FASHION Reporters

Halifax: Chloé Gordon ruffles a few feathers

9 comments

mar09feather_lg

I tried to avoid it. In an effort to sidestep a tragically fou-for-feathers diagnosis, I pushed aside the urge to tell you all about the stunning bit of plumage I’ve had dangling from my lobe for weeks. I kept my satisfaction silent and brushed off any “Love your earring!” praise with an I’ve-had-it-for-years shrug. But when the compliments passed the half-dozen mark, I turned a feather-grazed cheek to all those who pooh-pooh plumage and reached for my laptop. This, I’ve gotta share.

Made from a handful of layered feathers, a few beads and a supple strip of leather, my new earring (from $10), designed by Chloé Gordon, a third-year textiles major and fashion minor at NSCAD, is simple, but this simplicity is what gives it effortless impact.

“They’re kind of freeing,” she says of the feathers. “They’re not loud and they’re not bold, but they’re just really subtly beautiful.”

Gordon’s eco-conscious mindset and love for natural aesthetics are put to work in these plumed accessories from her Coquelicot line—each piece is made from organic, recycled, found and new materials. The young designer, whose work extends beyond the jewelry realm (remember the fringed number I gushed over last fall?), uses her interest in the exotic to create stunning pieces dripping with a primitive beauty.

With oversized earrings climbing their way to the top of the accessories ladder this coming season, Gordon’s sometimes collarbone-kissing designs couldn’t be more on cue. And with their handmade charm, green approach and casual take on glamour, they couldn’t be any more Halifax.

Chloé Gordon’s earrings can be purchased at The Clothes Horse (1530 Queen Street, 902-425-2599), or directly from the designer at cgordon@student.nscad.ca.

Join the discussion

  • Holly

    I’m loving the plumage in your blogs, Nadine! The earrings are fantastic, and the way you describe the “collarbone-kissing designs” makes for beautiful pictures.

    I can always count on your blog to show me something that both supports local artists and opens doors to new fashion trends in our city.

  • Sandi

    I bought two in the fall, and love them oh-so-much. It’s nice to finally know who the designer is!

  • Jenn

    Beautiful piece, beautiful earrings – I’m major impressed that you have the courage to wear these drama feathers!

  • Tina

    I love the idea that feathers “are freeing”, as the designer stated. It is such a true and important concept that when pulling in raw materials from nature into your daily fashion statement it creates such a beautifully subtle yet more flavored look.

  • Kathryn

    I think there’s something subtle and mysterious about wearing only one shoulder sweeping accessory. It’s like a neat little surprise and doesn’t compete with a person’s face.

    Thanks for the tip! I’ll be purchasing my own.

  • http://www.suzysews.blogspot.com Suzanne zappia

    I think that for all the ‘pooh-pooh’ing that you may hear regarding fashion-forward statements, such as plumage, Haligonians are not as reserved as one might think. There’s a great deal of local artistry making its way into our regular attire.

    Glad to have a columnist that can pull all these little Hali-specialties out into the open.

  • Jenny Cooper

    Great piece, Nadine!! Always inspiring, never boring. Oddly enough, this style of a one long feather ear gem was done by the Scottish high class [ yep, all 25 of them!] in the early nineties. It was made famous by the actress on the soap, ” Monarch of the Glenn”! keep writing! xoxo

  • Stephanie

    I own a pair of Chloe’s fantastic earrings and love them to death, people are constantly giving them praise. Even though feathers are everywhere right now she knows how to put an original twist on them and make them unique. Love it!

  • Pingback: Halifax: NSCAD’s Wearable Art block party | fashionmagazine.com

Neither the author nor FASHION Magazine necessarily agrees with the comments posted here. Editors will not correct spelling or grammar. FASHION Magazine reserves the right to edit or delete comments entirely.

Your Friends’ Favourites

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement