Favourite Jewelry Designer – Jenny Bird

The first pair of oversized hoops I ever purchased were from Jenny Bird about seven years ago. I still wear them at least once a week, paired with other jewelry pieces she has released over the years. Her designs are minimal, contemporary, and timeless and she’s not afraid to try new shapes, mix metals, and play with a bit of colour. Her jewelry can be dressed up or down and always adds intrigue to an outfit. While her designs have been worn by numerous celebrities and featured in countless photoshoots and magazines, she has stayed true to her original business model, and still produces very affordable designs so that everyone can add something special to their look. Not only is she a great designer, but also a great businesswoman, hosting podcasts, learning events, and is constantly coming up with new ways to give back to her local community. I’m always excited to see what she’ll do next.

Favourite Place to Visit – Bruges, Belgium

I visited Bruges, Belgium in December of 2019 and would definitely return. The city is filled with canals, cobbled streets, windmills, and beautiful gothic architecture. Walking into the Church of Our Lady, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and City Hall, I felt like I had stepped back in time. The architectural details of these buildings were so interesting and ornate that I felt I could spend the whole day in each building and still find new things to look at. As with many European towns, Bruges puts on a beautiful Christmas market where local vendors set up booths to sell their delicious fries, waffles, croquettes, and chocolate. The market is situated in front of the iconic Belfry Tower, which after climbing 366 steps and navigating some very tight areas, offers beautiful views of the city. The stepped gabled houses and storefronts in the market come in a variety of colours, and for the holidays, they’re lined with pretty white lights. You feel like you’re in a fairy tale surrounded by festive decorations, horse-drawn carriages, and the smell of waffles and chocolate in the air.

Favourite Wine – Quails Gate Chasselas

In the summer of 2019, I visited Kelowna and while I was there, I enjoyed the sites, hiking trails, and of course, the wineries. With over 40 wineries to choose from, my favourite was Quails’ Gate. I had a lovely dinner during my visit and the server recommended the Chasselas blend to compliment my meal. It is a blend of three different grapes: Chasselas, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. While I usually find it difficult to recommend wine as everyone’s palettes are so different, this one has gone over well with everyone I’ve recommended it to so far. With hints of citrus and melon, it’s on the drier side and pairs well with fish, seafood, chicken, and light cheeses. It is a lovely summer go-to and the number one selling VQA white wine in BC.

Favourite Sculptor – Alexander Calder

Without even knowing it, Alexander Calder has been my favourite sculptor for years. Growing up, I didn’t know a lot about art, artists, and sculptors, but I had the privilege of visiting museums and art galleries that showcased his pieces. I always took pictures of the mobile sculptors I saw, but never took note of who designed them. It wasn’t until I started working with EMD and expanding my art history knowledge that I realized who I had been admiring for so many years. I love the delicate balance and organic movements of Calder’s mobiles. It’s very easy to become immersed in his mobiles, both large and small, and appreciate how air currents make his pieces come alive and as Calder explained, “dance in front of you”.

Favourite Light Fixture – Horsehair Sconce by Apparatus Studio

In my opinion, lighting is the most important element in a room. Light fixtures are like the great pieces of jewelry, pair of shoes, or handbag that complete an outfit – like clothing accessories, light fixtures elevate a room. One of my favourite light fixtures is the Horsehair Sconce by Apparatus Studio. Comprised of horsehair, brass metal, and etched glass, it demands to be seen. The mix of finishes make you want to look at it for a little bit longer, while you take in the beautiful, strong structure and the grace of the horsehair.