DESIGNERS DELIGHT

plus size bathing suit model
Float into spring in this buttery beauty with a ruched elastic chest. It can be worn on or off the shoulder.

Fresh Fashions Born in North America

The oft-repeated refrain of ‘buy local’ may be getting a bit worn but supporting those who surround us is the best way to buoy our local economy, while appreciating and recognizing the creative genius of Canadian and American designers.

Fervor for high fashion might have been born in Europe but it has spread across the ocean very nicely.

flowing blouse
Wear it long, short, or anywhere in between because a string at the slit puts you in control of this flowing blouse.

lavendar sweater
A lovely lavender sweater slips over a dress in complementary colours for layering on changeable spring days.

tangerine sweater
Zest up your day in this tangerine sweater paired with a woven skirt or your favourite jeans.

knit snap jacket
Choose the Perfect Knit Snap Jacket on a cloudy day, in ‘cloud blue’, ‘butter’ or black.

sunrise floral live in top
With a ruffle detail at the neckline, the Sunrise Floral Live-in Top is an easy-care rayon/spandex blend.

fresh perspective sweater
The intriguing Fresh Perspective Sweater is a fun play on stripes with an asymmetrical hemline.

indigo stamp dress
Versatility is key with the Indigo Stamp Dress that takes you from desk to dinner. The most important feature – pockets.

red satin gown
With a cowl neck drop back, this bold crimson ankle length gown is made of one hundred per cent silk satin.

silk satin blouse
Depending on your mood, wear the ties of this silk satin blouse loose down the back or draped around the neck.

Inspirational clothing is offered by many area retailers. From Montreal’s Alison Sheri’s ‘step into spring’ line of clothing to nic+zoe’s small town vibe (based in Natick, Massachusetts) and their focus on quality knitwear to Mi Jong Lee’s luxe approach to fashion in true New York City style, shoppers have a range of choices.

Hangar9, Studio Style and Lifestyles Women’s Wear will be familiar names to find clothing created by these design stars.

Sustainable, Canadian-made jewellery is highlighted at local shops as well. (See page 27.) A wide range of innovative recycled and repurposed materials are used by designers to craft unique pieces that make a powerful statement on their own or pair perfectly with outfits to add the final touch.

Look to Curiosities when searching for amazing earth-friendly accessories from Canada.

Beautiful jewellery that has gone out of fashion is a tragic waste when it lays unworn. Sourcing vintage precious and semi-precious stones from these pieces and redesigning them to contemporary tastes is the mission at Yatta Brands. The jewels are set in gold and silver that has also been salvaged and recycled.

The Architecture Collection, 30 pieces designed by owner Mairi Shewfelt and made by Canadian goldsmiths, will soon make its way to France for the Paris Posh Fashion Week in March.

swiss topaz ring
Purchased in London, England, the 12 carat Swiss topaz stone is set in 90 per cent recycled sterling silver to suit a contemporary buyer. It is part of the Architecture Collection being featured at a show in Paris, France in March.

choker style necklace
This delicate choker-style necklace is a vintage offering, crafted in the 1980s and purchased at auction. The stones are peridot, citrine and amethyst set in 18 karat gold.

spinal stone earrings
These earrings were designed to show off the highquality spinel stones, purchased in Spain, by setting them in an open bezel cast. Photos by The Shutter Creative. Available at Yatta Brands.

recycled material bracelet
Designed and created in Manitoba by dconstruct, this bracelet is made of 40 per cent recycled materials.

vintage lace earrings
Quebec-based designer Tamara Bavdecks designs art deco jewellery for This Ilk using rare fabrics, like these earrings made of vintage lace.

artisan cut gems
Hailey Gerrits Design uses artisan-cut gems and reclaimed metals to create jewellery that is designed and made in B.C.

old silver jewelry
One-of-a-kind wearable art is made by recycling and restyling old silver serving platters, trivets and other items by LCarr Designs. Designed and produced in Ontario. 4 - 7 available at Curiosities.