Posts Tagged ‘accessories’

Shopgirls now has new pieces from La Krause!
And, peacock feathers have made their way into the collection!

Swing by to try on a pin or clip, and to see the rest!

Possibly the coziest, most cuddly winter accessory you may ever own, is a recycled fur piece from Rachel F.
From ear muffs, to hats, Rachel F. will keep you warm, guilt free this winter.
Trust me, your ears (and outfit) will rejoice.

Can’t do high dose fur? Try a Mink and Fox brooch, or a Muskrat bracelet.

With hat names like Nunavut and Poutine,
a Rachel F. hat is a guaranteed Canadian classic, eh.

Want a furry friend everyday of the week?
Come in and meet Oscar, a recycled Coyote Fur purse.

Love this bag! Clean and simple design, beautiful vegan leather and at a great price, no less! Nella Bella has done it again…

Check out all the ways you can wear a London Bag, and come into the shop to get yours before they’re gone!

I first came across Norwegian Wood while visiting a friend in Montreal. I wanted to find a cool shop that featured up and coming local artists and designers. Shopgirls did not exist yet but I suppose boutiques like Headquarters sparked its’ inception with its artist run shop and multi-layered design sensibilities celebrating all things artistic (music, art, fashion etc…) While perusing the racks, I found myself gravitating to pieces by Norwegian Wood. Little did I know that Angie Johnson, the designer, was also part owner to this creative boutique.

I’ve been a fan since then, so much so that I picked up parts of her collection to sell in the shop! Angie’s edgy style does not follow trends, but rather ignites them. She is incredibly innovative and seems to have adopted a UK design influence, one that is avant-garde with no apologies. In fact, Angie was sought out by Britain-based Top Shop to design for them! (Love when that happens to Canadian designers!) I freakin love her hand-made max fringe necklaces, her novelty leggings and of course her signature harness belts and best of all, everything is reasonably priced. Want to be the first to wear pieces that will be adopted in the fashion world in a year or two? Get into Shopgirls and pick up some Norwegian Wood.

What kinds of materials do you use?

Silk, cotton, linen, glass beads, swarovski, vintage recycled rings, vintage rhinestone brooches

What kinds of materials do you use in your work?
To create the dioramas, I use anything and everything – sticks, papier mache, paint, moss, yarn, ribbon, cardboard etc. If the size or texture of something I have lying around the studio fits with the current creation, it will get used. To make the pieces that are inspired by the dioramas, I use vinyl and microsuede.

What makes your work unique?
My work is unique because I rely very strongly on memories of my own experiences for inspiration rather than trying to take inspiration from external trends. By doing this I feel like I am communicating who I am to the people who see my work.

Who or what are your influences?
My grandparents taught me how to create things and all of the time they spent with me as a child had a strong influence on my direction as a designer. They taught me to appreciate nature, to be resourceful, and to connect with the people around you in a sincere way.

What is your current creative obsession?
Diorama Rama!! It’s all about creating small worlds that replicate some memory that I have rattling around inside my crazy brain.

Who’s your favourite Canadian artist or designer?
I will always love Comrags. Their clothes are timeless, well made, practical, with just a touch of whimsy so they aren’t too serious.

Designer Mercedes La Rosa sent in some of her beautiful pieces last week under the label bijougraphie. The hand painted spectacle holders, earrings, and necklaces are inspired from both vintage and modern fashion sensibilities. All the baubles are meticulously hand-painted wooden beads. My personal fave is the spectacle holders; playful and elegant, I may never wear contacts again.