Vancouver designer Leah Alexandra advises women to stack and layer when it comes to incorporating coveted pieces from her timeless collection of rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
Put on a row of rings, grab at least a couple of bangles and a moonstones bracelet, stagger a couple of necklaces, the knockout designers during an interview in her second-floor Gastown studio on a wet west coast day.
It might be gloomy and grey outside, but inside the headquarters of Alexandra’s namesake line the feel is bright and airy, with blonde-wood floors, white walls, and exposed brick. The space has the same upbeat, contemporary, simple-chic feel as her beloved line, which is charming enough to have caught the eye of Nordstrom’s seasoned team of buyers.
But the designer didn’t initially jump at the chance to be carried by the US retail giant. While Alexandra was flattered the company wanted to include her in its impressive arsenal of brands, she worried about the impact it would have on the local boutiques (The Cross Décor & Design, LYNNsteven, Walrus, Blue Ruby, Vincent Park) carrying her line.
“I didn’t sleep for a month,” Alexandra says, recalling her agony over the decision.
Ultimately, she is glad she said yes to Nordstrom because it boosted her brand’s profile overall.
“It helped everyone,” she says, “it ended up being a win-win.”
It also worked out because the jewelry line is expansive enough to have a variety of her pieces featured at a number of locations. Alexandra uses non-toxic metals in her coveted creations, including sterling silver, 14-karat goldfill, 24-karat gold vermeil, and hand-selected gemstones and freshwater pearls.
The many shops clamoring to carry the line speaks to the appeal of the line Alexandra launched a decade ago from the dinning room table of her one-bedroom apartment.
Her foray into jewelry design started when working as a buyer for a Toronto boutique. At the time, she discovered opportunities to purchase exotic gemstones and pearls from around the world, and began collecting materials to make her own jewels, which she became “obsessed” with. Alexandra designs from the viewpoint of what she would actually wear.
“I design for myself; I find the more I love something the more it translates to sales,” explains Alexandra.
It’s not surprising the pieces that most reflect her taste tend to be the most popular – she has impeccable taste. On the day we meet, Alexandra wears the moonstone bracelet, mixed with bangles (always wear three or more, she suggests), the moonstone and gold collar necklace, ear jacket earrings, and a series of stacked rings – all paired with white Rag and Bone sneakers and a grey stretch pencil skirt.
Next up for Alexandra, she is launching a new 50-piece spring collection – expected for early March – with soft rose, lavender, blue, and turquoise gems.
One of the bestsellers in the current collection is the Labradorite prism necklace, a long chain with a stunningly moody blue/green stone that begs to be layered. Alexandra’s collection of necklaces come in various lengths, allowing for easy layering.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it might be worth suggesting your sweetheart (or, if you’re single, for yourself) make a stop at one of the retail shops that carry her line, or check out her online store (LeahAlexandra.com) or the beautiful Gastown studio, where you can escape from the everyday into a jeweled sanctuary.
