The Peace Cross
As a designer, there are those moments of panic when the pressure hits, and it’s time to come up with something new and unique for the season. But just when I think there are no more original ideas, the universe puts something inspiring in front of me!
In the case of the Peace Cross Collection, the pressure to create something new came easily. Each season, I refresh this collection with new pieces, staying true to the core message of peace while adding fresh energy. The possibilities are endless, and every season, I am inspired to create more pieces that capture the timeless significance of the peace cross.
The Peace Cross is one of our more delicate pieces, designed to be subtle yet powerful. Whether worn as earrings, a necklace, bracelet, anklet, or choker, it serves as a reminder of the balance and serenity we all seek. A timeless symbol of harmony, balance, and unity, the equal armed cross represents the balance between different forces, the coming together of opposites, and the unity we all seek in our lives.
These latest additions to the Peace Cross Collection are particularly special, featuring a newly introduced circle link chain and Austrian crystal pearls. The combination of these elements enhances the delicate beauty of the peace cross, creating pieces that feel both timeless and modern.
This collection carries the vibration of unity, with hope that the even-sided cross resonates with you as a symbol of peace and protection.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.
The Retablo Collection
Hi Angels,
It's Finn, the designer and creative force behind every piece of VSA jewelry you own. Inspiration is what feeds a creative, and I'm fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, seeped in history and beauty at every turn. So much of the inspiration behind my jewelry designs comes from my love for Mexico and its sacred traditions. Each tradition has an incredible story that gets translated into a collection. I don’t design pieces that are just beautiful—I design pieces that carry the meaning of the tradition behind them.
I believe there is a vibration that resonates from my inspiration that then carries through from the artisans who bring them to life with their devotions.
A Retablo is a framed piece of devotional art, rich in folklore and faith. These depictions of Virgins, Saints, and Angels don’t just decorate a space; they tell stories of miracles granted and prayers answered.
Retablos have always fascinated me—how they capture moments of divine intervention, whether surviving an illness, an earthquake, or any other life-altering event. These small paintings are like heartfelt thank-you notes to the divine inscribed with personal messages of gratitude. I wanted to bring that same spirit into this jewelry collection, creating wearable blessings that hold meaning to the wearer.
Every piece in this collection is designed to be more than just an accessory—it’s a symbol of protection, faith, and devotion. Whether you wear it as a reminder of your own journey, gift it to a loved one, or simply cherish it as a work of art, I hope each piece feels like a personal blessing, a connection to something greater.
Our Retablo Jewelry Collection is more than just a series of designs—it’s a gallery of wearable blessings, each one waiting for your story, your prayer, and maybe even your own little miracle.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
Let Them Eat Cake!
So, picture this: the fabulous ladies of Virgins Saints & Angels gathered for our annual team meeting—serious business, right? But little did they know, a whirlwind of fun was brewing behind the scenes!
As we dove into our agenda, I secretly hatched a plan worthy of a Hollywood script! I arranged for a costume rental, a stylist, a makeup artist, and a hair wizard to sneak in through the backdoor—shhh, don’t tell anyone!
Momentarily stepping away under the guise of a “bathroom break,” I burst back into the room like a scene out of a fairytale, donning a dazzling quinceanera dress that could rival a princess! With the flair of a true showstopper, I flung open the double doors and exclaimed, “Who’s ready to eat CAKE?” 🎂
The looks on their faces were priceless—pure shock turned to giggles as we celebrated not just our hard work, but the joy of being a team!
As if on cue, the fabulous crew appeared, arms full of colorful dresses and outrageous wigs! Because let’s be real—what’s better than a good old-fashioned dress-up party? We threw on those wigs and outfits, and the afternoon turned into a fashion runway of personalities!
With everyone decked out and looking stunning, I summoned the pièce de résistance—the CAKE! 🎂 When they asked if I wanted it sliced, I shot back a resounding “No way!” I had a plan! As the cake was placed right in the middle of our sparkling setup, I shouted, “Dig in, girls!” and, without hesitation, I dove right in, hands first!
