Photographer, Thomas Van Der Zaag.

Most people return home from their backpacking trips tanned and grimy. But the good kind of grimy. The kind that’s seen stuff, man. Maybe it’s a story about sleeping in a park or about meeting some crazy Swedes at a hostel—damn those Swedes know how to party. But Shane Foran didn’t bring back your typical globetrotting fare. Instead of self-taken shots of toes on a beach, Foran came home from his three-month trip to South East Asia with Vitaly Design. Through the relationships forged during his travels, all of Vitaly’s pieces are produced in Bali, using local metals and woods. Quality craftsmanship and simple designs have propelled Foran’s unique jewelry into 15 retail locations across North America.

Layton Wu: How did your trip to Southeast Asia lead you to Vitaly Design?
Shane Foran: It was at the end of my trip that this even started and I just wanted something for myself. I had a bunch of different people trying to make [the jewelry I designed] and finally I found one guy who did a really good job.

When it was done I posted it on Facebook and I got a response, so I figured I’ll bring some home for friends and it just went from there.

LW: Were the locals receptive from the get-go or did it take some convincing to produce your jewelry?
SF: No it was really easy. I mean, to be honest, it’s great for them when a foreigner wants to do business with them. I get emails from [Ugenk, the man who produces the jewelry in Bali] on a regular basis telling me about how much I’ve helped his family and his friends.

LW: Did you have any inkling of doing this sort of work before your trip?
SF: Not even slightly. I would never have imagined myself working in fashion. As my company grows, I have old friends telling me, “You’ve always been into this stuff. I don’t know why it’s so shocking for you.”—but for me it is. I’m very colour blind; I’m not a very good drawer. There’s all these things that for me to be working in fashion now it just seems weird.

LW: Is there anywhere in Toronto that inspires your designs/jewelry?
SF: In terms of being inspired in Toronto—not so much a particular area. It’s usually just my friends. I’m always asking my friends what they’re into and what they like. I have some friends who dress really sharp so I want [to make] something they’d wear—so I made cufflinks and tie bars. I was excited to have something that I could give to them and usually I’m just giving my stuff away like crazy. I get to feel like Santa Claus all the time.

LW: What separates Vitaly from the rest of the jewelry market?
SF: I make an effort to design pieces that are approachable for anyone in both design and price point. I’ve also recognized that there are major gaps in the men’s jewelry market that Vitaly is able to tap into. Finally, the designs are simple, yet bold enough that it caters to men and their shopping sensibilities.

LW: Any new projects you’re excited about?
SF: My next major collection is gonna be with new materials that I believe is going to be made in Canada. And I’ll be the first in market with it for jewelry. It’s a little more high-end, kind of classier, probably quite a bit more expensive. I don’t want to give it away. It’s beautiful though, it’s really, really nice material. I’m really excited about it.

LW: Quick, who’s your favorite Ninja Turtle?
SF: Raphael, for sure.