December Fashion Event list
Dec. 3-9 Holiday Shop-a-Thon. Shopping events just in time for the holiday season. Exclusive one-night only discounts, pink carpet affair, personal shoppers, paparazzi, VIP swag bags, bubbly and sweets. Fine Finds - Wed. December 3 from 5pm-9pm, Blubird - Thurs. December 4 from 5pm-9pm, Wink Beauty Lounge - Sat. December 6 from 4pm-8pm and Orb Clothing - Tues. December 9 from 5pm-9pm. For more information go to www.thestylespy.com/holidayshopathon.
Dec. 4 Craft House Customer Appreciation Day at Crafthouse (1386 Cartwright St., Granville Island). Discover the amazing creations of local artisans including a Trunk Show by Solid Jewellery Design. Take advantage of a 20% discount on all store merchandise (excluding trunk show). Time 10 am - 8 pm (Trunk show for 6-8). For more information contact Jo Darts at crafthouse@cabc.net or 604-687-7270
Dec. 5-6 Parts by Heather Studio Sale (Duncan Building @ #214-119 W. Pender). Friday from 12-6 p.m. Saturday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information contact Nicole at nicole@nicolestewartpr.com.
Dec. 5-7 Shiny Fuzzy Muddy Holiday Show and Sale at the VIVO Studios (1965 Main St.). This artist-run event in it's 7th year features original art and accessories created by 13 BC Artists. Opening celebration on Friday from 5-9p.m. Sale continues on Sat.11-5 and Sun. 12-5 p.m. For more information visit the website at www.shinyfuzzymuddy.com, e-mail info@shinyfuzzymuddy.com or phone Frances Dickinson at 604-315-5220
Dec. 6-7 Pre-Boxing Day Designer Sale, Bb Product Launch & Charity Fundraiser at the Rain Boutique and Salon (#204-1540 W. 2nd). Great gift ideas, clearance prices on local and international designers and new Bumble and bumble products. A raffle will be held to benefit the David Suzuki Foundation and BC Children's hospital that includes many amazing prizes. For more information phone 604-733-7246.
Dec. 7 Green Christmas Market at the Cambrian Hall (215 E. 17th Ave.). This 3rd annual event is a one-day celebration of uniquely sustainable holiday gift items featuring artists and designers working within an eco-friendly discipline. This year's market will be the first with an eco-friendly wrapping service. 11 a.m. To 7 p.m. For more information go to www.greenchristmasmarket.blogspot.com.
Dec. 10 Holiday Shopping Event at Flaming Angels Boutiqe (644 Seymour St.). Enjoy some wine and tasty treats as you do some holiday shopping. Everything is 10% off (except magazines) and there will be some super markdowns and a $10-$20 rack of clothing and accessories. For more information call the store at 604-689-3224.
Dec. 11 Starry Jewellery Night at Starfire Studio (6607 Royal Ave., Horseshoe Bay). An evening featuring spectacular glass artist Braden Hammond, and retro/funk jewellery designer Carole Chanin who's work has graced the shelves of Holt Renfrew. Meet Braden and Carole, network and indulge in live music and refreshments in an amazing atmosphere. 6 - 9 p.m. For more information phone 604-922-5510.
Dec. 11 The Zed Assault at Crush Champagne Lounge (1180 Granville). Hugo Boss Orange Spring Fashion Show with a hot runway show and music by DJ's Jeffrey Jover and Jon Stagger. Dress code - beautiful and classy. 9 p.m to 2 a.m. $20 cover at the door. $15 discount tix available at Beat Street Record, Addidas on Granville, Bent Salon or on line at www.nightbat.com or www.zedthread.com.
Dec. 14 Annual Sans Soucie 12 days before Christmas Sale! at Japantown Live/Work Studios (382 Powell St. Suite 302). 11 am - 6 pm. All clothing and most accessories will be available at wholesale prices as well as there will be many other treats available! If you would like to attend our sale we do require and RSVP to info@sanssoucie.ca or call us at 604.716.1531 to let us know.
Dec. 13-14 Portobello West Fashion and Art Holiday Market; London style market with over 100 local fashion designers and artisans, Rocky Mountaineer Station (1755 Cottrell St. off of Terminal Ave.), $2 admission, children under 12 free, Noon-6pm. www.portobellowest.com
Dec. 18 The Airloom Collection at Object Design Gallery (#103 - 1551 Johnston St., Granville Island). Bijoux du Monde is unveiling the new Airloom collection in an exclusive trunk show. Come show support for one of Vancouver's jewellery darlings Mikel Lefler, see the newest collection, and enjoy some festive wine and cheese. Also see designs that were featured in Monreal Fashion Week in the Katherine Soucie show. To attend please rsvp ava@thehoneymustard.com
|
|
A Look Back at November
As we head towards the holiday season, there is always a multitude of events to help us find the right outfit or that perfect gift. As brief as we've tried to be, this page is chock full of local designers who strutted their stuff in November. Check the write-ups below and I'm sure you'll see names you recognize as well as some who are new.
Obakki
by Marilyn Wilson
Obakki has a strong and loyal following, and it's no wonder. The company's founder and creative director, Treana Peake, understands her clients and this in-store event held early November was not to be missed. It was standing room only as we all came together for a glass of wine and a chance to receive 50% off one of those must-have garment we've been eyeing all season. Unique hors d'oeuvres floated by while Obakki staff circulated through the crowd making everyone welcome. In addition to customers and friends the guest list included many recognizable names on the local fashion scene - photographers, stylists, agents, media and other designers. The evening was capped with a fashion show giving us all a sneak look at their exciting Spring collection. The traditional Obakki couple is again travelling - this time to sand and surf to find an inherited run-down beach house. If you missed this event be sure to pop in at their Gastown store or visit their website at www.obakki.com.
Next Door Style Launch Party
by Melody Ma
Next Door Style is an online store founded by Vanessa Fors dedicated to selling local designer items. It is the first of its kind to attempt to bring Vancouver's talent and consumers together in one central hub. November 6th marked their official launch party at the hip Raw Canvas of Yaletown. Fors, a children's wear designer and marketing student herself, thought the venue provided a place to unite art and fashion design. Live music was provided by Mike and Chris of G-Bros while guests were invited to paint blank canvases. There were also small displays of purchasable items from Jolie Mack Designs, Pink Kong and Vanessa T Cunningham. All proceeds from the evening were donated to Arts Umbrella.
VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK, Nov. 6th-9th
Thursday Nov. 6th, Friday Nov. 7th
by Casey Strynadka
Choosing an Eco-Friendly theme this year VFW was held at a warehouse 305 Dunlevy Street - home to a warehouse full of beautiful wood which they turned into a unique looking runway and benches.
Cheri Milaney - The First show to start off the night was Cheri Milaney. Her line is designed for the women who loves to dress elegant. With the femine styles and beautiful textiles sourced from Italy, Milaney makes being classy chic and fun. Her color palette swarmed with bronze, silver, cream, gray and brown all which had a certain shimmer to it. She kept it simple with suits, skirts, dresses and spring coats, all with hemlines that sit just above the knee for a classy look.
Papillon - Next came Papillon which turned things up a notch with a more youthful, vibrant look. The collection showed off garments that were floaty and dreamy. Her patterns were floral, paisley, and a few hints of leopard which made pieces stand out like no other.
Hirad - The final designer in this section was Hirad who has a collection of leather garments for men and women of all ages. The most stunning pieces that stood out among the collection were the men's and women's motorcycle jackets; one had unique zippers with removable sleeves so you could turn the jacket into a vest.
Elroy Apparel - Elroy Apparel started things off with her collection that was inspired by the ocean. The clothes were designed for those with urban chic on their mind. The pieces were clean cut with sharp lines, oversized buttons and handy pockets in the skirts. Keeping things eco-friendly as always, Elroy continued to use her sustainable materials to create all of these fabulous looks.
Barbara Gregusova - Jewelry followed with Barbara Gregusova's bold collection of unique jewelry. Statement pieces were ear rings and necklaces made out of wires delicately looped together, clusters of beads and gems and even colorful feathers. Along with these outstanding pieces, the models were wearing basic tube top dresses in complimentary colors. After came her collection of dresses made entirely made out of silver foil. The dresses were stunning and grabbed everyone's attention.
Adhesif - Adhesif came on the runway next with vintage inspired pieces and fabrics which produced unusual textures. To create a funky patchwork, the designer had the collection made out of sweater knits which had be cut them up and pieced them back together using her own unique esthetic. The colors were a bright and electric mix of purples, fuchsias, yellows, pink and pale green, along with pops of black.
