A North Vancouver company will soon have its jewelry designs featured in stores across Canada thanks to a partnership with a major player in the fashion world.
This month, Christina C Fashion Accessories Ltd. on West Third Street launched a new line of jewelry it created for Montreal-based fashion giant Simon Chang.
"He's not one of, but probably the foremost Canadian designer that we have in the country," said Mike Guinan-Browne, owner of the local importer and wholesaler of women's fashion accessories. "For us, of course, it's a huge feather in our cap to be chosen by him to be able to put a line together for him."
As a licence holder, Christina C is the only company in North America designing jewelry under the Simon Chang label.
The spring 2013 line consists of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, all of which were inspired by Chang's corresponding collection of women's apparel.
Guinan-Browne and his small team of designers incorporated plenty of vibrant floral motifs and under-the-sea themes in their accessories.
"(The line) combines a lot of natural materials, a lot of higher-end crystals in unique settings and unique styles that are not going to be copied by other lines in the marketplace," Guinan-Browne said. "Some of the natural materials are cultured pearls and natural shell."
Chang travelled to North Vancouver and put his personal "stamp of approval" on all the pieces, Guinan-Browne added. He said the jewelry will likely appeal to a similar customer base as Chang's clothing.
"The target market would be the young middle-aged upwards," he said, adding retail prices will range from about $25 to $150. "It's not a cheap, low-end line by any means."
Christina C has only just started shipping its pieces to businesses across Canada. No North Shore retailers have been secured yet, but Guinan-Browne hopes local shops that carry Simon Chang apparel will show interest.
"I would assume that they will be looking at taking the jewelry as well."
Currently, the Christina C design team is drawing up a dozen collectible charms for a charm bracelet featuring the signature Simon Chang name tag.
In the meantime, don't be surprised to see the Montreal fashion icon in town on business.
"He's now a regular visitor to the North Shore," Guinan-Browne said.
