Welcome to our very first In Conversation with...a feature where we aim to create connections by getting to know the people behind the brands we have here at IRC and sharing their journeys. We want to take a step into their world to find out about what got them to where they are now, what they do in the space they currently occupy and what the future may hold for them and their brand!

Today we’re delving into the routines, inspirations and favourite summer beauty products of Renée Power -  founder, designer and owner of contemporary accessories label Bronze Age, based in Vancouver.

Tell us about Bronze Age and how it all began-- what was your reason for starting it and how has it grown since then?

Bronze Age began casually as a side passion project! I started importing goods from Morocco with a good friend and selling them at markets and online. When my pal had to move away, I started to grow it into more of a lifestyle brand, testing out various categories like clothing and hair accessories. It’s just grown organically from there, really!

Describe the style of A Bronze Age and the inspiration behind your collections?

The style of our collections is born out of many different inspirations. I think there’s a sort of vintage romanticism with the pieces but always intended to be playful and not too serious! The brand tends to align with a lot of Scandinavian designers - it feels like they are always able to nail the dreamiest silhouettes that are balanced with masculine shapes or accessories.

How would you describe your personal style and how it has evolved?

My personal style is such a mishmash of aesthetics!! I worked on and off at the most amazing boutique (Misch in Vancouver) that allowed me to invest in some incredible timeless designer pieces that I will mix with vintage clothing/accessories. I have also inherited a ton of cool pieces from the 80’s/90’s from my mom and aunts! Full disclosure though, since the pandemic hit (like for many) comfort and loungey pieces have taken the lead on my wardrobe - fueling this need has been a further inspiration for some new pieces coming from Bronze Age this Fall / Holiday 🥰

What does a typical morning look like for you?

I love to have slow mornings. I’ve been making a habit of that over the past year or so to really take my time, reflect and start the day without reacting to anyone but myself and my core needs. That means no IG, emails or texts until usually 8:30 or 9 AM. I try to not touch my phone until then!

What is your most important daily ritual?

At least 10-20 minutes of silence (meditating, slow yoga etc) and then another 20 min or so I dedicate to doing some morning pages. This is a free-writing exercise I started this year and the results have been pretty profound. In a journal, I just get out anything that feels stuck or is weighing on me and then I also like to go over goals for the day/ month, affirmations etc.

What’s on your top shelf/ makeup bag?

Right now, the Holi Frog Shasta AHA Refining face wash, Living Libations face oil, Becca under eye brightener and Suntegrity tinted moisturizer/sunscreen -  I’ve been going pretty sparse on the makeup this Summer so the 5 in 1 tinted moisturizer is the perfect fit!

What do you do to relax?

Getting fresh air whilst walking my rescue pup scribbles is my fave way to just unplug and be present.

Tell us about your favourite way to gather inspiration?

Thrift shopping to find inspiration from vintage styles is always a favourite pastime! Also, I find just getting some exercise/movement gives me a lot of vitality and helps hit the reset before I try to dive into planning new pieces or developing new colour palettes.

What are some of your favourite Vancouver spots?

For shopping,  I absolutely adore Misch Boutique, One of a Few and Community Thrift and Vintage. Moja on the drive or Liberty Cafe in Mount Pleasant for coffee and other bites! Makes me the happiest!

What do you hope to accomplish in the future/ what is important to you that you put out into the world?

I really hope I get to just keep using my brand as a vehicle for my creative energy. I always strive to create memorable pieces that are made consciously and are of the utmost value to my customers. The people who support my work are the ones that keep fueling future collections and pieces - they’re my inspiration at the end of the day :)

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received this far?

What you tell yourself, you become

Find Renée at http://instagram.com/abronzeage

                           http://www.abronzeage.com/