The newest boutique to open its doors in the swanky Summerhill neighbourhood is Luxe & Found, selling an eclectic collection of brightly-coloured jewellery and accessories hand-picked by owner (and self-proclaimed “accessories fanatic”) Karin Thompson.
The pieces at Luxe & Found come from a variety of designers around the globe, and Thompson says that she tries to purchase from suppliers who will be largely unfamiliar to her Toronto clientele.
When we visited the space, Thompson pointed out the geographically-diverse origins of her pieces, which range from local Toronto and Montreal designers to more far-flung collections stemming from Italy, Brazil, Israel and the Netherlands. Prices of items within the store are as wide-ranging as their origins, going from as low as $20 to as high as $600.
The jewellery features mostly quirky, bold statement pieces, like a bright blue lucite necklace by New York designer Yochi ($92), and chunky bracelets dangling with a cluster of walnut-sized lucite baubles by designer Oliphant ($98). We are especially intrigued by the items by local Markham designer Laura Lee Fulham, who specializes in vintage-inspired pieces with updated colours, including a fabulous set of beaded bracelets hand-woven in gold wire ($163 for the set), and the eye-catching “tulip necklaces” handmade by Israeli designers Twoa — bright, spiky clusters of glass crystals in a variety of colours, that have a prickly, almost sea-urchin like quality to them.
And don’t worry about running in to someone rocking the same bling. Aside from the popular Twoa necklaces, Thompson tries to carry only one or two of each product, so that “each customer’s purchase is unique.”
While specializing primarily in jewellery, Luxe & Found also features bags, belts, headbands, scarves and even a selection of outerwear by New York label Gracia. The bags include JPK Paris 75's bold “bucket bags,” which come in a variety of colours and are made in either leather or the more hardy-sounding “ballistic nylon” ($165-$185).
For those in search of something more dainty, check out the collection of straw clutches by the aptly-named Straw Studios. With detailing in real leather ($75-$110) or woven cloth ($75), these funky clutches are a sure summer knockout, and Thompson says we can expect to see a lot more coming in from Straw Studios in the coming weeks.
Thompson’s enthusiasm about opening her first store is evident and her love of accessories is contagious. Holding up a thick bright orange and yellow Suzi Roher belt (on the higher range of the price spectrum, retailing for $385) she exclaims enthusiastically, “I love this! I want it.”
With the store already swarming with customers and only one or two of each piece up for grabs, we’re sure that belt won’t be around for long.
Luxe & Found, 1134 Yonge St., 647-343-9367
