It may be too early for some to think about Christmas, but not if you’re Giselle Laronde-West. If you’re one of those who love to gift locally made jewellery for the holidays, Miss World 1986 and corporate executive-turned designer might have just the perfect find to catch your eye.
The sparkle has barely settled on the launch of her debut bespoke collection, Dancing in the Wind, but she’s already turning her attention to a holiday line. “I will be maintaining some mystery,” she teased during a chat with WE. “I can say there will be Christmas-themed pieces, and I’ll be introducing one or two new cultural figures.”
But more on that in due time.
For now, she’s focused on the 40th anniversary of her historic 1986 Miss World win—a milestone that coincides with Dancing in the Wind.
The range reimagines Carnival characters, folklore, and local flora into wearable pieces.
She sees the Flagwoman, Energetic Leader, Peaceful Pierrot, Mysterious Dame, Clown in Town, and Guardian Moko brooch becoming family keepsakes that will carry their own stories 50 years from now. “I felt that many forms of our culture have never been represented in jewellery, except for a few, of course, the pan, hummingbird and hibiscus flower… and it is an opportunity for everyone to become an ambassador for our cultural heritage,” she explains.
Some might expect the price tag for a line produced by a national icon to be out of reach, but Giselle has kept the pieces accessible, starting at $325. The response so far shows the public is on board: “The feedback has been great. People love the artistic twist on our old time characters and the overall concept for the first collection. They are happy with their purchases.”
Her family always knew of her ambition to enter the artisanal space, though they were initially curious about how she would manage it without formal training. Partnering with artist Reah Lee Sing, whom she describes as “very intense, creative and versatile,” proved to be the right answer. Together, they worked in silver to capture the intricate, three-dimensional layering required for the unique sculptural designs. Reah then translated Giselle’s drawings and concepts into the 38-piece bespoke offering. Her choice of silver was a personal one; she always found the metal complemented most skin tones beautifully.
This creative chapter is something the newly minted jewellery designer finally has space to nurture, now that she’s retired from corporate life and her children are all grown. “I really wanted to pursue this passion and make my dream a reality,” she says. Her jewellery, she adds, can elevate the style of anyone who appreciates craftsmanship, whether for a gala or a relaxed Sunday afternoon. “I hope that many people will appreciate the quality and value of the pieces.”
Looking back at the 23-year-old crowned Miss World in London on November 13, 1986, Giselle, now 62, knows exactly what she would tell her younger self: “Bide your time and when the moment is right, your hopes and dreams will come true. Celebrate each milestone when you achieve it, with humility and pride, and don’t be afraid to pursue something you have always dreamed about, no matter how old you become.”
Beauty, brains, and timeless style—Giselle Laronde-West has always had them all. And she’s clearly not finished yet.