Lav and Kush - Next was the feminine look of Lav and Kush. Showcasing her simple yet elegant garments, Lav and Kush dazzled the crowd with colors of pink, blue, white and black. Her dresses are flirty and sexy but all made for comfort using eco friendly materials of bamboo, organic soy and cotton.
Friday Nov. 7th
by Alicia-Rae Light
Artifaax - Denise Brillon, the Cree designer of Artifaax who proudly manufactures in Canada, combined First Nations art and culture into astoundingly unique collection on Friday night of VFW. All the models were of Native descent, and the collection was presented alongside native sounds of drumming and flowing water, making for a truly authentic show. Wearing thick leather arm and headbands, complete with bouffant hair, the models showed off the tartan-print shorts and high-waisted long kilts, leggings with aboriginal art down the sides, and shirts with embroidering and velvet iron-ons. The entire collection had a hand-made, bona fide feel to it. One of the features of her collection were the silk-screened t-shirts with designs hand drawn by a family member, but what made her collection stand out from all the rest of the eco-friendly designers that evening, oddly enough wasn't the clothing alone. Her accessories gorgeously combined elements of nature such as feathers, shells, abalone and horsehair, with kilt pins, bold beads and silver into fabulously bold necklaces, earrings and bracelets.
Saturday Afternoon Nov. 8th
by Jennifer Cummer
The third evening of the Spring Summer 2009 VFW showcase introduced a trio of new, emerging designers to the Vancouver fashion scene and it was an international affair.
Karen Wu - Born in Taiwan and raised in Seattle, the designer offered an array of girlie knits (some more wearable than others), flowing full-length flocks and several show stopping pieces. Her collection was inspired by the woman-on-the-go, needing her outfits to take her seamlessly from day to night. The colour palette was playful using muted pastels, bold neon and adventurous, vibrant brocades. Some favourite pieces of the collection; a flawless two toned jumpsuit, classic in white and black, which made everyone women in the audience wish they were six feet tall; and the final piece, a warrior princess kimono-shaped gown made of yellow-gold brocade with a red sash and exaggerated collar, floated down the runway as the model presented it with the grace the gown demanded. All in all, Karen Wu had a very well received Vancouver debut.
Odile Odette - The eco-conscious brainchild of Nichole Kreglow and Stephanie Bodnar of San Francisco, was next on the wooden runway. This collection was full of pattern making design details; asymmetrical button details, ruche seams around the elbow, pleats galore and several chevron seams to name but a few. Their colour palette involved girlie strips in mint and rose, earth tones of light browns and muted sage and bold denim, which played well with their bright whites. The collection, although not stated by the designers, gave this writer a playful vibe; as though the audience was watching little girls play dress up with their mothers' clothes. Two key items from the collection: a wide shoulder wrap detail on a racer back tank that later transformed into a collar at the end of the runway; the vintage inspired bright white wedding dress with bolero jacket and great details to make any bride feel extra special.
Christopher Bates - The final segment was the debut collection of Vancouver native, Christopher Bates, who returned to his hometown from Milan to launch his proudly Canadian men's wear line Ultra.Ultra is a fusion of European silhouettes and American rocker styling referred to by the designer as "Euro-trash"; Bates has stated he is looking to challenge the Vancouver male. The audience was shown extreme pencil pants, razor cuffed shirts, thriller inspired leather jackets, and scorpion embroidered blazers plus t-shirts clearly stating some of the themes of the collections like "Deutsches Techno". Ultra seemed well thought out and consistence with its inspiration. A key piece to be adopted by every fashion-loving male in Vancouver is his head to toe white tailored suit paired perfectly with a solid black skinny tie. This outfit could take the wearer flawlessly from party to party this holiday season. Other items in the collection may not be as quickly adopted by the average male, but with Bates' clearly focused branding he is certainly a new designer to watch.
