WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHY and WOW!
Born in Vancouver, jewelry designer Katherine Huie blends her innate West Coast style with an East Coast edge to create beautiful and bold one-of-a-kind pieces for the fashion savvy. Currently, Katherine resides part-time in New York City and Toronto - What a perfect combination of influences! Following a degree in Fashion Design, Katherine’s love of vintage jewelry set against contemporary pieces inspired the line Foe and Dear. Founded in 2008 Foe and Dear reconstructs vintage items using new hardware, chains, and gems for unique, custom jewelry. Inspired by found objects, Foe and Dear designs are original and hand-made. Each piece is crafted with a passion for design and a love for even the smallest of details. As a result, the lucky people who purchase these lovely creations feel as though they have found something incredibly special, made just for them.
Katherine, before Foe and Dear you had another name for your jewelry line. It was called Lush Bind. What inspired the change?
Initially, the line was called Lush Bind... As in: lush and bind; to wrap something around another object. It was fairly successful, but I felt it was lacking a little direction. It [Lush and Bind] was my first attempt at running a successful business. Obviously there were great things that had happened, but I also learned from a few things as well. It all changed when I temporarily moved to New York City. I was so inspired by the City, and all of the creative, motivated people. I wanted to evolve and create a more simplified, yet still distinct brand that offered unique jewelry using vintage and new materials combined... Which is exactly what I did.
What inspired you to design jewelry in the first place?
I started designing jewelry in high school, just as a personal hobby. Self taught, I never thought I would make it a legitimate business. I went to Ryerson University in Toronto for fashion design. I had always enjoyed making jewelry and especially liked making pieces for myself, family, friends, and friends of friends. My jewels were getting a lot of hype, so I did a little research and made it happen!
What are some of your favorite pieces from your most recent collection?
1) Hungry Gold Bug - This necklace sits perfect on your collarbone. It is the center piece of your outfit.
2) Momma's Pearl Ring - Simple, classy, fresh water pearl, and a bit of sparkle.
3) Whale Stud Earrings - Because they're so darn cute!
I absolutely LOVE Momma's Pearl, it's definitely a go-to piece. Now that you are continuing to build on your successful business, what are your plans for the future?
More traveling! This is because traveling = more inspiration = more awesome pieces! As of right now, Foe and Dear is in two boutiques, one in LES of Manhattan: 'We the People' (156 Stanton Street) and 'Tabula Rasa' (745 Broadview Avenue), which is in Greektown, Toronto. More future plans include: being consistent with updating all of my social networks (site, blog, twitter, facebook, etc.), learning how to melt and plate metal, and to keep making rad jewelry.
Amazing!
www.foeanddear.com - Where to find these beautiful creations.
