Exciting Lauren Klassen

We had the pleasure of hosting a Lauren Klassen trunk show on November 30, 2016. Fast becoming known for using mundane everyday items and turning them into beautiful jewelry, Canadian designer Lauren Klassen explains that it’s not the jewelry itself that excites her, but the process of creation behind it.

SL. What is there to love about Vancouver?

LK. The food! I lived in Japan for 8 years and also spent some time in Korea and there are so many things I miss eating. Vancouver is the only place in Canada I can find legit Asian junk food!

SL. Why did you choose Montreal for your atelier?

LK. While I’m originally from B.C, when I moved back to Canada I found that Montreal was a bigger fashion city and closer to New York, which made it easier to get started. Montreal is artist friendly and has a strong jewelry community, which makes a lot of sense for my atelier.

SL. Describe one experience that has shaped you.

LK. Working in the fashion industry in Tokyo, Japan. I love how the Japanese aesthetic uses contrast, the mix of high and low fashion. Being fluent in Japanese, English and French allowed me to do a wide range of things and meet a lot of interesting people and designers at a young age and that has definitely shaped me.

SL. What inspired you to do jewelry?

I have always loved fashion and luxury goods but was never particularly fond of traditional fine jewelry so back when I started I was thinking to make something I would actually want to wear. I started taking items like nails and safety pins that are traditionally mass-produced and made from disposable materials and handcrafting them from precious metals. There’s something so luxurious and fun about an insignificant object like a paperclip or a nail made from gold, silver and diamonds. It’s almost wrong, but feels so right at the same time!

SL. We think every individual goes to a secret location that is inspiring and revitalizing. What is your secret location?

LK. I feel like my ‘secret location’ is more of a state of mind than a place. As long as I’m able to create new things I am happy and energized! Making things is how I relax and in my spare time I like to cook or play around with new projects. Lately I’ve been experimenting with candle making and learning a bit about perfumery skincare. It’s fascinating how many skills are transferrable.

Visit Secret Location to shop our Lauren Klassen collection. Due to its many customization options, Lauren Klassen is only available in store.

A big thank you to Ganache Patisserie for providing delicious madeleines for our VIP bags.