Meet the Designer
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 jewellery-making, 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 neighbours. 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!
For more information, please go to www.KarenMcClintock.Com or e-mail Karen at Karen@KarenMcClintock.com