“ALIITA tells the story of everyday life in a special way. Each collection is inspired by our passions, the sports we love, the objects that surround us, and the moments that bring us joy."
- Cynthia Vilchez Castiglioni
Born in Venezuela and now based in Milan, Cynthia Vilchez Castiglioni founded ALIITA with a refreshingly free-spirited vision of jewellery. Dinosaurs, horses, houses and everyday objects become precious jewels in her hands, infused with humour, charm and emotion. To celebrate ALIITA's arrival at WHITEbIRD, we sat down with Cynthia to talk about her journey, her inspirations, and why she believes fine jewellery should never take itself too seriously.
1. What does ALIITA mean, and what’s the story behind your brand?
ALIITA means “important object” in Wayuu, the native language of the Guajiros, the indigenous people from the hometown of ALIITA’s founder Cynthia Vilchez Castiglioni.
ALIITA is also Italy’s anagram in Italian. ALIITA was born from the meeting of two
worlds: the vibrant colors, playfulness, and joyful spirit of my Venezuelan heritage, and the rigor, craftsmanship, and conceptual approach to design that I developed during my years in Milan.
I design for a woman with an independent spirit, someone who values authenticity, individuality, and quiet confidence. She is not driven by trends or the desire to impress, but by an instinct to choose pieces that resonate with her inner world. At ALIITA, elegance is never loud; it is effortless, intimate, and deeply personal. Each creation is a small story, inspired by the poetry of everyday life and transformed into something precious to wear and cherish. We celebrate the beauty hidden in ordinary moments, inviting those who wear our jewelry to slow down, embrace the present, and find wonder in the little things that make every day unique.
2.From Venezuela to Milan, how has your journey shaped ALIITA’s distinctive visual identity?
ALIITA embodies color, happiness, fun, and joy, all crafted with the finest quality and attention to detail. I believe this truly captures the essence of the journey.
3.What’s the most unexpected piece you’ve ever designed?
The Fringed Piñata Necklace is the most unexpected design I have created, a piece of exceptional craftsmanship that reflects how meaningful birthday celebrations are to us, while also serving as a reminder to celebrate everyday life.
4.What was your very first connection to jewellery? What made you want to become a jewellery designer?
My first connection to jewelry came during the Summer School of Fine Arts at Andover, where I discovered my passion for it. From that moment on, I wanted to spend all day, every day, creating jewelry.
5.Can you tell us about the craftsmanship and values that lie at the heart of ALIITA?
ALIITA has its own atelier and showroom in Milan, but my favorite part of the creative process is working side by side with the master artisans in Italy's renowned jewelry
district. It is there, surrounded by generations of exceptional craftsmanship, that each idea comes to life. I deeply value this close collaboration, where traditional techniques, expertise, and meticulous attention to detail transform every design into a piece of fine jewelry. I work with a whole certified chain from the bank we purchase the gold till the packaging produce very closed to Milan.
6.Is there an image or an obsession that keeps finding its way into your work? And is there an everyday object you think deserves to become a piece of jewellery?
I feel that my perspective has changed a lot over the years, but what has remained constant at ALIITA are the volumes. They are intimate, playful, and always designed to bring a smile. I believe that almost any everyday object can become a piece of jewelry if it carries an emotion, a memory, or a sense of joy.
7.Which piece from the ALIITA selection at WHITEbIRD would you choose to gift, and to whom?
I would choose the Flotadora necklace. I think it is the perfect gift—whether for yourself, a friend, your mother, or someone special. To me, it is an invitation to relax and enjoy life. When you wear it, it feels as though a little float is gently resting on your chest, serving as a joyful reminder to slow down, breathe, and stay afloat.
8.When we first discovered ALIITA during Fashion Week, we immediately fell in love with the joyful, playful spirit of your jewellery. How do collections as unexpected as the Dinosaur or Horse series come to life?
ALIITA tells the story of everyday life in a special way. Each collection is inspired by our passions, the sports we love, the objects that surround us, and the moments that bring us joy. I believe this is what makes the brand so unique—it transforms the familiar into something precious, creating jewelry that feels both personal and intimate.
9. What are your favourite addresses in Milan?
Whenever I'm in Milan, I always make time to visit Villa Necchi. For shopping, I love Plan C Framework. And when it comes to food, some of my favorite spots are Marchesi, BBQ, Sissi, and Bar Torre—each offering a different side of the city's incredible culinary scene.
10. Chinese mini-portrait:
If your father were...
A jewel: A ring.
A gemstone: Green amethyst.
A dish: French fries.
A lower: A peony.
A work of art: Guernica
A book or an author: Gabriel García Márquez.
A country: Mexico.
An animal: A horse.
11.To finish, a question for Stéphanie Roger, founder of WHITEbIRD: what first captivated you about the world of ALIITA?
What first captivated me about the world of ALIITA is
the smile it brings. It is a universe filled with joy, color, and a sense of wonder—jewelry that feels playful, personal, and able to brighten everyday moments.
Thank you for answering all our questions and welcome to Aliita collection!
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