Crisp, salty air, sandy shores, sparkling seas and an endless amount of sunshine. This is the picture the West Coast paints as inspiration for Leah Alexandra, a Vancouver based jewellery designer who spent many summers abroad soaking up a life by water in Cape Cod. Her effortlessly chic jewellery collection showcases dainty pendants perfect for layering, delicate rings made to be stacked and worn on a variety of fingers, earrings designed to dangle luxuriously from the lobes, and bracelets meant to adorn the wrist in multitudes. And each of these in gems of every shade of aquamarine, turquoise, emerald, sand stone and more to bring wearers thoughts of dazzling sea glass to mind. It was while working towards her degree at Ryerson University in Toronto when Leah was given the opportunity to purchase exotic stones and pearls from around the world as a small boutique jewellery buyer, creating a long love affair with amethyst, labradorite, turquoise, iolite, chalcedony, moonstone and many more you’ll easily find in her very own designs. These hand-selected gemstones, coupled with mixed metals, make for a line of timeless, versatile and extremely wearable pieces that pair with everything from off-duty t-shirts to gala-worthy gowns. It is this fresh, unique aesthetic that makes Leah Alexandra’s designs coveted by all the California cool beauties like Jessica Alba and Reese Witherspoon, and has even led to her being featured in glossy heavyweights like Vogue, InStyle,Glamour and Elle. Here, we sit down with Leah Alexandra to discuss everything about her journey thus far, which unsurprisingly has her landed only a short stroll away from the beach.
Style Nine to Five: Since your move to Vancouver do you think your inspirations of Cape Cod has expanded due to the West Coast?
Leah Alexandra: I’ve been in Vancouver for 10 years now, so I’d say it’s safe to say I’m a West Coast girl now! We have both a minimalist approach to style and a California-cool layered vibe on this coast, and the inspiration lies somewhere in between.
SNTF: When working on a piece, what particular woman are you picturing in your mind? Her style? Her personality?
LA: I design pieces for myself first and foremost. I find the more excited I am to wear the piece, the more successful it ends up being! Overall the woman in mind when I design is feminine, playful and confident. A woman who has an eye for quality and wants to adorn herself in a unique way that compliments her beauty rather than distract from it.
SNTF: Having done an internship at a local goldsmith, what tips could you give for young individuals heading into an internship in the design industry?
LA: Live and breathe your career dreams– get as much experience in every facet of the industry, which most often includes internships. I love the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell where he dissects success stories and explains how researchers concluded on ten thousand hours as the magic number for true expertise in any industry. If you work hard enough and assert yourself, you can shape the world to your desires. Achievement is talent plus preparation.
SNTF: Seeing that Jessica Alba and Reese Witherspoon have worn your designs, if you could pick any celebrity to wear your jewelry who would it be?
LA: I can see Blake Lively looking gorgeous wearing my pieces! She’s been in Vancouver quite a bit lately, maybe I’ll have a chance!
SNTF: We love your midi rings and ear climbers, what big jewelry trends do you see coming up in the future?
LA: Both of those are still going strong for the upcoming season, I think we’ll see necklaces becoming more delicate and layered. The gemstones and shapes I tend to use are quite timeless, so they never seem to have a specific season or trend attached to them.
SNTF: What piece of jewelry should every girl own this summer?
LA: The Sunny Ear Climbers! They come in moonstone, aqua, and labradorite and really complete any summer look.
Interview by Melissa Rei, @melissa.rei
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