If you haven’t heard about A R C H I V E S – it is a luxury, designer jewellery store located adjacent to the new flagship Four Seasons in Yorkville at 1275 Bay Street, Toronto.
Afternoon Tea at A R C H I V E S
The one-of-a-kind jewellery boutique brings together unique and beautiful pieces from designers all over the world. The owner and designer, Jaleh Farhadpour, is a true visionary and has compiled a collection of pieces that bridge classic opulence and contemporary style in a unique urban space. Farhadpour’s collections in A R C H I V E S are inspired by her time abroad. Not only has she lived in several countries including Dubai, France, England and the United States, before moving to Toronto in 1988 but she travels all around the world to find stunning pieces and along the way, found inspiration herself.
Farhadpour journeyed to Sri Lanka in 2005 to aid in the humanitarian effort after the devasting tsunami. While staying in an ashram, she spotted locals working with gems and stones to fashion jewellery. Farhadpour then began to research the healing powers ascribed to each stone before purchasing a large bulk of them that would eventually be reimagined into her luxurious and striking collection now available at A R C H I V E S.
Three stunning rings by Jaleh Farhadpour- top of my Christmas list!
In addition to the owner’s design, the store showcases a variety of international designers, many of whom are only available in Canada at this location. As most girls do, I swoon at the sight of diamonds and gems and A R C H I V E S provides an avid Canadian jewellery lover with access to a finely curated collection that would be otherwise inaccessible. I attended their champagne drop in a few weeks ago and have been raving about it ever since. Luckily, on Saturday I was invited back for a civilized afternoon tea to try on some of the exquisite pieces and take some photos. Here are a few of my favourite pieces from the store:
Favourite Bag
Les Petits Joueurs // Italy
This playful contemporary clutch is designed by Les Petits Joueurs.The modern design, eclectic style and colourful hues couple to make Les Petits Joueurs’ bags playful yet refined. The Grace Lolita bag, pictured above, is handcrafted by Florentine aritsans from plexi and real LEGO pieces.
Favourite Hat
High Spirits // Toronto
A R C H I V E S showcases local hat designs by High Spirits. The Toronto based designers opt for subtle delicate accents, like the amethyst attached to the one above, that make a statement.
Favourite Ring
Delfina Delettrez // Italy
The one-of-a kind Delfina Delettrez diamond encrusted stingray ring is just breathtaking, an exclusive to A R C H I V E S. Delettrez, a member of the Fendi family, is a young designer sweeping the world with her modern and “kinetic” pieces. With fans from Beyonce to Katy Perry, it is no wonder that Delettrez is the youngest designer included in the permanent collection of fine jewellery at the Louvre’s Musée des Arts Decoratifs.
Favourite Earcuff
Cristina Oritz // Spain
Cristina Oritz’ fantastical designs are reminiscent of a coupling of femininity and power. They are strong, metal accented with diamonds, and highlight the natural silhouettes of the areas they adorn. Oritz, previously Design Director at Prada and Creative Director at Salvatore Ferragamo, has a long history with the fashion industry but only recently branched out on her own as a jewellery designer. This ear cuff, worn by Blake Lively and Alessandra Ambrosio, is a part of Oritz’ premier jewellery collection and is definitely one of my favourite pieces in A R C H I V E S.
Favourite Necklace
Iradj Moini // America
Persian designer Iradj Moini has been designing pieces in New York since 1989. This particular statement necklace has been fashioned to mimic a snake embracing the neck. Several of Moini’s designs utilize the figure of a snake, I find the colours of this piece particularly encapsulating.
Favourite Eyewear
Illesteva // Italy
I’ll tell you what “i” wanna wear, this Illesteva eyewear! This particular pair of mirrored sunglasses by Illesteva caught my eye. All of the designs are functional but stylish and handmade in France and Italy. A R C H I V E S carries a broad range of sunglasses and eyewear and often there is only one pair of each, so if you make the purchase you know that you have something unique to Toronto. And you can rest easy, the price points are comparable to many other designer sunglasses brands as well!
Favourite Earrings
Jaleh Farhadpour // Canada
I couldn’t pick just one! All of these earrings have interchangeable tops and bottoms so the options are everlasting. If I ever open my own jewellery drawer and it looks like this, I will likely perish from happiness. Jaleh Farhadpour’s collection is a breathtaking composition of colour, texture and functional architectural design. BRAVO!
Now that you all know where to head (or send your most generous family members) for your Christmas shopping, I’ll leave you with some other photos to peruse from the champagne drop-in and afternoon tea.
PS, big thanks to Kate Nishida, A R C H I V E S assistant manager and PR aficionado, for all the info and photo opportunities. Also, my gorgeous dark haired Deanna for modelling in some of these pics!
You can also see more photos and check out additional content from A R C H I V E S online on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram- @archivestoronto
And check out their website here!
Love
Metropolitan Musings 