We were absolutely charmed (no pun intended) by Shay Lowe and her gorgeous jewellery collection at Eleven Boutique’s one year anniversary cocktail party that we wanted to introduce her and her fabulous designs to all of our readers.

Q&A with Shay Lowe:

Who is Shay Lowe?

Both a small town and city girl at heart! Born to be an entrepreneur. Passionate about life, love, glamour, art, culture, travel, and charity. Many years ago my Grandfather had said to me that I was industrious. I remember at the time thinking wow, really? Given running my own business now and having grown in so many ways years later, I realized he was so right and must have seen a spark of that somewhere in me!

When did you decide to start designing jewellery?

I started designing part-time about two years ago. Initially it began for purely charitable endeavours, silent auctions, etc. and it just kept growing from there! What a journey it has been and still is. Ultimately I decided that I was the most happy and true to myself when I am creating, risk taking in business and loving the thrill of the unknown.

What is your design philosophy?

The design philosophy of Shay Lowe Jewellery Design is ‘Be Extraordinary’. Every woman has an inner beauty and sparkle and extraordinary in her own way. I love creating powerful and sparkly pieces that really are statements. It’s amazing how beautiful pieces can make any woman feel great and let her inner beauty exude!

Your jewellery is fun and definitely unique. Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?

My inspiration comes from within. It’s a mood, feel, energy that I am drawn to and a very specific aesthetic. Big, bold, glamour – and the evolution of that with what’s going on in fashion.

You debuted your runway collection at LG Fashion Week Spring Summer 2010, when you partnered with womenswear designer NADA, and you are also being featured as one of the fifteen designers across Canada for the White Cashmere Campaign for 2010. How would you describe the advantages and/or disadvantages of working with another designer?

There are tremendous advantages to working with another designer. You have to be incredibly open, creative, and strong in all capacities especially designing for a project like fashion week. Collaborating with Nada was amazing and it opened me up creatively and took me in a completely new direction as a designer. Nada taught me so much and she is an amazing designer and fantastic businesswoman. And I am looking forward to the White Cashmere Campaign for 2010! I was so honoured that they asked me.

(Editor’s Note: Shay Lowe will be one of fifteen designers to participate in the White Cashmere Collection 2010 runway show in support of finding a cure for breast cancer. For more information, visit www.cashmere.ca.)

What do you believe are the must have accessory trends for the summer?

Gold, turquoise, and white statement pieces are definite must have’s for the summer as are bracelet cuffs. And always have a bit of sparkle!

Where can we buy Shay Lowe jewellery?

Exclusively at Eleven Boutique in Yorkville in Toronto located at 116 Cumberland. I also do a ton of custom work. I can be reached at shay@shaylowedesign.com.

(Coming Soon: If you are not from the Toronto area you will be able to soon shop Shay’s designs online at www.shaylowedesign.com.)

What is the price point of your pieces?

Retail price point starts at $125 for earrings and rings and $250 – $600 for statement necklaces.

What is next for your brand?

Expanding, always refining my brand, and many exciting projects in the pipeline. Stay tuned!

Follow Shay Lowe’s Tweets! www.twitter.com/shaylowejewelry

[Product Photos by Rayan Ayash]