Menu
Cart 0

About Karen McFarlane

 

Karen McFarlane is a couture-inspired, limited edition "art to wear" jewellery line catering to fashion divas not afraid to turn heads. The eclectic collection launched by Canadian designer Karen McFarlane in 1996 showcases pieces that range from Victorian-style collar necklaces adorned with rhinestones and filigree detailed chandelier earrings, to more contemporary looks, including chunky cuff bracelets, chain mail bibs and over sized cocktail rings.  Traditional materials such as freshwater pearls, crystals, and semi-precious stones are set against exotic materials ranging from horn, wood, feathers and nut seed to leather and resin. Mixed metals and chain are favorite design elements and are used liberally.

“Creating beauty has been a life long passion” says McFarlane. “ A love of art, architecture and travel, as well as fashion, has influenced my design skills. I am inspired by the materials before me and prefer to use multiple elements to add richness and a feel of luxury to my pieces. Collaboration with fashion designers, stylists, retailers, media, and customers, has been very rewarding. In spite of work days that stretch into the night, I feel most fortunate to be able to indulge in my passions and continue to develop as an individual as well as an artist”

The design process for Karen begins with selecting complimentary elements from her now extensive collection of new, vintage and recycled findings. Much experimentation follows in the construction and assembly of each design. The goal is to create a wearable and durable accessory as well as an outstanding fashion statement. Karen pays much attention to detail and her inventive hand construction techniques are now a signature. One of a kind, couture designs are her specialty.

Karen McFarlane designs receive much attention from the fashion industry and are in demand to customize accessories for private clients, fashion designers and stylists. Her work has appeared with couture and ready to wear lines on runways, in fashion photo shoots and window displays, and has been featured in trade and fashion publications, and advertising campaigns internationally.