Allison Wonderland – Fall 2010 Preview

You say summer – I say Fall! With the weather we’ve been having around here, perhaps it’s not too tough to get the seasons confused. Either way – I’m pretty thrilled to share a preview of Vancouver designer Allison Wonderland’s Fall 2010 collection with you today. All of the fun pieces from Allison’s fall collection have been cleverly named after films from the 1970’s, such as the plaid Annie Hall blouse and the Kramer turtleneck. You’ll be able to purchase the collection online and in stores beginning mid-August!

~Posted by: Amy

Spring has sprung. I just love the fresh scent in the air and all the blooming flowers, and what’s almost as wonderful? Spring shopping! I think it’s time to get outside and visit Gastown for their bi-annual Shop Hop, this Thursday, April 22nd from 5pm-9pm. What makes it even more fun? Complimentary beverages. Drinking, socializing and shopping locally – sign me up!

Click here to see the flyer at full size.

Here are some of my favorite Gastown shops featuring local designers:

1). 212 – Check out their Spring 2010 Collection here

2). Obakki – Modern, wearable separates made locally in their Vancouver atelier. Check out my post on their Spring 2010 collection here.

3). The Block – A great shop to scoop up all the latest from local line, dace

~Posted by: Amy

Julie Hebb, owner of Forsya Boutique in Vancouver, has launched a house label filled with flirty and feminine pieces. The new collection uses beautifully light fabrics and soft colors. This reasonably priced local line is available exclusively at the boutique and gallery, and Julie plans to offer online shopping in the near future.

Forsya is also hosting a new art show and the opening night is tonight, from 6:30pm to 9:30. It features the whimsical works of Emily Miles.

Forsya Boutique and Gallery
2206 Main St. (at 6th Street), Vancouver

Let’s face it, being eco-friendly and fashion forward has not always been synonymous, but times have changed my friends! Eco fashion today is totally stylish as well as being good for the environment.

I was lucky enough to attend the Eco Fashion Forward event in the Vancouver Public Library atrium last weekend where we were treated to a special sneak preview of Eco Fashion Week Vancouver. The show’s featured designs were both chic and sustainable. The models stood high above the crowd striking fierce (I couldn’t resist- they really were fierce!) poses. They wore designs by Adhesif, Kim Cathers (of Project Runway Canada fame, picture 1 above), Nixxi, and WE3 (picture 3 above). The show also featured Ashley Watson’s recycled leather handbags (picture 2 above) and vintage designer jewelery by Dotted Loop.

The show was not only entertaining, but also opened my eyes to some facts. A speaker from the David Suzuki Foundation told the crowd that 4% of our landfills are filled with clothing and textiles waste. I was totally surprised that clothing was such a large percentage of our waste and resolved to shop for more vintage and local designs using sustainable materials.

Handmade Evolution will be reporting from Eco Fashion week itself (date of the shows are to be announced)- so keep checking back with us!

~Posted by: Christine

*Image 2 & 3 above courtesy of: Antonio LaFauci
*Image 1 above courtesy of: Chelzea Bailey

How lovely is the Spring 2010 collection from Vancouver line Lav & Kush? Their collection is not only designed and manufactured in Vancouver but whenever possible they use sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics, making it a winner in my book. It’s not yet stocked in their online shop, so we can consider this a sneak peek until everything is available. You can see the whole collection here.

~Posted by: Amy

Obakki’s Spring 2010 line is elegant, refined and infinitely wearable. Designed and manufactured in Vancouver – season after season Obakki never disappoints. While the dresses from this collection may not be in my budget – I can recognize them for what they are – investment pieces. Dresses this beautiful can be worn season after season! See the whole collection here.

~Posted by: Amy

1). Let’s Find Some Beautiful Place to Get Lost – available here at 20 x 200

Got an email this morning from the lovely folks at lily & jae – announcing not only their beautiful Spring 2010 collection, but also a contest for bloggers… I was already planning to cover the Spring 2010 line, because it’s gorgeous and made right here in Vancouver – but this made it even more fun for me. It’s been a long winter, and you can find this blog littered with references to the coming sunshine – but now I’m even thinking more specifically about sunny days – elsewhere – wearing one of these adorable dresses… Getting lost, with not a care in the world.

If you’re a blogger and would like to take part in the contest – all you’ve got to do is come up with a fun post sharing the 2010 collection from lily & jae by Feb. 10th and email it to them at info@lilyandjae.com. Their favorite post wins a $200 gift certificate, and your post will be featured on their site.

Click here to see the full collection.

Posted by: Amy

Vancouver is not just the city hosting the 2010 Olympics this February – it’s also the home to a lot of wonderful local talent. Athletes – yes, but we’d like to let you know about some of the other talent… Over the years this great city has come to be known not just for the beautiful mountains, parks and ocean views – but also for its artists and burgeoning design community. We’re happy to highlight several fashion designers whose focus is on eco fashion – meaning their designs are manufactured locally and that they use sustainable materials with a lower environmental impact, and in some cases reworked vintage materials.

To celebrate all of this great local talent, Vancouver’s Eco Fashion Week will premiere April 20-22, 2010.

In the meantime, Vancouver Eco Fashion Week is holding a party February 19th with music, art and a sneak preview of the spring lines from these great designers: Adhesif Clothing, Ashley Watson, Dotted Loop, Kim Cathers Elements, Nixxi, and WE3.

This event is in support of Eco Fashion week and tickets are available online here for $45 with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the David Suzuki Foundation.

Date & Locale: Fri. Feb. 19th at 8pm – Promenade at the Vancouver Public Library (350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC).

To keep up to date with news about the premiere of Vancouver’s Eco Fashion Week and more party details click here.

Pictured above, clockwise from top: 1). Ashley Watson 2). Dotted Loop 3). Nixxi

Posted by: Amy

~ Posted by: Amy

dace – January Sales ~ Vancouver Fashion

Another January sale for you! Today we’re featuring our sponsor dace – the Fall 2009 collection has a decidedly equestrian theme, with perfect pieces for work or dinner out – shop now while everything is up to 50% off.

Click here to visit the sale.

~ Posted by: Amy