Monday, January 24, 2011

Happy Monday! Divine necklaces: Charlotte Hosten interview + giveaway!

















Happy Monday! Hope you had a great weekend! 

One of my new year's resolutions was to add some original content to my blog. And what better way to start than with a tour of of a very talented Montreal designer's studio!

Charlotte Hosten designs and creates some of the most beautiful necklaces I've ever laid my eyes on. She uses silk fabric as clasps,  incorporates vintage treasures as well as exotic finds to her one-of-a-kind pieces.

I was lucky enough to enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of her atelier, meet her team and ask her a few questions:


How did you start your business?

I began selling jewelry back in high school to friends and classmates. It was more of a pastime for me then but I learned that it was something I really enjoyed doing. I then went on to study law at a local university but after graduation, quickly realized that my true passion lied elsewhere. I started designing jewelry as an intern for a well known Montreal designer and after a while, decided to create my own label. 


What makes your brand unique?

 I love to create one-of-a-kind pieces made with vintage jewelry, exotic treasures found in my travels as well as pearls, Swarovski crystals and silk fabrics. I've particularly become fond of helping clients select the perfect necklace for their tastes; not the most expensive, not the one I wanted to sell, but the one that suits her best.


What inspires you?


Travel, childhood memories, and art.  I traveled extensively as a child; my parents are from Belgium and we spent countless summers in Italy visiting museums and art galleries. I also had the opportunity to travel in Africa. My maternal grandmother was a big influence in my life; she was a sculptor, (she particularly enjoyed sculpting animals) so I guess that I'm following in her artistic footsteps. I've also chosen to work under her maiden name, I prefer her name to mine!


Anything you would like to share with our readers?


We are now offering custom made services. If you have collected or inherited some
valuable family treasures and would like to incorporate them into a necklace, I work with you to create a very unique piece. I've done it recently with a few brides who wanted a special piece to wear on their wedding day and this service has become quite popular.


Where can we find your gorgeous jewelry?


For online purchases, they are currently available on my Etsy store. I am working to upgrade our website so that clients can buy our pieces directly. They are also available at numerous boutiques in Montreal.


What can we expect from you in the near future?


I am currently working on my new collection entitled Tea at Rosemary's. It should be available for Spring!


Charlotte is very generously offering one necklace and silk flower pin to readers and followers of this blog who live in North America ( Canada and U.S.) To be eligible, visit her site and let us know which necklace you prefer! Also for an additional entry, post this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook.


The winner will be selected randomly next week. Hope you enjoyed this interview!


Isabelle xo





25 comments:

Captivated by image said...

I LOVE her necklaces, blogged about them a while back <3 They're just so unique and stunning. Unfortunately I don't live in Canada or US, would've loved to enter your give away. You're so lucky you got to interview her :)

Casey said...

I'm absolutely LOVING the Boucle Ghana necklace!! However, it's in the one of a kind collection which makes me think it's unavailable.

From the basics collection I've fallen in love with the Boucle Noir...What can I say, I'm a sucker for bows (:

Unknown said...

The Carla is my favorite! A unique piece with blue stones, absolutely fabulous! Charlotte Hosten is an extraordinary designer

Talli Roland said...

Those are fantastic necklaces - so unqiue - love them! Great interview, ladies.

kendal croix. said...

wow. her pieces are extraordinary. i love them.

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

The necklaces are so charming!

Unknown said...

these are all so adorable, but the mumbai is my favorite!

Copious Couture said...

These are stunning!!!!!! I love them all!







Carissa
http://copiouscouture.blogspot.com

Melissah said...

I just discovered your lovely blog. I'm just new into blogging & have just finished off my own blog on fashion & interior design.
scrapbook-melissah.blogspot.com
I had a lot of fun putting it together. I would love your feedback on it if you've got a spare minute.
x
Melissah

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

Happy Monday, Isabelle! What a talented designer. Her pieces are just gorgeous! I especially love the Black Bow Necklace. It's divine!

Hope you're having a lovely start to the week :)

Britney said...

They're all gorgeous. The Mumbai beige and Deauville Classic are my two favorites. Nice giveaway, once again!

Kfloveinme said...

WOWZA!! Now those are beautiful necklaces! I adore the Black Classic Necklace (with Fuschia removable flower brooch. I'm already imagining myself wearing it with a little black dress. LOVE IT!

Thanks for a gorgeous giveaway!\
kfloveinme(at)gmail(dot)com

Kfloveinme said...

I tweeted @mskenyaf

http://twitter.com/MsKenyaF/status/29759675918458880

kfloveinme(at)gmail(dot)com

The Dainty Dolls House said...

gorgeous necklaces..so lucky the people that can enter!! Beautiful post!! xx

Sabrina Gagnon said...

I absolutely love the carrie-macpherson, I went to a high school with a uniform and this represent my entire journey through high school. JUST LOVE IT!!!!!! The details and items that are all pieced together create a fabulous master piece of jewelery. You have amazing talent.

Pinky Sade said...

Oh, wow! They're so gorgeous! I really love the Parrot Sari necklace :: collier Sari Perroquet!
Thank you!
gagaslab at gmail dot com

Pinky Sade said...

Fb shared: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=193368990674875&id=100001848704844
gagaslab at gmail dot com

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

Love the Grey Bow necklace--such gorgeous pieces! I follow, of course :)

The Giveaway Diva said...

I love the midnight train to russia!!!

so beautiful!!!

nicolemarielum @gmail.com

Kate said...

I am so in love with the Leila!!! She is truly a visionary!

glittergurl04 @hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

J'adoreee les colliers de Charlotte Hosten, ils sont superbes et originals...celui qui me plaît le plus est le Boucle Ghana :)

Christina said...

I work at a very conservative office where business formal is required Mon-Thurs. I love the Deauville classic necklace because I could use it to add texture and color to a suit as a necklace or with the removeable pins, or make a business casual friday outfit a little more fun.

Kathy said...

I adore her necklaces! I'm loving the Classique bleu. :]

Kathy said...

I also tweeted the giveaway!

http://twitter.com/#!/nowittyusername/status/31936215309615104

CJB said...

So charming..I love the Black Classic Necklace. Thank you for the giveaway.