The giggles were contagious as one by one, everyone followed my lead. And just like that, we captured the moment with a snapshot titled “Let Them Eat Cake!” We spent the rest of the day in stitches, still rocking our fabulous outfits, dancing our way to the local coffee shop, where the fun only continued!
This was more than just a silly afternoon—it was a spectacular team-building adventure that brought us all closer, creating memories we’ll be referencing for years to come!
...Because at Virgins Saints & Angels, we believe in mixing a sprinkle of serious with a splash of fun in everything we do!
Wear It & Believe!
Love,
Finn
The Basilica Collection
Hi Angels!
Can you feel that? It’s not just the change of seasons—it’s the universe conspiring to bring you something fabulous.
Our latest Spring collections are about to drop, and trust me, they are nothing short of divine. Picture this: the legendary Jesus de la Cruz (yes, Jesus himself—coincidence? I think not) working his magic behind the camera, while the radiant Emilia channels celestial energy into every shot. The result? Pure visual poetry. The images are already gracing our site, and I dare you not to swoon. And where did we shoot this heavenly campaign? Right in my home in the enchanting San Miguel de Allende, because why not bring a little extra magic to the mix?
Let’s talk about The Basilica Collection. My personal love letter to Rome—where Romanesque grandeur flirts with Gothic drama, all wrapped up in that signature VSA mystique. The vision came to me last September (divine intervention? Maybe), drawing inspiration from the four great Basilicas of Rome.
This collection carries a Vintage Spirit, evoking memories of VSA’s early days in 1999, when I first introduced Gothic Glam, a style that began my career as a designer.
The Basilica Collection launches just in time for the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope—a sacred time when the Holy Doors of the Basilicas open, inviting reflection, renewal, and deeper spiritual connection to the divine.
Some wear my designs for their style, others for their deeper meaning. Prepare to be blessed, adorned, and absolutely obsessed with The Basilica Collection.
Wear It & Believe!
xoxoxoxo
Finn
Nurturing the Heart
February is the month of love, a time when we think about our hearts in all their fragile, ever-changing states. Our hearts can shift in an instant—from euphoria to bliss, contentment to heartbreak. Some heartfelt moments are beyond our control, while others come from desires that may or may not be real.
For those who have collected VSA over the years, you know that each of my collections carries a special meaning. I always say that some wear my designs because the meaning resonates with them, while others wear them simply because they love the fashion. As a designer, of course, I want women to wear my pieces, but what I cherish most are the stories I receive about miracles and the deeper connections my designs have created.
The Meaning Behind the Caged Heart Collection
My newest collection, Caged Heart, is a reflection on the importance of nurturing our hearts. The inspiration behind this design comes from the image of the heart sitting inside our ribcage—protected, yet yearning for attention. When neglected for too long, the heart seeks escape, becoming lost in the process.
I know, in the end, it is just a piece of metal in a particular shape. But to me, the Caged Heart serves as a daily reminder to nurture our hearts and prioritize self-love.
Small Acts of Self-Love
Self-love doesn’t always have to be grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s as simple as:
Sharing a deep belly laugh
Treating yourself to a solo movie night with your favorite mix of popcorn and M&Ms
Indulging in a soothing facial or a long, luxurious bath
Savoring an extra-long hug from someone who means the world to you
Taking a quiet moment to journal your thoughts and dreams
Wearing a piece of jewelry that reminds you of your worth and resilience
Whatever it may be, the Caged Heart is your reminder to cherish and nurture your heart every single day.
Here’s to a February filled with love, both given and received.
Wear It & Believe!
With love,
Finn & The VSA Team
Embracing 2025
As the new year approaches, it’s common to hear talk of resolutions. But let me share a secret: that word has always scared me. Resolutions feel so definitive, obsessive, and final. Where’s the room for the magic to happen?
Instead, I choose intentions.
Intentions feel more intuitive and allow for a flow that is reasonable and within reach. They create a space where creativity and unexpected magic can thrive—and that’s where the real beauty of life (and VSA) resides.
