Biography

In 2002, when Nina Egli was studying acting at The Lee Strasberg Institute in New York, she began to make jewelry. Not content to be a side project, Toujours Toi gradually took on a life of its own; a happy state of affairs which Nina describes as sharing her life with “a demanding, wonderful, strange, funny and spoiled child.”

A Zurich, Switzerland native, Nina now works from a studio in Brooklyn. All the pieces are handmade either in New York or Zurich.  

The ideas for each of the 11 collections come from the artful combination of references, which put together make something unique.

The True Romance collection is inspired by hopeless romantics and love letters - but also by sailors and a healthy dose of sentimentality and pessimism.

There is a talismanic element to many of the pieces - symbols such as hearts, anchors and animals have a protective element or are good luck charms. In Fall 09’s Follow Me There collection, equestrian chic meets Madonna’s Like A Virgin. The result unites religious blessing charms and lucky horseshoes to charming effect.  

Some collections have a darker feel, such as Giulietta degli Spiriti; inspired by dark, Scandinavian nights, the mysterious ballroom dancing in Polanski’s Dance of the Vampires and ghosts visiting Giulietta Masina in the Fellini film the collection’s name is taken from.  Others, like Sugar Garden, are pure candy to indulge your inner child with.  

Ultimately, the core of Toujours Toi is always creativity and fun.  

In 2008, Nina, with her mum Kaya, expanded the Toujours Toi universe with the launch of the apparel line Toujours Toi-Family Affairs.