Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine | Vancouver Retail

Freshly opened Lüt Boutique is a surprisingly large, minimalist space situated on Vancouver's trendy Main Street. With polished concrete floors and clean white walls, it has an art gallery feel - exactly what the owners Jennifer Cummer and Stephan Bourke wanted to achieve - bringing together emerging interdisciplinary designers in a slick, modern space.

The store was a labour of love for Cummer and Bourke, partners in both life and business. The dynamic duo bicker and laugh as they describe the store's opening. "It was tough when we were going through the initial construction phase. "It was just really stressful trying to get everything done all at once," recalls Bourke. They designed the store themselves with the help of Cummer's sister Anna. The couple gutted a former antique store and rebuilt it piece by piece. "We are glad we did it ourselves because it allowed us to confirm our aesthetic as we were going," says Cummer.

After graduating from Helen Lefeaux, Cummer worked in both bridal and swimwear, eventually gaining a design and production position with a local menswear company. Her ultimate goal is for Lüt to have an in-house label: her sewing machine is on site and patiently waiting. Both Cummer and Bourke are believers in "transitional clothing," which they describe as "items that can take you from day to night, that have additional wear-ability because they are not simply day wear and they are not simply evening-wear. You can go right from the office to drinks with your girlfriends as long as you change your heel and your accessory." Lüt offers well tailored garments that are classic with a unique twist. For example, California label Blanco creates great tailored dress shirts adorned with silk screened graphics and intricate embroidery. The duo have also introduced designers new to Vancouver like New York-based Umsteigen, which puts a twist on sportswear with whimsical graphics.

The local aspect is something Lüt hopes to develop further and the store is always looking to discover new talent. As a testament to that ethic, all accessories are locally made and designed. For example, the store carries intricate jewelry by a local Jessica Jansen. Lüt also showcases emerging local visual artists. Cummer and Bourke are extremely passionate about the "art gallery within a store" concept and look at everything with an open mind. With that same open-mindedness, they hope to make an impact on Vancouver's fashion scene. The couple have a blast working together and it shows. The store is business and pleasure intertwined and, as Cummer puts it, "it's just really hard to leave the office at the office."

For more information visit their website at www.lutboutique.com.

Hot Items:
1. Graphic Tee from Rise Up International - fusing activism and apparel!
2. 100% silk Paisley print dress from Lani - ideal for the fast approaching sandal season.
3. Handcrafted sterling silver necklace from Jessica Jansen - perfect gift regardless of occasion.
4. Recycled leather Clutch from Penelope Foo - just large enough for all your essentials.
5. Silk and lace dresses from Cirque de Cheval - ideal for wedding guest season!