Revive Magazine Fall Issue

www.ReviveMagazine.ca
Fall Issue 2009 - PG 108 - 111

Unique combinations of rich colours and textures are the trademark of Canadian jewellery designer Karen McClintock who, in just a few years, has become known as a designer to watch.

In 2005, a quest to improve a vintage coral necklace changed
the course of Karen’s life. Intrigued by the process of jewellerymaking,
Karen began creating her own pieces. Although she had
no art or fashion background, Karen discovered she had a natural
flair for design, and the pieces were quickly scooped up by
friends and neighbors. Soon Karen was sourcing the materials
that would become her signature: semi-precious stones, crystals
and pearls. In the fall of 2005 Karen launched her first collection
to instant success, with Ottawa store Shepherd’s the first retailer
to spot her talent. Within a year she had achieved the kind of
coup that many Canadian designers only dream about: her collection
was purchased by prestigious retailer Holt Renfrew. It was
an impressive debut; during the launch almost every piece sold in
one night. Within two years, Karen’s collection found its way to
Holt Renfrew stores across Canada.

Karen begins with themes and trends from the fashion runways
then takes further inspiration from colors found in photographs
– a diverse range of images from landscapes and architecture to
city scenes and fairy tales that give each piece a story to tell. “Often
I mix colours I might not have considered mixing on my own,
but which work beautifully in nature,” Karen explains. Combining
primarily sterling silver with semi-precious stones, Swarovski
crystals, exotic woods, mother-of-pearl, freshwater pearls and
antique coins, Karen creates necklaces, bracelets and earrings
of exceptional beauty, charm and sophistication; modern with a
timeless appeal. “I think of my jewellery as essentially classic in
style,” she says, “but there’s always a bit of an edge.”
Notable is the element of versatility found in many of her pieces.
For example, a three strand necklace can be transformed to a
single strand. “I love the value in having three necklaces for the
price of one,” says Karen, who sees her jewellery as a wonderful
way to enhance a wardrobe without having to buy a new outfit.
“Although,” she notes, “I’ve had women tell me that my jewellery
has changed the way they dress – they fall in love with a piece,
then go out and buy clothing to coordinate with it.”
Karen’s beautiful creations are now finding their way in such high
end stores as Ogilvy in Montreal, Holt Renfrew in Ottawa and
Quebec City, Circa Ici in Vancouver and Andrew’s in Toronto, as
well as the retail location, Shepherd’s in Ottawa.
Her new collection for Fall 2009 showcases the beauty of France.
Profiling rich, warm earth tones and accents of deep red combined
in a striking combinations highlighted with antique French
coins. A sleeping Winter Garden of muted moss and sage contrast
shimmering icy crystals and hammered silver, punctuated
with shades of lavender and amethyst. Completing this collection
is the crispness of a Canadian winter in Old Quebec with cool
hues that reflect glistening icicles and snowflakes that play against
rich neutrals and textural stone.

Presently working on her upcoming 2010 Spring Collection,
Karen continues to develop her talent and grow her impressive
following that include anchors on television, presidents of companies
and brides walking down the aisle. From our perspective,
she is definitely the “one to watch” in the Canadian fashion world!

Karen Recommends Jewellery – A Timeless Accessory…
1. A great accessory, such as a chunky necklace, can shake up
the look of many stand-by pieces in your wardrobe.
2. When wearing a beautiful piece of jewellery, keep it the focal
point and keep your clothing “simple”. Monochomatic colours
and a perfect neckline can bring the eye where you want it to go!
3. It is all about balance! If you have a lot of detail in your clothing,
think earrings only. If you want the eye to stay focused on
your face, keep the detail there, not any lower!
4. Buy what you love and wear it often! A great piece of jewellery
never goes out of style!
For more information on
Karen McClintock and her Collection, please visit her website
at
www.KarenMcclintock.com.
Photos by Valerie Keeler