It was love at first sight when I came across MYEL‘s designs. I’m usually more easily drawn to shoes and makeup, but this time, I let myself be charmed by a beautiful jewellery collection that is designed and made locally in Montreal.
My new favourite jewellery brand was founded by Myriam Élie. Pieces designed and made in Montreal, a clean website that is easy to navigate, and a new boutique on Laurier Avenue where you can shop in person: what’s not to love? Each collection has its own theme—the fall 2015 collection is called Étoile de Fès and was inspired by one of Myriam’s trips to Morocco—but the pieces can be mixed and matched, and still look flawless. Silver abounds, although a few gold pieces have also recently started popping up in MYEL’s offering.
The story of how the brand was created, and how it got its name, are also interesting: while she was living in Europe, all of Myriam’s jewellery was stolen—an unfortunate event that eventually led to the creation of her brand. That’s when she started designing jewellery, armed with her art diploma and business studies. She imagines how she’d like to wear each piece of jewellery before drawing it. The brand’s name is a combination of the two first letters of her first name, and the two first letters of her last name: “MYEL”. In French, the name sounds like the word for “honey” (miel); the bee and honeycomb themes can also be found in her designs.
In short, MYEL is really a gem of a find, and I’ve already visited the boutique twice. The pieces are also affordable no matter how small (or big) your budget is: you’ll find everything from delicate rings ($60) to intricate gold earrings ($1,000). A great source of inspiration when you’re out hunting for a gift—although I must admit it’s difficult not to come home with a few pieces for yourself, too!
Here are just a few of the pieces I’ve been coveting:
1. Helm Pendant, Marine Collection, $145.
2. Étoile de Fès Ring, Étoile de Fès Collection, $480.
3. Geo Earrings Jacket #1, Geometry Collection, $110.
4. Cruise Ring, Marine Collection, $150.
5. Amazon Bracelet, Amazon Collection, $430.
Online: www.myeldesign.com | Montreal boutique: 1090 Laurier Avenue West
Which is your favourite piece? Chababa really enjoyed the bag…
