Krista Norris Co.

In early March, Ottawa woke up to headline news that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife, Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau gifted U.S. President Barack Obama’s daughters two scarves made by local designer Krista Norris.

The Obama sisters, Malia and Sasha, each received one of her newest designs, the ‘Maverick’ shawl, prior to a Let Girls Learn program which seeks to empower girls around the world, while helping them acquire a proper education.

“That was a really nice surprise,” said Krista. “Not only was I honoured that my scarves were selected as gifts for Sasha and Malia on behalf of Canada, it was an honour to be selected among other great Canadian designers. It also happened right before the Let Girls Learn event, which is a cause I think is important, and I admire Michelle Obama and Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau for bringing attention to it on such a world stage." 

Not only was this a nice surprise for Krista, but one for our little boutique too, given that the Obama girls’ new Maverick shawls were purchased here. This is a major milestone, as VAM was where Krista sold her very first scarf!

We were introduced to Krista in 2012, shortly after we opened the boutique. We fell in love with her first spring line, which comprised of a few Italian silk scarves, and have carried her designs ever since. Watching her designs evolve and grow from silk scarves to the Maverick shawl has truly been a pleasure. So we took the time to talk to her about this latest design. Here’s what she said:

“I decided to name this style the Maverick while on a trip and meeting stores in Los Angeles last summer, before launching my fall line. I was thinking of the type of women I want wearing my collection, the women I look up to and admire, and how I relate to them.

A Maverick is someone who is independent, thinks for themselves, and stands up for what they believe in. I've always thought strongly about doing what you know is right for yourself, and the word 'Maverick' spoke to me in that way.”

Scroll down to see some the different ways you can wear the Maverick shawl, then visit us in store to purchase your own!

Find Krista's designs on Instagram @kristanorrisco, online at kristanorris.com, in store at viens avec moi boutique or at viensavecmoi.ca! - VAM xx