There’s a reason the friendship bracelet has long been the sartorial symbol of platonic love. Colourful, characterful and one-of-a-kind, it’s an apt embodiment of what true connection feels like. As we get older and our relationships (hopefully) mature, there’s something lovely about the humble friendship bracelet evolving with us. A favourite for over twenty years, the Lucky bracelets’ charms and intricate woven style are the grown-up version of a childhood classic.

Here, we take a closer look at some of the dynamic duos we admire, whether they’re friends, sisters, or mothers and daughters. Because let’s face it, there’s something about the bond between women — how it blossoms, survives and thrives over time — that’s just so intriguing.

Imagine the coolest, best dressed girl you know — then multiply her by two. Enter BFFs Mayan Toledano and Liana Satenstein, two New York girls you’d give anything to be in a group chat with — if only they didn’t have matching flip phones. Whether capturing it-girls Lourdes Leon and Paloma Elsesser or young lovers kissing, photographer and director Mayan’s evocative work is both tender and tough, nostalgic and right on time. And then there’s Liana — the Vogue-editor turned closet guru you’ve probably seen on your FYP, offering fashion history with a side of vocal fry while wearing some unholy Tom Ford-era Gucci.

The two share the kind of bond that they say is best described by Madonna’s late 90s spiritual dance bop “Ray of Light” — in the Queen of Pop’s words, “I feel like I just got home”. As for how they chose their matching Lucky bracelets? Because the red thread means they look “like a glam kabbalah bracelet!” Duh.

Would you describe your relationship as a typical friendship?

Liana: Even though we met in our adult lives, we feel like we’ve known each other since childhood. We’ve gone through so many phases with one another.

What’s something you’ve learned over time about the other that’s surprised you?

Mayan: One time we were in a restaurant and a guy tried to say hi to Liana, I had no idea who he was but the way she reacted makes me laugh to this day... “Just no” with her hand blocking her face. It was some asshole from her past I guess but just made me realize how much she values herself and had no time for that.

When was the last time you called the other and why?

Liana: We call everyday, I think.

If your friendship/ relationship was a song, which would it be?

Both: “Ray of Light” by Madonna.

What’s your favorite trip you’ve ever taken together?

Mayan: Brighton Beach, for a really bad dinner. It was a bread and tomato sandwich and it was about $14 but we still had so much fun. We can be anywhere with the worst food and atmosphere and still have the best time.

What is the last gift you gave the other and what was the occasion? Is there a memorable story that sums up why?

Liana: Gold! Mayan gave me an evil eye golden ring and I gave her a hamsa gold earring that we have matching.

Mayan: Gold lasts forever, like our friendship!

Is there a book or film you recently recommended to the other?

Mayan: We sent each other passages from the Lubavitcher Rebbe and also from Margarita Nazarenko. Every woman should listen to her.

What’s the best advice you’ve either gotten from or given to the other?

Both: Stick to your morals.

How are your styles different? How are they similar?

Liana: Mayan is very playful and gives a laissez-faire desert vibe to her clothes. She’s always saucy in those little skirts and dresses. I think we both like to add a little freak to our looks though.

What do you admire most about the other?

Liana: I admire Mayan’s unwavering moral backbone, her honesty, her love for her community, and her hunger to work — and never complain.

Mayan: I admire Liana’s work ethic, her very unique self expression in everything she says/does/wear... Always herself.

What single word best captures your relationship?

Both: Endless.

Do you have any nicknames for each other? If so, what are they?

Liana: Many people will say Mayani or Tiny. But usually just Mayan for me.

Mayan: I call her Lianochka.

What do you thank each other for, regularly?

Both: Spiritual guidance.

What is something you would like to thank each other for today?

Liana: The La Croix in Mayan’s fridge. She always offers something when you enter her house.

Mayan: Being able to grow into womanhood together.

Which Lucky bracelet did you pick and why?

We picked the Love bracelet because it is red thread and it’s like a glam kabbalah bracelet!