Brand Spotlight: Chouette Designs
Hi Ashley! Can you introduce yourself and tell us more about Chouette Designs, in your own words?
Hi! I’m Ashley, and I’m one of the founders of Chouette Designs. I am also the designer behind the brand. We launched in 2021, after years of working in the fine jewelry industry selling rings, bracelets, etc that I couldn’t fit into.
What was missing from fashion that made you want to create Chouette Designs?
We often joke that plus size people pass time shopping with their friends in the accessories department because we can’t fit into the clothes. The reality is we often don’t fit into the accessories either. Rings are frequently only available in 2-3 sizes, and if they are available in more sizes, often aren’t high quality.
What does it mean to see your pieces worn by this community, in real life?
Jewelry is the most sentimental class of products, people buy it to mark their big moments, so seeing this community wear our pieces is so major. It’s kind of healing to see our pieces worn in the world. It feels like we’re doing something right.
What does size-inclusive & gender-inclusive fashion mean to you, beyond just offering more sizes?
We purposely do not divide our jewelry into “mens” or “women’s”. We believe if it speaks to you, you should wear it. When jewelry is divided by gender, you’ll often only see larger sizes available in mens styles, and smaller styles in women’s. Offering all pieces with no labels, in all sizes, means people can shop and make selections that feel good and fit their style without size being a limitation.
What does ethical production actually look like for your brand day-to-day?
Ethical production doesn’t have one set definition, so we are constantly scrutinizing what that means to us. To me, it means keeping close contact with all our vendor partners so we understand where our materials come from, how our designs are manufactured, etc. We are careful to work with vendors that adhere to Kimberly Process Guidelines, and put in writing that all stones are conflict free and from known sources. We also work with lab grown and recycled materials whenever we can.
What are 1-2 pieces in your current collection that you’re especially excited about right now, and why?
Our Arcana Bracelet is truly one that I love. It reads “It’s not the end/it’s just the beginning” in French on the outside and inside of a hinged bangle. It’s my handwriting engraved onto the bracelet, so it’s a personal note from me to you. It also has a safety hinge, and open button that has to be pressed in order to open, so the bracelet is secure.
Another great piece I’ve been wearing a lot of is the Monteverde Wide Band. The hammered texture makes it sparkle without any gemstones, so it feels bold and adds a statement to any outfit.
What excites you about partnering with Viva Voce, and what feels different about being in a space that centers size-inclusive and plus-size bodies?
Viva Voce shares a lot of the mission that we do- bringing beautiful, size inclusive products to people. That’s truly what we’re all about. We aim to feature all kinds of bodies, all kinds of love, all kinds of beauty on our website, socials, and events and I love that Viva Voce does the same. Being in a space that uplifts plus size bodies means that customers can be themselves and look and feel amazing.
How can people support Chouette Designs even if they’re not in a place to shop right now?
The easiest way is to check us out on social media! Give us a follow, or even share our brand with a jewelry loving friend!
If you had a megaphone and the whole world was listening, what would you say?
Be kind. Read a book. Take care of one another.
Where can folks shop your pieces right now (Viva Voce, online, pop-ups, showroom)?
Online at Viva Voce, on our website, and in our showroom in San Diego at the San Diego Made Factory!