Guilt & Co. began hosting a weekly fashion event called Brick + Mortar towards the end of 2010, and this week is one show you will not want to miss. Gene Doe is an amazing little band of folks who produce fashion-related media – including photography, video and whatever creative installations lie between. Have a look at their tumblr blog to get a sense of what inspires them.
gene doe: the new space
This weekly celebration of local designers has proven to be a popular night over the past months. I previously did a larry. show with ION Magazine just before Christmas which benefited the Covenant House in Vancouver; last Sunday was Kim Cathers and her kdon line (coverage of this to follow), and there have been plenty of talented designers in between.
As far as I know this is the first event in which a media collective, rather than a designer or specific label, is staging an event in the space. The invite for the show explains: “We’ve titled this event, “The New Space” in honor of what we see as a new creative development in Vancouver’s fashion community,” and the organizers are hoping this event will both celebrate and propel “Vancouver on the global map.”
No specific words on what exactly Gene Doe will be doing for the event, but I’m certain it will be worth attending so don’t miss out. Starts at 7pm beneath Chill Winston in Gastown.
With selections from Violet Boutique, Lynn Steven, Oliver & Lilly’s, Kiss and Makeup, Holly Boutique, and Privilege Clothing.
All great shops with solid brands – I will update the post later with a note on what the prices are like and let you know if they are, indeed, holy @$&# prices. I am in dire need of some new blush so will be popping by today to check out what Kiss and Makeup has to offer, at least.
Alternative Apparel is the latest installation in the Times Profile Shop, a retail space in Gastown which features a rotating cast of brands for fixed, short-term periods. The TPS first launched with Naked & Famous Denim (a small selection of this line is still available at the shop), and recently ushered in Atlanta-based Alternative Apparel, a casual lifestyle brand specializing in perfect-fit basics. The private launch took place on February 24 with Yellow Tail wine, hors d’oeuvres by Cibo Trattoria, and a personal walk-through of the store and some of their signature pieces.
I was surprised to learn that the Burnout style was pioneered by Alternative Apparel, and you wouldn’t believe how soft some of their distressed / ‘worn in’ styles are. Any brand that can successfully produce pieces that look and feel vintage without sacrificing quality and durability earns my immediate respect. Plus we all know I’m a sucker for country comforts:
Take a peek at the must-haves on my AA wish list – the Crawford Maxi Dress, Molly Heather Burnout Crop Tee, this drape-front Half Sleeve Hoodie, and the Scout Adler Shoulder Bag.
Shop in person at the Times until April 2011, or anytime online. Spring is coming!
Another installment of Eco Fashion Week presented by Aveda just wrapped up yesterday here in Vancouver, and coming from a position of enduring years of shoddily patched-together productions from other would-be organizations (I’m talking about you, Vancouver Fashion Week), it was such a relief to see this event come together in such a well-organized fashion.
Held at the beautifully restored Salt Building in the Olympic Athlete’s Village, shows took place over three days and were capped off by a trade show and free conference sessions.
My lovely friend Kim Cathers of kdon was a highlight with her Suture collection:
image by ‘Raeanne Fabulous’
How much do I want those hand-dyed leggings? Amazing – looks like some mish-mash of fire, bone and smoke. She also showed some deconstructed/studded/draped sweaters that I am most certainly going to get my hands on.
Loved this dress from The Battallion:
image by Darko Sikman
Some pieces from my larry. collection also snuck in on a couple of runway looks – here’s one from Sitka‘s show:
image by Jason Hargrove
…and another from We3 Designs:
image by Jason Hargrove
Thanks to Eco Fashion Week and all of the sponsors for providing a platform for designers to showcase their work in Vancouver – here’s to looking forward to the next season.
Amazing designers, fantastic ‘end of season’ deals even though it doesn’t much feel like the end of winter here in Vancouver yet. Nice array of clothing designers, jewelry, and accessories (including big warm scarves!). I am a bit obsessed with this kdon ‘Sheer Knight‘ blouse, of which there are only a few left so I’m snagging one early.
Not to be missed, my friends!
larry. will be taking part in this great sale happening next week – some of my favourite Vancouver designers all in one room, with discount prices. Definitely a must-attend event…last year it was a “one for you, one for me” gift shopping scenario, but I’m ok with that.
gene doe: the new space
