Carina Kresic is the 24yr old face of the Dolorous FW17 Campaign. We had a great time getting to know her on set and thought you might like to learn a bit about her too!

Tell us a bit about yourself: Hi! My name is Carina & I'm 24 years old. I'm born and raised in Toronto, and graduated from radio and television arts program at Ryerson in 2016. In my spare time I love to bake, go for walks with my dog & indulge in some reality TV. 

How did you get into modelling?: In my last year at Ryerson, I was scouted at Mass Exodus - a student run fashion show that takes place at Ryerson. I was a bit hesitant to enter the modelling at first but now that I'm in, I don't regret one second of it! It came at a perfect time in my life. I'm very thankful I was able to finish my university degree and enjoy that experience fully. And now that I'm older, I have a better head on my shoulders and ready to experience the adventure of the modelling industry. 

Describe your personal style in 5 words: I have a hard time really describing my style, but it's pretty relaxed and I love wearing anything super comfortable while still making it cool. If you combined Topshop and Urban Outfitters, that would pretty much be my exact look!

What is your favourite thing about your job: I love that each day is totally different. I know I'm definitely not the type of person to have a regular 9-5 job, and being a model your day to day is far from it! It's also tons of fun being able to meet amazing people, and to try out new clothing, hair and makeup styles! 

What was your favourite piece of jewelry from your Dolorous shoot and why?I absolutely loved the Sona large hoop earrings! I also loved wearing all the different types of necklaces. 

What’s your favourite snack food: Blueberries, popcorn, chips, banana ice cream (everyone needs to try it. It's SO good!)

What’s your favourite movie: I'm not the biggest movie watcher.. but I did absolutely love the latest Wonder Woman. But as for TV shows, my all time favourite is Grey's Anatomy. It never gets old... even after 14 seasons! 

Describe your ideal Weekend: My ideal weekend would probably consist of sleeping in a bit, going for a run with my dog and then hanging out with friends and my boyfriend! I also love to bake & always looking to try something different in the kitchen. 

What items are always in your purse? I make sure to always keep some lip balm, concealer and mints! 

If you were an emoji which one would you be? Most definitely one of the monkey emojis! 

If we asked 10yr old you what you would be when you grew up what would you have told us?Growing up, my ultimate dream was to become part of Sailor Moon's crew. But once I realized that was not a possibility, I changed my mind and had my mind set on becoming a veterinarian. That career clearly didn't come true. My 10 year old self would never believe you if you told her I was a model now!

Shop Carina's favourite style from the shoot here!

Behind the scenes shooting the Dolorous SS17 Lookbook

It's the second instalment of my 'Meet the Model' feature and I'm so excited to introduce you to Mila!

She is a creative force who, though a self-described introvert, expresses herself through modelling, photography, and even film production! She may be a bit on the quiet side, but I got her to open up and here's what she had to say!

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I never know how to start these questions...yikes. Ok, I’m based in Toronto. I’m always thinking about films and how much I want to make them. I shift my focus from acting to modelling, modelling to photography because I like to express my creativity in as many ways possible. 

How did you get into modelling?:

I think my friends and I were a little possessed by America’s Next Top Model and just Tyra Bank’s in general. We watched the show religiously and with a webcam and older sister who did makeup we had our own photo shoots. We shot every weekend and I’ll never forget how meticulous we were.That’s pretty much how it all started. 

Describe your personal style in 5 words:

Evolving, Introverted, eclectic and loose. 

What is your favourite thing about your job?

The opportunity to make someone's idea come to life. Doesn’t matter if it’s a short film or a photo shoot, it’s beautiful that I can take my impression of the idea and blend it with not just the person that it came from but the rest of the team.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Vital Life in Kensington market. If you're a skeptic when it comes to vegan food I encourage you to try this place, it will change your life!

What’s your favourite movie?

Melancholia by Lars Von Trier. This film always finds it’s way back to me.  

What are you most likely to be doing when you’re not modelling?

I actually don’t do much modelling so, for the most part, I’m secretly working on my short films.  

What items are always in your purse?

Wallet, of course, lip balm, headphones, a book (currently reading “How to Think More About Sex” by Alain de Botton) and a bunch of old receipts. 

If you were an emoji which one would you be?

The flamenco dancer is 100% me. 

If we asked 10yr old you what you would be when you grew up what would you have told us?

An actress. But I would make sure that you knew I only wanted to be in romantic films, nothing more. 

Describe your ideal Saturday:

All I need is some alone time. 

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I hope you enjoyed getting to know Mila as much as I did! For more Dolorous highlights, styling tips, and exclusive offers, head to the bottom of this page and sign up for the Newsletter!

If you liked getting a peek behind the scenes of the brand be sure to follow @dolorousjewellery on Instagram! 

I recently did a very fun interview for Fragrance Blog The Whale and The Rose thats up on their site now! Check it out to learn more about my favourite fragrances, some scent memories and how I always smell like metal and coconut oil. See the full interview HERE

I'm not sure what the source of this sudden nostalgia was but last night I found myself lost in the archives of early Dolorous and it struck me how much more personal this blog used to be. I would use this space to talk about my inspirations, my excitement about new materials, and even just my thoughts and feelings. Since those early days this blog has become more of a space to keep you up to date with press, sales events, and insights into the behind the scenes of the line. It may seem less personal but its no less a part of me. While the company has grown, certain aspects of the business have been outsourced, and employees have come and gone, Dolorous is still largely an independently run business. I design, make, and ship every piece. I write handwritten notes to every customer and gift wrap every order. I conceptualize and direct every photoshoot and often style them myself too. There are parts of me in every aspect of the line and I'm extremely proud of that, frankly, I wouldn't give it up for anything. In that way even though my posts are less 'about' me, they are in another way completely about me because I am Dolorous.

