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Accessories are such an important part of every ensemble—they make a statement tie each look together. And while we're always advocates for some of the cheap thrills out there right now, it's always better to buy homegrown pieces from Canadian jewellery designers. We've rounded up five designers that have made their mark on us and will hopefully inspire you to refresh your own accessories wardrobe just a little closer to home.
Ali Laure
PR girl by day and crafty wielding silversmith by night—Ali Clarke has created the latest brand on our radar that is Ali Laure. Coming from a creative family, it seemed natural (though it took a while to get there) that creating something beautiful would inevitably happened, and after taking silversmith classes in Toronto, Ali Laure was born. Fusing contemporary classic pieces that are both affordable, but withstanding time longer than much of the costume jewellery seen on the market, Ali Laure is growing with every season, infusing new metals and designs with each new collection. Check out this budding brand on Etsy!
Justine Brooks
The Whistler-based designer began her creative journey in 2005 while studying jewellery-making techniques in India and hasn’t looked back since. She was awarded “One to Watch” after some of her pieces appeared in Vancouver Fashion week in 2010; Justine Brooks is constantly growing her collection, always taking inspiration from her travels and from nature and most of her collections make you feel like you really do need to get out and experience this vast country just a bit more. See the full spring collection at justinebrooks.com.
Biko
Founded in 2004 by Toronto-based designer Corrine Anestopoulos, Biko was built upon Corrine’s love of vintage and heirloom pieces and her affinity for making friendship bracelets from childhood. Her modern friendship bracelets have been a staple in her collection and her fusing eclectic styles, colours and designs have become the hallmark that is Biko. Out-of-the-box and funky, Biko pieces truly give the one-of-a-kind feel. See the spring collection now at ilovebiko.com.
Shay Lowe
Built upon idea of jewellery making a statement, Shay Lowe has accomplished just that. Founded by the designer of the same name, Shay Lowe jewellery is bold, striking and definitely brings new meaning to statement jewellery—particularly the necklaces. The perfect collection to reach for when a wedding or black-tie party is in midst, or if you want to really unapologetically bling up your day-to-day apparel. Stay tuned later this month for the launch of the spring/summer collection at shaylowedesign.com.
Jenny Bird
Born to create, Jenny Bird grew up in a rural town in Ontario. After heading to New York to pursue her creative path in 2008, she launched a successful luxury handbag collection, which was such a hit that it sent in motion her jewellery collection that we have come to know and love over the years. Mixing a boho-chic flare with a luxurious feel, Jenny Bird pieces can easily be swapped from day to night and make us proud to wear such an inimitable homegrown brand. See more at jenny-bird.com.