Saturday Evening Nov. 8th
by Alicia Rae Light
Montreal-based denim legend, Parasuco, put on the biggest show of the week on the Saturday night, featuring their Spring/Summer 2009 collection. Producers took an hour long break and changed around the eco-friendly venue, complete with a stage made from a giant tree trunk sliced vertically, while the VIP fashionistas and media enjoyed cocktails and samples of XOXO wines, anxiously awaiting Parasuco's latest creations at the exclusive show. High-energy Vancouver-based rock and pop punk band, Exit this Side, played live, capturing a captive audience with a talent for tune as they rocked out to Bon Jovi's living on a prayer as the models strut Parasuco's freshest down the runway. Male models walked in acid wash jeans with red stitched detail, vintage sand blasted wash denim with diamonds, and dark wash with studs. Pinstripe and navy waistcoats with big button detail, and of course some of their trademark metallic silk-screened stretch v-neck t-shirts were also featured. Detail was Parasuco's key to the success of the evening. The female models walked down the runway with black shiny denim, and black skinnies with black gems, and sleek white skinnies, and a hot pink silk housecoat, and silk-screened prints with nearly sheer scarves draped around their necks. A leather body suit with gold chain as straps, and dark denim short shorts with slit detail were the unique twists on the collection.
Big thanks from the shows MC, Jordan at Urban Textiles, to Carolina Jez productions and Nery Monzon from Muum Productions, and Parasuco's brand manager in Montreal.
Sunday Afternoon Nov. 9th
by Melody Ma
Alpha Ursus - Alpha Ursus started off the VFW tees night with hipster inspired theme. Their street wear t-shirts were creatively designed to give the illusion that they were composed of two separate coloured t-shirts fused together at a slant by the shoulder. There were also zipper hoodies that were decorated with the graphic bear and Ursus logo just like on the t-shirts. The models were like hipsters wearing keffiyeh scarves, skinny jeans and oversized nerdy plastic neon shades. The collection was not only vicious with the Ursus bear logo, but was certainly offset with the playful hipster vibe.
Pacificthorn - The theme of Pacificthorn's collection was "Atlantis" where they took high-end designer fabrics and recycled them into simple t-shirts and street wear. The show started with two bear footed models that carried a mysterious wooden box to the front of the runway and sat down. They ripped copyright books and slingshot rubber bands in the air. Pacificthorn's collection featured shape hugging graphic tees and simple one-piece side fringed dresses. Their signature jeans were shotgun distressed demonstrating the destruction of the preciousness of high-end fashion. The highlight of the show was the last piece presented named "Atlantis" which was a life preserver and pleated full length skirt made from an American flag.
RU Style - RU Style featured practical and wearable street wear tees with cheeky phrases. For example, there was a t-shirt with a Chinese take out box and underneath it said "Take-Me-Out" and a phone number. There were elaborate graphics prints such as spades, Virgin Mary, roses and tigers all accented with hints of gold. They also presented zipper hoodies that bears large "RU Style" logos.
Duran - Duran spiced up the night with their murder themed tees called Merder. To honour those who have died by murder or assassination, faces of infamous people such as John Lennon, Kennedy and Princess Diana were splashed across Duran's t-shirts. Each of the limited edition shirts are sold in a forensic bag and five dollars of each sale goes to a charity related to the image on the shirt. The models, designer and most importantly the t-shirts were full of character, extremely edgy and dangerously fun. Duran in, Merder mystery out!
Sunday Evening Nov. 9th
by Brenna Temple
Vancouver Fashion Week represented street wear swagger and style in its ending Nov. 9th show, complete with rap tunes, breakdancing and an on-site spray painter. Runway models sported Red by Mark Ecko, Pink Label, Rocawear and Blac Label with hip hop moves halfway down the runway in VFW's first ever street wear show.
Red by Ecko lived up to its mandate that "it's no what you make, it's how you make people feel." The crowd was drawn to the rough and tough attitudes of the runway models, as they sported the line's skate wear designs made with a trendy edge. Male models showed off jeans with studded back pockets, leather jackets, sweaters and even suits. Plaid was also a main theme in Ecko's collection, dominating everything from shirts to shorts, delivering a preppy but easy to wear approach.
Likewise, Pink Label was notable for its women's casual wear, displaying cute but sexy sweats in countless bright colors. The Blac Label collection showed its punk bad boy vibe in clothing details, including graphic shirts with flashy prints reading "Punk Resolution," and "Life of Crime, Life of Mine," while bringing back the mesh hat and chain on male models.
The after party made its way to the Modern post show time and the show took place at Dunlevy Studio on 305 Dunlevy.
|