When she isn’t immersed in creative direction—mapping new collections, selecting stones, and shaping the evolving vision of her brand—Toronto-based designer Cyntia Miglio finds energy in cinema, travel, and the simple rituals that make a day feel beautiful. Consider this her off-duty guide to the moods, places, and pieces she’s loving now.

Q: Your perfect day in Toronto?

Sometimes I like to take time off, stay home, watch a good movie, then go for a walk in my neighborhood and meet friends. Lately, I’ve been into Almodóvar films — I love how dramatic and colorful they are. That’s a great day for me in Toronto.

Q: Favorite restaurant?

Milos Restaurant in Toronto’s Financial District. It’s a beautiful spot with Greek food that takes me back to Greece — a country I love and have been visiting for over nine years. It reminds me of the places I love, and the flavors I miss.

Q: Go-to coffee spot?

Lately it’s been Café Belém on College Street. Walking in feels like stepping into Lisbon or Porto — the vibe, the food, the pastries. I like to sit there, sometimes to work, sometimes just to chat with a friend.

Q: A hidden gem in the city?

The Lansdowne and Dundas area has so much creative energy. One of my favorite places there is Sounds Good, a bar with DJs upstairs and downstairs. It’s my go-to for a fun night — meeting friends who love music and dancing. It’s always a great night out.

Q: Your favorite travel escape?

Definitely Greece. I love visiting the islands and seeing friends I’ve made over the years. Another place close to my heart is Rome — cinematic, timeless, and always inspiring every time I return.

Q: What are you listening to right now?

In the studio, music is always playing — it keeps the energy alive while we work. We listen to everything from Brazilian bossa nova to electronic beats, to Italian classics. I love creating playlists that mix all these moods together. The latest one has a little bit of everything, reflecting the rhythm of our days in the studio. I’m also a big fan of electronic music, so there’s always a good dose of that woven in.

Q: The latest film you watched? And a favorite series?

The latest film I watched was at TIFF — The Secret Agent by Kleber Mendonça Filho. It’s a powerful political thriller starring Wagner Moura, with a brilliant script and timely themes. The film was also the most awarded at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, which made it even more special to experience at TIFF.

As for a favorite series, I’d say Ripley on Netflix, created by Steven Zaillian. I love its black-and-white photography, the Caravaggio-inspired light, and the way it shows Italy — Rome and Venice — in the most cinematic, tasteful way.

Q: What inspires you most outside the studio?

Film and travel inspire me most — the light, mood, and storytelling of cinema, and the colors, textures, and cultures I discover while traveling. Even small moments, like music or a walk through the city, often spark new ideas.

Closing Note

Whether it’s a quiet afternoon in Toronto, a table at Milos, or a summer night in Greece, Cyntia Miglio carries her love for beauty, music, and cinema into everything she creates. That same eye for detail and passion for atmosphere lives in her jewelry — pieces that feel as timeless as the places that inspire her.