Behind SÉOLA Atelier
Photo by: Rafael Alexandre
Welcome to SÉOLA Atelier, a Montreal-based jewelry brand crafted by
Danish designer Cathrine Ahrenkiel.
Cathrine's journey is one of creativity and passion. After graduating from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Design in Copenhagen, she spent over 12 years as a menswear designer in both London and Montreal. This extensive experience has given her a unique perspective, which she now channels into her jewelry designs.
Her transition from fashion to jewelry began with a newfound passion for lost wax sculpting. This shift sparked a path of creative exploration, ultimately leading to the creation of SÉOLA Atelier. Here, craftsmanship takes precedence over fleeting fashion trends, allowing each piece to embody timeless elegance.
The name SÉOLA means 'soul,' a reflection of Cathrine's deep connection to her work. In her intimate studio, she meticulously handcrafts each piece, dedicating the time needed to achieve perfection. This commitment to quality and creativity ensures that every SÉOLA creation is not just a piece of jewelry but a meaningful and enduring treasure.
SEOLA—Jewelry with Soul
Q: Could you share the story behind the name “SÉOLA Atelier” and its significance to your brand?
SÉOLA means “soul” in Old Saxon, the root of Germanic and Scandinavian languages. It represents what I needed to create after 14 years in the fast fashion industry as a menswear designer—something with true depth, something that takes time. And something with a soul.
I wanted to be fully present in the process, connected to each piece from start to finish. More than that, I wanted to create jewelry that wasn't driven by trends but had a soul—something people could treasure and pass down through generations, carrying meaning and lasting significance.
From Menswear to Jewelry
Q: Your background is in fashion design. What led you to transition from menswear to jewelry?
If I'm honest, I never imagined becoming a jeweler. I've always had a love for menswear—and still do—and I used to get so excited by the rhythm of each season and the arrival of new trends. But a serious burnout forced me to step back and really rethink my path. The stress from the fashion industry had completely drained my love for design, and I honestly thought I was done with it all.
I decided to take a jewelry course just to find some calm, and unexpectedly, I fell in love with working with my hands—especially sculpting and designing in lost wax, which is now the heart of SÉOLA Atelier. At the same time, I realized I'd always been drawn to metal and the possibilities it offers. I've always loved accessories, but could never find the kind of jewelry I really wanted to wear—everything felt too delicate, and rings never seemed to fit my hands right. That's when I knew I wanted to create something different—pieces with weight, presence, and that timeless feel.
Music as Creative Fuel
Q: Music seems to play a role in your creative process, as evidenced by the SÉOLA Atelier Soundtrack. How does music influence your designs?
Music has always been a constant in my life. It carries emotions and moods that resonate deeply with my creative process.
For me, it's not just about making jewelry—it's about creating a world. I want the wearer to not only experience the pieces but also step into my universe, where music sets the tone and brings everything to life.
The playlists I share often include songs I listened to while creating each piece. I love the idea that music can form a bridge between me and the wearer, offering a deeper connection to the jewelry they carry with them. It becomes more than just an object—it holds a story, a mood, and a feeling.
You can listen to the SÉOLA Atelier playlist here!
Sustainability and Ethical Craftsmanship
Q: Sustainability and ethical practices are increasingly important in fashion. How do you incorporate these values into your work at SÉOLA Atelier?
For me, it's essential to take my time and avoid rushing through the process. On my website, most of my pieces are made to order, and I carefully select the retailers I collaborate with. This approach allows me to create jewelry with purpose, ensuring no resources are wasted and that each piece receives the attention it deserves.
At the selected retailers, you'll find only one piece per size—ensuring that each item is made with the same care and dedication, as though it were created just for you. I also prioritize working with local artisans for casting, soldering, and sourcing my equipment, keeping the entire production process close to home. By doing so, every piece is crafted in a sustainable, hands-on manner.
Having come from a background in the fashion industry, where most production was based in China, I now have the privilege of working with artisans who possess extensive knowledge. Having them nearby not only supports a more sustainable approach, but it also fosters a deeper connection with the people involved in production. Their expertise is invaluable, especially when I have questions along the way.
You could say that my way of working, and the essence of SÉOLA Atelier, is a response to the fashion industry I used to be a part of.
A Blend of Scandinavian and Canadian Influence
Q: As a Danish designer based in Montreal, how do the cultural influences of Denmark and Canada manifest in your jewelry designs?
Growing up in Denmark, I was immersed in the Scandinavian tradition of simplicity and minimalism. Danish design is all about clean lines, functional beauty, and understated elegance, which is something I try to incorporate into my jewelry. I'm drawn to simple shapes that are aesthetically pleasing yet timeless, which aligns with my belief in creating pieces that can be passed down through generations.
Living in Montreal, I'm inspired by the stunning natural surroundings—Canada's diverse landscapes, from forests to mountains to lakes, are so different from the flat terrain of Denmark. This beauty has influenced my designs, adding new depth to my work. I often incorporate organic shapes and textures, drawing from the Canadian landscape, while still staying true to the minimalist values I hold from Denmark. It's a blend of both worlds—timeless simplicity rooted in Scandinavian tradition, with the natural, dynamic elements of Canada.
Q & A interview by Heirloom Hats - taken from the SÉOLA Atelier X Heirloom Hat collab
See the full collection here
