After 10 years in their heritage Gastown studio, Leah Belford says she knew they had outgrown the space and that it was time to expand and relocate.
Her jewellery brand Leah Alexandra is well-known in Vancouver for her dreamy and delicate designs and the Spark Studio in the lobby of the Fairmont Pacific Rim that does permanently welded bracelets.
"I’ve actually been looking for a new space for years," Belford tells V.I.A. over email. "But was not willing to settle for somewhere that did not make my heart pitter-patter."
The new soon-to-be flagship boutique on West 7th checks all the boxes: location, character, layout, and natural light to name a few. Belford says she is excited to make Mount Pleasant the brand's new home and loves that it's a short stroll from Main Street. "There’s a community feel in Mount Pleasant unlike any other neighbourhood in the city which is why it was my number one choice," she explains.
The store, designed by Marcela Trejo Studios, is still undergoing renovation but Belford teases, "customers will get a rare transparent glimpse into everything that happens in our business in one space- from design to jewellery production, to retail, order fulfillment, marketing and operations."
She says they are building their "dream space" that will act as a flagship and "incubator" where customers can find one-of-a-kind pieces that aren't available on the brand's website. And of course, there will be a Spark Studio in-store as well.
"It feels very rewarding to be building a space that our team will get to enjoy so much, as well as our customers," she says.
The Fairmont Pacific Rim boutique will remain open and the Mount Pleasant shop will replace the one in Gastown, making two locations in Vancouver (and one in Toronto at the Shangri-La).
The opening date has yet to be determined as the team waits on the final permits from the city.
