Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in North Vancouver, but I have still yet to "grow up".
What do you do for a living? who/what inspires you to create your designs?
I am a jewellery designer/ goldsmith. I am completely and solely inspired by the materials that I work with. The way metals flow with the form of our bodies and the statement of unique, natural stones. My designs used to be so edgy and angular, I think to portray a tough exterior. Now it is more about sculpture and including elements of nature, soft textiles, furs and hairs. I am head over heals for using Moose hair. It is so durable to wear and I love the contrast it has to the metals. Not to mention it is unique, I have yet to find anyone that is using it. Knock on wood.
I dress for my personality. My everyday style is generally jeans, a vintage tee, and my moccasins while I'm working in my shop but when it is time to dress up I am all about floor length skirts, anything long and flowing that hangs off the body, just the right amount of jewellery before I look gaudy and anything that creates mystery.
When did you start Emily Elizabeth?
I started my company "Emily Elizabeth Designs" while I was still in school in 2010, doing small custom orders for friends and family on the side. After I graduated I took some time away to do my internship in Germany for Atelier Zobel, www.atelierzobel.com. When I returned back to Vancouver I felt as though my tastes and style had matured so I put a fresh face on my company, re-branding and re-naming it to "The Mahogany Attic". To me the Attic is a representation of my jewellery. It is imperfect because it is made by hand but it is made with care and beautiful, quality materials, hence "The Mahogany Attic". I then set up my workshop/gallery out of my home and have been creating custom jewellery as well as my collection for "The Mahogany Attic" ever since.
What are your hobbies/what do you do for fun?
I practice yoga every chance I get. It sounds sort of cliché but aside from being physically great, I really love the spiritual aspect and the clear perspective that it supports.
What's your favourite food & place to eat?
I adore cheese. Mild cheese, stinky cheese, all kinds of cheese. And of course wine, because one is not the same without the other. My most recent favorite place to eat is Chambar on Beatty, I could not stop ordering things.
What is your favourite shop in Vancouver?
I mainly only shop vintage. I always find treasures at Used on Granville and Mintage on Commercial. Oak + Fort in Gastown has amazing basic pieces in great silhouettes and good prices.
Who are your favourite fashion icons?
To be honest I don't really follow a whole lot of what is going on in the fashion world. I pay a lot more attention to people in music, so I am continually inspired by vintage and current Stevie Nicks and Florence Welch.
Are there any trends you are inspired by this season?
Pastel hair, of course, although I don't see this as a trend... I want it forever! Also, entire two or three piece outfits in one solid colour or even better, one solid pattern.
What trend from the past would you like to come back?
Absolutely nothing. Everything has either come back already or hasn't for a reason.
What beauty product can you not live without?
I am obsessed with my new cotton candy coloured hair.. so it would have to be Crazy Colour hair dye in Cotton Floss. If you are blonde it is super easy to play around with.
**Stay tuned to see more of Emily's designs at Citizen Grace. You can also check her out at: http://www.emilyelizabeth.ca