Intentions for the New Year at VSA
As we step into 2025, we at Virgins Saints & Angels have set intentions that align with our hearts, our values, and our Angels—you.
We believe in magic and will be open to letting it happen.
Magic has always been part of our DNA. It’s in every piece we design, in every story we share, and in the connections we make with our Angels.
We intend to design pieces that are meaningful and that resonate with our Angels.
Every necklace, ring, and bracelet is created with intention, infused with symbolism, and crafted to be a cherished talisman.
We intend to treat our Angels as family, to hear you and react to your needs.
Your voice matters. We want to continue listening to your stories, celebrating your milestones, and creating pieces that reflect your journey.
We intend to respect your beliefs but stay true to VSA.
We celebrate diversity and individuality while staying rooted in what makes VSA unique.
We intend to continue being an example of a successful women-owned and operated business.
Empowering women is at the core of what we do. It’s in our workshop, our leadership, and our community of Angels.
We intend to hold strong to our beliefs and encourage our Angels to do the same.
Your strength inspires us. Let’s continue to shine brightly, unapologetically, and authentically.
Our intention is always to make our Angels feel like the Goddesses they are.
Every piece of VSA jewelry is a reminder of your divine energy. Wear it and believe it.
Here’s to a Magical 2025
As we step into this new year, let’s leave room for the unexpected, the enchanting, and the extraordinary.
Here’s to intentions that guide us gently and the magic that awaits us.
Thank you for being part of the VSA family. We can’t wait to see what this year holds for us all.
Wear It & Believe!
With love and gratitude,
Finn & The VSA Team
VSA’s Beginning
It all started with a woven plastic bag.
I didn’t know at the time that this bag would lead me down the path of founding Virgins Saints & Angels, but sometimes the smallest things have the greatest impact.
The story goes like this: I had a bulky plastic woven bag from Mexico that needed branding. Due to the nature of the plastic, attaching a label wasn't an option, so I decided to create a metal key fob with a logo and hang it from a loop woven into the bag. It seemed like a simple solution to a branding issue. But as fate would have it, that small keychain would soon take on a life of its own.
The woven bags were tricky to ship from Mexico to the U.S. due to their size and weight, but I had clients who were intrigued by them—one of them being Fred Segal in Santa Monica, a hotspot for fashion-forward shoppers. One day, the buyer called and told me their customers were more interested in the key fob than the bag itself. Had I thought about selling the key fobs separately? In a heartbeat, I said, “Absolutely!”
The idea of selling a small, sleek keychain instead of a bulky bag was a lightbulb moment. The fob was metal with a logo under resin, but I soon started to play with designs—adding crystals and kitschy taglines, like my favorite, featuring the classic Adam & Eve image and the line “They always look better than they taste.”
In those early days, I was creating each keychain myself. I'd go to the workshop to pick them up, bring them home, cut out the images, paint the bezels, and place crystals by hand. I even dusted them with what I called “magic fairy dust”—a little extra gold sparkle that made them pop. To top it off, I sprinkled each order with holy water from the church across the street from my apartment. Something about the whole process worked, and soon, the orders started rolling in.
Then came the turning point. I loved religious imagery and was drawn to the symbolism all around me in San Miguel de Allende. One day, I decided to turn one of my keychains into a belt buckle for myself, inspired by my fascination with Guadalupe. On a trip to LA, a woman stopped me on Robertson Blvd, asking where I got my buckle. I told her I made it, and right there on the street, I sold her the one I was wearing. When I got back to Mexico, I made two more, and that was the start of the VSA buckle.
Before long, religious references were everywhere in pop culture—The Da Vinci Code and The Passion of the Christ were huge, and my designs tapped into that energy. Soon, celebrities like Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus were wearing VSA, and my pieces were gracing the covers of magazines. The phone didn’t stop ringing, and I knew I was onto something special.
I started hiring incredible women in San Miguel de Allende, brought on a sales rep in LA, and set up a distribution center in Arkansas, run by my sister. But the real “I’ve made it” moment? When John Galliano wore a VSA buckle down the runway during his second couture show for Dior. That’s when I knew this brand was destined for more than just keychains.
