She specializes in one-of a-kind creative pieces that combine various eclectic elements that reflect the season’s fashion trends.
Kristen loves to travel and draw inspiration from diverse ethnic backgrounds to shape her eclectic style through use of semi precious stones, metals and beads. She has scoured the globe searching for small gem and metal dealers in places such as Italy, Chile, Spain, London, Hong Kong, South Africa, Berlin and more. Kristen, who's recently moved back to Toronto from living in London, England, returned inspired which has influenced this season’s architectural lines while integrating quirky combination of stones and metal that work brilliantly together.
Her approach in her designs is to create a one of a kind multi-functional piece that suits today’s woman’s needs and budgets. “I like to create a strong piece that can be worn more than one way so that it can change with the mood of my customer. Our energy levels change many times throughout the day which influences our moods. The ideal wardrobe is to have clothing and accessories that can change along with us.” says Kristen Laborde when discussing her thought process to her designs.
While in Toronto her designs were showcased in Flare, Strut, Canadian Living, Zoomer, The Toronto Star and the The National Post. Her eclectic designs have also been featured in hot music videos with Fritz Herald and the Phantoms and Divine Brown, Her pieces have been photographed on celebrities and been worn by well respected fashion editors such as Suzanne Boyd from Zoomer Magazine and Elle magazine publisher Sue Prentice. She has also paired up with Canadian fashion designers Nada and Jessica Biffi to create a collection of jewellery that compliments their lines for Toronto fashion week.
“My custom works lends a certain amount of edge to Nada’s beautiful, feminine and tailored collection while Jessica Biffi’s collection inspired couture cluster knuckle duster rings” says Kristen Laborde.
Kristen's personality shines through her pieces, they're truly an extension of her personality and flair. She invites you to have some fun with fashion and bring out that inner fashionista inside all of us.
Unique as the individual who wears it, each piece is handmade by designer Kristen Melville-Laborde.