⁄Layers
Trendy jewelry is a no while reconstructed vintage is a go for Toronto-based jewelry designer Alynne Lavigne.
A John Collins fan and self-proclaimed art deco addict seems to sum up what this up-and-comer is all about, but in reality, there are many more layers. While steering clear of the norm, the OCAD graduate has made her mark in the tough to crack world of jewelry design. Lavigne’s cutting edge aesthetic hasn’t gone unnoticed, and she has caught the attention of notable bands, highly documented events such as the MMVA’s as well as the pages of Schon Magazine. How has this all come to be and why? Lets find out.
Bronte Martin: Where did it all begin for you as an aspiring jewelry designer?
Alynne Lavigne: I started collecting vintage jewelry five or six years ago and then reselling it through 69 Vintage. Later I started altering and re-constructing vintage pieces, then actually drawing and designing my own stuff. I love vintage jewelry but I couldn’t justify collecting so much of it unless I told myself I would resell it later.
BM: What sets you apart from other Canadian designers?
AL: If anything, I hope the fact that I have a background in art (and not really in jewelry making) is an asset rather than a disadvantage. There’s a wealth of inspiration to be had from collecting vintage costume jewelry. That, in combination with my research and familiarity with a lot of the trends in the last century, gives me an edge. I try to keep a unique aesthetic and make smart designs. There’s nothing worse than seeing someone else do the same thing as you.
BM: What are your main inspirations?
AL: Right now, anything art deco, architecture, bold 80’s style. In life, this ’90s board game called “Pretty Pretty Princess” where you collect jewelry. Whoever is wearing the most at the end wins. I’m also really inspired by old enamel jewelry, so I’m doing some experimenting with that, trying fluorescents and metallics together.
BM: Your pieces can be found not only in Canadian boutiques, but also shops in LA, Berlin and New York. Why branch out to these locations?
AL: Most recently I really wanted my stuff to be in Berlin because there are so many creative people there.
I feel like the style in Berlin is very edgy and interesting. I was going to be there with friends anyway so I took advantage, and I feel like it’s a good starting point in Europe. I had the connection with TENOVERSIX in LA so I went with it, and my business partner, Eve Tobolka, lives in New York so she handles everything there.
BM: What has been your career highlight to date?
AL: Recently, John O’Regan aka Diamond Rings was touring with Twin Shadow and John wears my jewelry on stage a lot, which is a highlight of its own. But Twin Shadow saw it and they were really into it so John and his stylist Lisa Howard hooked me up with tickets to the Twin Shadow show. I brought some jewelry to lend to them to wear on-stage. All four of them ended up coming out wearing my necklaces and it totally blew my mind. We did a jewelry for merchandise trade after the show.
BM: Where do you see this taking you in the future?
AL: Hopefully out of my basement studio and somewhere with windows, haha.
I’d really love to have someone manage the production of my line so I’m able to focus more on designing. I also want to improve my technical skills. I’ll definitely continue to take classes and just keep trying to get my work out there.