Now, after 24 years, VSA has evolved into a global brand, creating dozens of styles each season. We’ve stayed true to our handmade roots, creating statement pieces that are loved by celebrities and customers alike.
This story is a glimpse into the unexpected journey that started with a simple plastic bag and blossomed into a celebrated jewelry brand. Looking back, it was the key fob that opened the door, but it was the belief in the beauty of what we were creating—and the amazing people we connected with—that kept it growing
Thank you for being a part of VSA with me.
Love,
Finn xo
Magic in Mexico
September in San Miguel de Allende
Given the honorary title of Puebla Magico with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and historical significance in the revolution of Mexico's Independence, September is a month of celebration for San Miguel de Allende. The city comes alive like no other. It’s a month filled with pride, devotion, and the anticipation of Mexico’s Independence Day "El Grito".
El Grito de Dolores
One of the most significant events in San Miguel de Allende—and across all of Mexico—is El Grito de Dolores. This historic cry for independence, initiated by Miguel Hidalgo in the town of Dolores just a short drive from San Miguel, marks the beginning of Mexico’s fight for freedom from Spanish rule in 1810. Every year, on the night of September 15th, the town square comes alive with the sounds of ringing bells, cheers, and the powerful reenactment of El Grito, echoing the same words Hidalgo famously shouted over two centuries ago:
“¡Viva México!”
San Miguel de Allende’s celebration of El Grito is uniquely special. As the birthplace of many key figures in Mexico’s independence, the city honors this historical moment with pride and passion. The celebration is a whirlwind of fireworks, traditional music, and dancing in the streets, but it’s the gathering of the community—locals and visitors alike—that makes this night truly unforgettable.
Home to Virgins Saints and Angels: A Place of Inspiration and Creation
San Miguel de Allende is not just a city of celebration; it is also the heart and home of Virgins Saints and Angels, where the magic of our jewelry comes to life. Feeling so fortunate to call this beautiful city my home, where I am inspired every day by its beauty and traditions. Our workshop is nestled within the city, is where each piece is meticulously crafted, making a wearable tribute to this extraordinary town.
Shown is a buckle I designed for then President Fox and his wife, for the September celebrations.
Festivals and Events: A Month of Vibrant Traditions
September in San Miguel de Allende is not just about Independence Day; it’s a month brimming with cultural events. Here are some of the key celebrations that make this month so special:
San Miguel Arcángel Festival (September 29th): The city’s patron saint, San Miguel Arcángel, is honored at the end of the month. This event is filled with parades, music, and a beautiful reenactment of the battle between good and evil. A spiritual celebration that reminds everyone of the city’s faith and deep-rooted indigenous traditions.
Proud mommy moment!
My daughter Tallulah (3 years old) and her best friend as little Angels on the main Archangel San Miguel float in the parade. I remember it was very important to have a "gringa" in the float as we are very much a part of the community here.
The Alborada (End of September/Beginning of October): This early-morning festival is a spectacular display of fireworks and music that begins before dawn. Known as a prelude to the celebration of San Miguel Arcángel, the Alborada is a joyous and noisy event where various neighborhoods compete to see who can produce the most impressive fireworks display.
Traditional Parades and Charreadas: Throughout September, there are parades filled with dancers, musicians, and beautifully adorned floats celebrating Mexican heritage.
When of my greatest joys is getting that occasional visit from one of our VSA Angels. Come join the festivities, feel the pride, and immerse yourself in the heart of Mexico’s Independence celebrations.
¡Viva México! ¡Viva San Miguel de Allende!
Virgins In The House!
Have you ever wondered how influenced VSA is by Finn´s personal taste, home and interests?
Let's join Finn for a tour of Virgins in her house and find out...
Above: She is the Blessed Virgin Mary with Baby Jesus. She is French and was a gift when Tallulah (My Daughter) was born—from a celebrity crafter friend named Marisa Pawelko—who happened to have her baby boy, Joey, on the exact same day and year as Tallulah. Forever friends.
