I love getting out to the One Of A Kind Show each year. While I have some go-to favs, there are always new discoveries. As someone who loves to find new ways of doing things in my own work, I find it truly inspiring to see how other creatives and makers are stretching themselves and producing some really amazing products. 
For those of you planning to go to the show, I hope this list of my favourites from this year’s show will help you mark some highlights worth adding to your “must see” list.
FASHION FAVES

OPELLE

These beautifully designed handbags from Opelle made me stop in my tracks. Handmade in Toronto from butter-soft Italian leather, these bags are ethically crafted using a low-impact process to ensure you have a bag that suits who you are, inside and out. They are just as fierce as they are fabulous. Can you say “wish list?” I sure can.

TANIA GLEAVE

I am seriously crazy-in-love with Tania Gleave‘s jewellery designs. Like, ga-ga. Bold, strong, yet feminine statement pieces are clearly her signature, and you only have to chat with Tania for a few minutes to discover why. She is a true designer at heart, and her process is beautiful. The ebony pieces, for example, are hand-carved by Tania’s friend and collaborator in Sumbawa, Indonesia, so that all the links in any given piece are crafted out of one piece of wood. Truly an unbroken chain. The designs are innovative and adaptable as well, like the longer necklace below which can be shortened and turned into an 18″ necklace and matching bracelet simply by changing up the gold links. Brilliant.

VESPERTINE
The first thing from Verspertine to catch my eye was the silhouettes, which can only be described as decidedly feminine yet modern and effortless. To then discover that founder Ferrara has a passionate commitment to sustainability took it over the top for me. All of the pieces are hand made in Toronto using only eco-friendly fabrics, including bolt ends whenever available. I think you’ll agree, the shape of her pieces is unmistakably sexy yet refined. Can’t wait to visit her studio post-baby!
DECOR FOR THE BABES
FELT FACTORY
I fell absolutely in love with the Felt Factory‘s take on the über-hip trend of taxidermy, taken in a much softer direction with their line of Faux Fauna. Charming woodland creatures – inspired by the wool from local sheep farmers and the creatures that populate the landscape – tell a story of fantasy and wonder. Founder Sabine grew up in the Black Forest in Germany before coming to Canada and she is clearly weaving together her old roots with her new transplanted Montreal roots with this line. The results are delightfully inspired and brimming with character and a sense of story.

BECCA WALLACE PHOTOGRAPHY

I know I featured Becca on Monday, but I just had to show you some of her resin blocks. Truly GORGEOUS!

 FOR THE HOME

STINSON STUDIOS

I always find myself coveting something from Stinson Studios. Every year. Without fail. This year, it is this stunning, live edged, naturally arched bowl. Stinson Studios’ style is such a cooperation with nature, teasing out her beauty and seemingly revealing what she was trying to say through her quiet growth over the years. And this philosophy – and the products that result from it – always leaves my heart happy.

ISHIZUKA CERAMICS
I love the marriage of precision and essentially handmade quality found in Ishizuka Ceramics. The elegant and timeless simplicity of this “Black Line” collection is truly classic, and I would absolutely love a kitchen full of it! Gorgeous.

ARBOL by STEPHANE DUMONT

Similar to Stinson Studios, Arbol by Stephane Dumont always has me coveting their gorgeous wares every year. Precision and beauty are their hallmarks, and they are a cut above any other wood block cutting boards I’ve ever seen – at the One Of A Kind Show or anywhere else for that matter. Their rolling pin {not pictured} is also a stunning marriage of modernity and simplicity, and the cutting board below will be permanently fixed on my wish list until it one day comes home with me. I also love that they produce their own care wax for maintenance. It’s all in the details.

And last but not least….some loving for our FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS.

ROVER

For many of us, our pets are an extension of ourselves, so why shouldn’t they be just as debonaire and charming as we are? Well, now they can be thanks to this delightful collection of collars and accessories from Rover. They’ll have you rolling over and begging for more treats, I guarantee it.

Can you even stand this bowtie dog collar? Insanely charming. I’m totally smitten.

There were lots of other amazing makers at the show – I could never cover them all – but these were some of the standouts for me this year. If you’re in the Toronto area, be sure to get there if you can and let me know what had you swooning! The One Of A Kind Show is undoubtedly an amazing place to get some {if not most} of your Christmas shopping done with totally unique finds for those unique, one-of-a-kind loved ones on your list. Happy shopping!

xo
s.