By: Iren, Emelia, Kaelani, and Ruslana
Collection Overview
Welcome to “From Our Hearts to Yours: Stories Told Through Fashion Gifts.” This museum collection invites visitors to explore the captivating stories behind gifted fashion items that have adorned generations with style and sophistication. Immerse yourself in sartorial splendor as we showcase a curated collection of meticulously crafted garments, accessories, and wearable art generously bestowed upon individuals by their loved ones. Each collection tells a unique story of fashion and sentimentality, from a vintage locket to precious gold hoops, a handmade handkerchief and a vintage sweater.
A cameo locket, a symbol of wealth, and a holder of history. Iren’s vintage necklace was once her great-grandmother’s from the beautiful city of Paris. After she left France to marry the love of her life, she kept this necklace in her possession through the tough times of communism in Albania, for it to turn into a family heirloom and a token of resilience. The necklace was passed down as a gift from one generation to the other, and now it is part of Iren’s prized possessions.
The baby earrings were gifted to Kaelani by her mother as a family tradition. When a new baby girl is born, brand-new luxury earrings will be purchased as her first gift. Her mother bought her first pair of earrings from an independent jeweler in downtown Toronto. They’re white gold with diamonds. She wears them every day as her staple piece, which holds a sentimental meaning that she carries with her everywhere.
Emelia’s handkerchief belonged to her Great-Great-Grandmother, Emelia Giuricich. Emelia’s Great-Great-Grandmother handstitched and embroidered the handkerchief herself. Although Emelia never met her Great-Great-Grandmother, she feels connected to her by this item and through her name. Emelia was given her first name from her, and it is special to have her name as well as something she handmade.
The vintage sweater was created by the creative director of YSL Stefano Pilati as his last collection for YSL. Ruslana’s Razor Blade sweater was a 20s look in this Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, which combined formality and elegance. From personal perspective it symbolizes the life and experience of teenage years spent in home country, since was received from close people in that particular time.
“From Our Hearts to Yours: Stories Told Through Fashion Gifts” celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of fashion items and explores the emotional connections, historical significance and cherished memories they carry. Step into a realm where every stitch and accessory becomes a testament to the enduring bond between gift-giver and recipient, revealing a tapestry of history, love, and personal expression.
The Cameo Locket
This Cameo Locket Necklace belonged to my late Parisian great grandmother, who left France to marry the love of her life, my great grandfather, who lived in Albania. Even though it might not give you the impression, this vintage locket holds inside a very sad story. The necklace is family heirloom, currently located in Albania and owned by my aunt. It is a classical style Victorian inspired large cameo locket in carnelian red and cream, which opens to reveal a space for photos, or a little secret treasure.
Read Iren’s full story: Vintage Cameo Locket
The 1900s Embroidered Handkerchief
This item was found when going through my late Great-Grandmother’s belongings. It belonged to her mother, my Great-Great-Grandmother, Emelia Giuricich. Emelia was born in 1897 in Croatia and immigrated to Canada, where she married a shipbuilder and captain, Matt Martinolich, on February 17, 1917. My Great-Great-Grandmother handstitched and embroidered the handkerchief herself.
Read Emelia’s full story: 1900s Handmade Embroidered Handkerchief
The Baby Earrings
This item is a keepsake that I have had since I was born. I have picked a pair of earrings that my parents purchased me after I had my ears first pierced when I was only a couple months old. They were bought at the Vietnamese jewelry shop called Minh Chau Jeweler in Chinatown of Toronto. It is very significant for Vietnamese families to buy quality jewelry from a local Vietnamese Jewelry owner to show their appreciation for their own community and also have a sense of authenticity.
Read Kaelani’s full story: The Baby Earrings
The YSL Sweater
I received it from my friend in 2019, who received it from his friend the same year, who got it from his roommate. I have received it in quite a magical and unexpected way. I have a special connection with it in two ways. The first is more emotional since it reminds me about my life before university and my move to the Netherlands, additionally about people I was surrounded with at that time. In a more materialistic way, as a fashion and textiles student I value the expensive and rare technique of knitting it was made from which can not be seen in fast fashion pieces, same as the velour print technique.
Read Ruslana’s full story: The YSL Sweater
Collection Poster
The Fashion History Project 