The Vierge Marie are five altar candles I purchased as a commemorative item from Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, marking Tallulah’s first visit to Paris at 5 years old. The artist of the painting in the background depicts Finn, Tallulah (at 2 years old), and her godmother Tata, who made Paris an important place in Tallulah’s life.
Five glittering Virgin candles on my kitchen sill, just watching over things and adding to the view.
This Virgin of Miracles is made of marble and was a gift from my family. During the big earthquake in Mexico City, she fell and was shattered. I took her to a restoration shop, and they put her back together again—a true miracle.
The Virgin of Providence is an inheritance from my Aunt Louise, who was a nun at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She died more than 10 years ago. This picture hung in her bedroom for over 40 years, and now it hangs in mine.
A Virgin of Guadalupe collage was gifted to me at my baby shower two months before Tallulah was born. The artist has since passed, but I hold this piece close to my heart with the blessings she imparted onto it.
The Virgin of Miracles covered in Swarovski crystals. She was made by me & a Japanese artist in Mexico City.
The 6-foot-tall Virgin of Miracles is gold-leafed, with butterflies fluttering around her eyes. She stands at the end of my swimming pool, keeping us safe.
Living and Creating in San Miguel de Allende: A Lifestyle of Jewelry Design
For the past 25 years, San Miguel de Allende has been more than just my home; it has been my muse, my canvas, and my playground. As a jewelry designer, every moment in this enchanting town has shaped my work, infusing it with the rich history, vibrant culture, and spiritual essence that define San Miguel. Here, where Virgins, Saints, and Angels come to life in art and tradition, I find endless inspiration. My designs are more than jewelry—they represent a lifestyle deeply rooted in the heart of San Miguel de Allende.
Drawing Inspiration from the Spiritual
San Miguel de Allende is a town steeped in spirituality. The presence of Virgins, Saints, and Angels is palpable in every corner. From the grand Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel to the small, intimate chapels scattered throughout the town, religious imagery and iconography are ever-present.
These spiritual elements deeply influence my jewelry designs. The heart, or "corazón," is a recurring motif, symbolizing both love and the Sacred Heart, a central theme in Mexican religious art. I often incorporate intricate designs inspired by the ornate altars and statues of saints that fill the churches. These elements add a layer of meaning and reverence to my pieces, making them not just adornments, but talismans of faith and devotion.
Creating with a Palette of Colors and Symbols
San Miguel de Allende is a symphony of colors. The ochre and sienna of the buildings, the vibrant bougainvillea, and the clear blue skies at dusk all find their way into my work. Each gemstone I choose reflects a facet of this vibrant environment—turquoise for the sky, amethyst for the twilight, and garnet for the fiery sunsets.
The wrought iron work that adorns windows, balconies, and doors is another source of inspiration. Its intricate patterns and robust forms translate beautifully into delicate filigree in my jewelry. These designs capture the strength and elegance of San Miguel’s architectural heritage, creating pieces that are both timeless and contemporary.
The Interconnectivity of Life and Design
My creative process is deeply intertwined with my experiences in San Miguel. Each piece of jewelry begins with a spark of inspiration—a sight, a sound, or a feeling. This initial idea evolves through sketches, experimentation with materials, and the incorporation of traditional techniques. The result is a piece that tells a story, capturing the essence of San Miguel's rich culture and vibrant spirit.
Much like my jewelry, my home is a living, breathing entity that evolves alongside me.
It is continuously shaped and shifted by my creative impulses, reflecting my journey as an artist. The spaces where I live, work, and create are in constant dialogue with my brand, each influencing and inspiring the other. This interconnectivity ensures that my designs are not just products but reflections of a lifestyle deeply rooted in the art and culture of San Miguel.
More Than Jewelry: A Lifestyle
My designs are more than just jewelry; they are an embodiment of a lifestyle that celebrates the beauty, history, and spirit of México. When you wear my jewelry, you are not just adorning yourself with a beautiful accessory—you are embracing a way of life that values creativity, tradition, and the art of living fully.
With love & inspiration,
Finn xo
