To an American, the word “scarf” or shawl typically conjures up visions of thick wool wrapped around our necks to keep us warm in the winter. But in the French language, there is une écharpe (a thick wintry scarf), and un foulard is its thinner, silkier, more fashionable cousin. There is no word that encompasses all fabrics that wrap around your neck, because the Parisian understands its vast difference, both in style and purpose. Whatever you want to call it…scarves and shawls are my favorite body warming accessory for the chillier months – the bigger, warmer, more blanket-resembling they are, the better. But I love them for summer too!!I am a lover of layers! I am a girl who is allergic to the sun so…….

Scarves and shawls are so versatile too! They’re that detail that can really complete a look. Do you agree?!

So now insert Krista Norris! We found one another on gram and have so much in common, including our love for France!

“Krista Norris is a curated collection of classic essentials, starting with the scarf. Focusing on designing one classic piece with attention to detail, we chose an accessory that dates back in denoting class and style, and one which remains a constant in our wardrobes across time and seasons. With a foundation of authentic, quality fabric, our line is designed for Canadian weathers, in style that can be appreciated internationally. Made in Canada Our line can now be found in select contemporary boutiques across Canada and the United States. ”

She sent me her exquisite Palmyra Indigo Navy Shawl. It’s a unique indigo denim dye - this navy has a denim touch and very neutral navy look. Check it out on-line..it is a brighter blue than shown here but my edits tend to shift blues a bit!

In their signature Maverick Shawl Style, this is sewn diagonally so the bottoms always fall to a point. The fabric is from France and I love the chic leather label! It is an accessory I always hold close!!!

I am so fortunate that Krista let me ask her a few questions so read on for a fab Q + A with this lovely woman!

Interview With Krista Norris

-Tell us a little about yourself! When did Krista Norris first launch? What inspired you to start the shop?

I started my line in 2012 while graduating university and transitioning into the outside world. I had started getting involved in the local retail scene, and met a wonderful mentor who encouraged my loved for design to start a small collection of scarves.

-Did you plan on scarves being the main focus of your shop?

I’ve been sewing for a very long time, however when I started designing and thinking about retailing my collection, I focused on scarves as an accessible, versatile accessory that I personally have always love and which has a lot of symbolism as an accessory.

-Where did the love and fascination for various textiles stem from?

My Oma was a seamstress and her father a tailor in Holland, so I grew up learning to sew and playing in baskets of fabric, I always loved it. Textiles specifically I think grew naturally with exposure to quality materials, and I’ve just always been very attracted to texture and well - made things.

-What does a day at the studio typically look like?

I actually teach part time, but asides from that, when I’m in the studio for a full day it’s usually a bit of everything. As a small designer I do most of it, but I work with a great factory in another city who sews my bulk collections. On a typical day I ship orders, talk to customers over email, update my website, look through new fabrics and I really love photography and the marketing side as well, so I’m always looking for ways to capture the items and women who wear the collection.

-How long does the process of creating a textile piece normally take?

I currently work with a textile mill that is so amazing at what they do, so I work with them and choose from their collections and adjust to what I want. In the past year I’ve learned to design my own patterns and hope to develop those in the coming year. My two design styles are unique to my line and what I love. They are cut differently than typical scarves so they fall and sit better on the body, and these were developments that came out of really looking at how my customers, as well as I, want to wear our items.

-Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?

I really look for it everywhere. Style is so universal but considering textiles, I actually find a lot of inspiration from my surroundings. I run and bike through a big forest and the fields and textures always attract me, but then the textures of old buildings and cities do as well. More so though, I’ve come to see what my customers are drawn to and want either as a statement accessory, or as a subtle addition that is chic and comfortable.

-What would you consider some of your brand’s proudest moments?

When you have a small business every sale, new customer, interview, and little win is a proud moment, but I had the absolute honor of having two of my Maverick Shawls given to Michelle Obama as one of the State Gifts from Sophie and Justin Trudeau in 2016. It was a surprise and genuinely nothing I could have imagined.

-What are some things you’ve learned as an entrepreneur/ business owner?

I’ve learned so much, but mostly about self motivation. I think it’s really important if you are interested in something or want something to both ask for it and ask questions and learn from others.

-Krista Norris is based out of Canada. Are customers able to shop internationally?

Yes! We ship worldwide but are always proud to say we are sewn in Canada. I’m very lucky to work with many great stores in the United States and be able to work with customers everywhere.

-Any out-of-the-box ideas for how to creatively use/ tie a Krista Norris piece?

So many!

My current favorite is using our shawls as a picnic blanket – during summer of course or in summer evenings.

Our Silk Scarves can be worn on your bag, in your hair, or on your wrist which I also love!

-Do you have a favorite piece from the current collection?

I really love the style I sent you! The Palmyra Denim Shawl is an indigo fabric that is beautiful but casual and a deep blue. I also really love our new tartan styles as it’s our first fabric we are working with that had 30% recycled fibers, and I think as a designer sustainability is something that is very important to pay attention to going forward!

-What are you looking forward to in Krista Norris’ future?

Now that I mainly work online I’m really looking forward to having a more direct relationship with customers, I think I learn a lot from them and also love having a dialogue about what they want more of and how they wear my designs, I love seeing that!

Shop here! I am currently eyeing this beauty ! And must have this for fall! She is selling some great masks too. They go quick so I would not delay.

https://kristanorris.com/