Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine

Breathe in, breathe out and repeat after me. “Fors-eye-ah.” One more time, that's “Foooors-eye-ah.” If you aren't already enamoured with this name then you'll be just as pleased with the retail store that's sitting pretty on Main St. Owner and sole operator Julie Hebb created it with the aim to build a community of artists and make people more interested in buying locally.” It evokes a poetic and exquisite feel with its art work, soft indie music and decor that welcomes visitors in. “I tried to set it up like you're walking into someone's living room,” says Hebb. “I want people to walk in to see the gallery and I want them to feel comfortable so they can chat.” It's sure to offer a one-of-a-kind experience whether you feel like perusing pictures, pillows, clothing or art, all from the creative minds of Canadian designers.

Hebb has years of design under her belt, but her interest in both animation and fashion helped inspire the store's unique art museum feel while simultaneously offering clothes. “I can't decide between animation and fashion,” says Hebb. “With the economy slowing down I decided to do this so I'd have an outlet to be creative while still working in visual effects.” Some notable jewellery included pieces done by Toodlebunny, one of the cutest being a pair of matching anchor earrings and necklace. Again, the unique artistic feel of the place is reflected in the store's products, like the Janamade accessory line that includes organic jewellery, and most notably a distinctive and unique cast vertebrate necklace. Oh, by the way, the clothing rocks too. Displayed elegantly, you'll have to go around the room twice to take everything in. Some of the designers are ones that have even graced eZine's pages in the past, ones like Cici, Two of Hearts and Elroy. Many of them use eco-friendly organic fabrics, yet they don't sacrifice cutting-edge fashions. The store had many of the the Adhesif line's bubble dresses, plaid jumpers and capes, all one-of-a-kind so you don't have to worry about anyone else stealing your pick. There was also an adorable Maudlin & Joy pant suit made of linen and cotton, complete with a waist drawstring, a keyhole button in the back and additional drawstrings at the bottoms so you can adjust the leg length. The choices are so versatile that people in their teens to their forties will find something they like.

If the options don't sound convenient enough, it gets better. The store offers alterations and Hebb is already aching to expand Forsya's community relations. “Once I get settled in I'd like to do trunk shows in the fall, along with private viewings, providing more of an incentive for people to come here,” says Hebb. “I'd like to model it after Portobello West's market style, it's all about community. I want to team up with other shops on Main and help create that market atmosphere.” Check out Forysa on June 13th and 14th for its local made lemonade event complete with local artisans selling their products in a fun-filled in store event. For more information visit Forsya at 2206 Main Street or online at forsyaboutique.com.