Theres something about a good story that draws me in every time, especially one told by a New Yorker. As I sat down with designer and art history buff Temple St. Clair last week when she visited Holt Renfrew in Vancouver, I slowly realized that her success was fueled by pure passion. Shes accomplished what many designers aspire towards including selling her first collection to Barneys in New York. Today, St. Clair would describe herself as a citizen of the world rather than a New Yorker. After all, much of her start began in Italy where she actively studied art history in her early years after leaving her hometown in Virginia.
I love what I do and its come about in a very organic way as it unfolds throughout my life, says St. Clair. After designing for over 20 years, she has made her mark through the story she tells with her jewelry. Her extensive collection speaks to the audience and is inspired through a mythical journey from Greek mythology to Hindu art history. During her time in Florence she worked closely with goldsmiths and learned about the craft of working with gemstones. This was significant in cultivating her passion for art history and jewelry, which has contributed to the quality of work within her creation.
A clear presence of historical underpinnings was clear as we see inspiration from the goddess Athena in the form of an owl collection with mixed garnets. St. Clair drew from Greek mythology, as Athena possessed the ability to see the truth and took the form as an owl as she traveled the earth. Her celestial collection also drew from her connection with constellations. From the clarity possessed by the blue moonstone to the regal feel of emeralds, St. Clair has managed to infuse style with art history in perfect harmony.
St. Clairs collection and her extensive knowledge in art history cultivated my curiosity on what is her favorite piece of jewelry. Its clear that it wasnt an easy choice as she described it much like choosing your favorite child. I do have a special connection to the Tolomeol necklace which is based on the first century AD theory that the earth was the centre of the universe and is expressed in a piece of jewelry with the engraving of the planetary spheres in the back, says St. Clair.
As I looked at the collection still being set up at Holt Renfrew during our interview, I instantly deviated towards some favorites. The tree of life collection was a clear favorite inspired by her southern roots and a culture loyal to heritage. I also loved the subtle elegance of the royal blue moonstone collection and the strength of her wide vine gold cuff. However, it is the Tolomeo necklace that ultimately kept me going back for a closer look.
As for secret hotspots in New York, St. Clair shared some of her favorites around town: Im a downtown girl and café select on Lafayette Street is favorite of mine in SoHo. New York is also a high line so I like to walk on the weekend and go for brunch at Cook Shop.
View our edit in the gallery for some of our favorites from the collection and some of Temple St. Clairs most inspirational thoughts.
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Amy Yew is a contributing columnist at Vancouver Courier. Tell us what you think and submit any questions you have to [email protected]. You can also tweet your thoughts on Twitter @AmyYew.