Being that involved does occasionally come with a price. Two weeks ago I got married to the love of my life, and two weeks from now I'll be leaving on my honeymoon to Japan. Taking time off from the line is always tricky but sometimes life (and love) come first! The shop won't be closed while I'm gone, shipment will just be delayed until I'm back and I'm sure I'll be returning with tons of new ideas and an excited and inspired energy to put into my designs.

We'd like to introduce you to Dani!

Welcome to our first ever 'Meet the Model' Interview! We're so excited to be kicking this new project off with Dani from our  FW16 Lookbook shoot,  we're pretty sure you're going to love her as much as we do!

Name/Age/Agency

: Dani Klupsch / 21 / Morgan Model Management and Peggi Lepage

Tell us a bit about yourself

: I am a model, college student, MMA coach, Brazilian jiu jitsu competitor, and an avid baker. (Laughs) I know, it's quite the interesting combination!

How did you get into modelling?

: My first shoot was when I was 15 years old and I was on a family vacation in the Dominican Republic. My sister and I were taking photos of each other and we were approached by a photographer from the UK who was also on vacation. He asked if I wanted to shoot the following day so I agreed! It was a very fun shoot, especially with my dad watching the photographer's every move (laughs). He was a great photographer though and helped me to realize that I had a knack for modelling.

Describe your personal style in 5 words

: Sporty yet refined and feminine.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

: The behind the scenes! Its crazy to see how much work goes behind just one photo, and being the model in the shoot walks you through all that work. From the hair and makeup team, to the set team, the photography, the lighting... It gives you a great perspective of what really goes on behind that one photo you see as the result. Plus I think we are hilarious, you'd be surprised how non-stereotypical the entire crew is off the set.

Whats your favourite restaurant?

: There is this amazing place in Markham called Beiruti Grand Café that I love to go either on my way back from a shoot or from training. The food is a fusion of Mediterranean and French, and no matter what you choose on the menu, you will be happy. My favourite right now is their ham brie and roasted apple sandwich on a warm pretzel bun, served with an aioli dipping sauce and garden salad. And try their fresh orange juice! 

Whats your favourite movie?

: I am a fan of both DC and Marvel, but my favourite movie has to be Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy. I love the humour and sarcasm mixed in with a Superhero / Group of Misfits movie, and I love the 70s and 80s cultural references!

Describe your ideal Saturday

: My ideal Saturday is going out with my team mates! We have all decided that we are not too old to go on field trips, so we will always find different things to do. From axe throwing lessons to trampoline parks... This month, we are planning on going to a comic convention to cosplay and even LARP, also to an indoor parkour place, rock climbing, camping, cliff diving... the list just keeps getting longer!

What are you most likely to be doing when you’re not modelling?: 

Other than modelling, I also work as an MMA coach at Rumble Martial Arts, teaching Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Women's Self Defence, and Youth classes. I also compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, so I have to train quite often.

I am also in school right now for cake design, so if I am not in class I am baking a bunch of stuff and decorating. You know that cupcake scene from Bridesmaids? That has my name all over it.

What items are always in your purse?

: Well, I try to have my keys and wallet in there but I am very forgetful of important things (laughs). The only beauty supplies I always have on me is my hairbrush and foundation. My friends are going to laugh at me when they read this, but I also keep my mouth guard in my purse, so I can always remember where it is when I am training.

If you were an emoji which one would you be?

: (Looks through phone) I want to say the Happy Sun emoji. I will always say "Good Morning Sunshine!" to my friend and they will call me Sunshine back, and the name has kind of stuck now.

If we asked 10yr old you what you would be when you grew up what would you have told us?: 

I'm pretty certain at that time I wanted to be a firefighter. I think I have always liked the idea of being a hero, or at least helping others. I feel like I help others quite a bit when I am teaching self defence. I have had students come up to me and tell me how they had someone try to hurt them and they were able to successfully defend themselves, or tell me about the success that they are having with their fitness or even confidence and assertiveness. Hearing that is extremely rewarding, and I think my 10-year old self would be very proud of what I am up now.

Were we right? Are you in love now? We sure were after spending a full day shooting this lovely, ball-busting ray of sunshine! If you liked getting this peak behind the scenes be sure to follow us on instagram for loads of behind the scenes photos of our photo shoots and much more!

p.s. In case you didn't notice this pic is a behind the scenes of something you haven't seen yet! We've snuck in a little peak at our Holiday Collection that we can't wait to share with you! If you want more sneak peeks sign up for our Mailing List and hear about everything first!

 I was very lucky to recently have Sacha of Savannahtheblog my close friend and generally awesome and inspiring person in the Dolorous studio for a special behind the scenes photo shoot. Thanks to her here's an inside look at some of my workshop setup, some of my in office inspirations, and a few photos of me having a really great time with one of my very favourite people.

While we try to keep our fans up to date with all our social media platforms, we're admittedly a little addicted to instagram! How could we not be when its so easy to share shots from behind the scenes and at the desk of Dolorous Jewellery! We've also been known to host exclusive previews, and occasionally even a give away only on Instagram! So to keep the most up to date and in the loop follow us now @DolorousJewellery

A behind the scenes peek at the Dolorous S/S13 Collection shoot featuring the stunning Talvi of Prince Innocence! Stay tuned for the collection release next week.