Photo: foxyoriginals on Instagram 

Although Canadian designers such as Stephan Caras and David Dixon are well known for sending intricate, flowing frocks down the runway, the True North is also home sweet home to a number of accessory designers. For local fashionistas who have a passion for jewellery and handbags, we’ve compiled a list of five Canuck design talents to watch out for now.

Jennifer Ger and Suzie Cheme: As the co-founders of Foxy Originals, Ger and Cheme are friends and University of Western Ontario business graduates who launched their Toronto-based accessory line in 1998. Today, Foxy Originals claims to be an affordable brand with a focus on playful and fun designs. The brand is best known for its reversible necklaces (which feature messages such as “Life Is Beautiful”), along with its Karma Collection of silver and gold pendant necklaces and dangling earrings.

Photo: _jennybird on Instagram

Jenny Bird: The Toronto-based designer launched her eponymous line in 2008, along with her husband and business partner Adam Kohn. Jenny Bird specializes in jewellery, and offers a collection of metallic cuffs and collars, along with edgy pieces such as ear cuffs and double rings. Bird was nominated for a 2014 Canadian Arts and Fashion Award for Accessory Designer of the Year, and has seen her brand expand to 600 retailers across 14 countries.

Byron and Dexter Peart: As the co-founders of WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie, Ottawa-born twin brothers Byron and Dexter launched their leather goods line in 2007. The Peart brothers attended the University of Western Ontario for business and economics, and decided to pursue careers in fashion. Their products are created with Grade A leather and organic cotton sourced from Turkey, and include a range of tote bags, backpacks, handbags, wallets and briefcases. In 2014, the Pearts were also nominated for Accessory Designer of the Year at the CAFAs.

Erin Templeton: The Vancouver designer was raised near the mountains outside of the city, but trained in shoemaking in London Cordwainer’s College and also studied leatherwork in Australia. Templeton, who later brought her focus to creating handbags, officially opened her studio in 2007 and crafts her pieces out of recycled leather. Her designs include purses, makeup bags and chain purses, while her style leans toward funky, eclectic and vintage inspired.

Photo: charlottehosten on Instagram 

Charlotte Hosten: Born in Belgium and based in Montreal, Charlotte Hosten is a self-taught jewellery designer who first discovered the craft at the age of 15. While she studied law, Hosten later decided to pursue jewellery design as her full-time career. The home-based designer is known for creating embellished bracelets and vintage inspired neckpieces. Hosten’s design aesthetic involves global influences and custom designs for her clients, which often feature personalized touches like incorporating family heirlooms into pieces.