Connecting the dots with Dotted Loop jewelry

Credit: Luke Doell

When a fire burned down Teresa Smed’s house and reduced her worldly possessions to ashes, it also snuffed out the designer’s flair for crafting clothing and purses from reclaimed fabrics.

Years later, Smed’s creative side was reignited when the glimmer of vintage crystals in an antique shop caught her eye. She bought the shop’s entire stock of vintage jewelry and her newest eco-endeavour, Dotted Loop, was born.

“I was inspired to work with the antique materials,” says Smed. “I’ve always believed in reusing materials that were already there.” Smed deconstructs vintage chains with antique crystals, pearls and other embellishments and gives them a rebirth as trendy bracelets, earrings and necklaces.

Smed describes her newest collection – Glam Vintage Remix – as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s meets Cyndi Lauper.” Elements with an aura of elegance are connected to ones with a bit of attitude, resulting in a versatile piece of jewelry. “The whole idea behind the line is it’s something you can wear with a T-shirt and jeans or an evening gown,” says Smed, who says she started Dotted Loop committed to the principle of creating jewelry without damaging the environment. “Buying eco-friendly is like voting for a change.”

Dotted Loop at Dream, Room 430, and Mintage in Vancouver.
www.dottedloop.com