring takes the form of a bird’s nest, but its shape is reminiscent of the female anatomy. The black color represents the pain of childbirth and the suffering associated with menstruation, while the white symbolizes purity and self-essence. Women, beyond being mothers or fulfilling other roles, should embrace their true selves—pure, beautiful, radiant, and spirited (the word “spirited” here conveys a quality beyond mere age, though I am still seeking a better term to fully capture this essence). This signifies the importance of not being defined by others.
As a brand that represents a return to nature and one’s true essence, how do you see RQ Cactus evolving in the future while staying true to its core values of harmony, balance, and fearless self-expression?
RQ Cactus’s existence is essentially an experiment in returning to nature and seeking inwardly. The brand doesn’t frequently update its product line, but each year, there are a few new additions. Just like a limited collection, it is purely a form of self-expression, independent of external feedback. I hope that when I look back every few years, I can see the evolution of my creative journey (if the brand still exists then).
Within your abilities, have more courage to find what you love, without being swayed by results or others’ opinions. Strive to do what you want to do and make the most out of life. I hope RQ Cactus can give everyone a bit of that courage.
COLLECTIONS
SERIE NERA
With meticulous black plating, the pure black and CZ embellishments highlight natural elements like trees, flowers, flowing water, vines, and rocks. This series emphasizes the profound beauty found in everyday nature while also exploring the almost surreal purity of these elements in an uncommon palette. It aims to provide owners with an experience that is both authentic and transcends reality. Shop here: https://www.rqcactus.com
SERIE BIANCA
The refined natural white luster of 925 silver and CZ embellishments capture the lively shapes and delicate textures of flowers, trees, vines, and rocks against the backdrop of pure white. This series reveals the freshness and purity of natural elements, aspiring to bring owners the pure beauty of their ideal world. Shop here: https://www.rqcactus.com
LIMITED EDITION
WATER’S ESSENCE
This series is a periodic display of the designer’s self-perception. This collection reflects on water, an element both delicate and powerful, capable of both nurturing and destruction. We seek to embody the essence of water’s contrasting nature. Shop here: https://www.rqcactus.com
33 MAGAZINE 