FASHION Magazine

This season, swap your oversized tote for something with a little more structure. With its strong shape and classic lines, this smart clutch by Peter Kent (peterkentcanada.com) is my latest must-have. Designed and made in Argentina, the napa leather bag has a zippered pocket and detachable shoulder strap, and comes with either black or multicoloured tassels.

Kick off the new season with this gold-tinted transparent raincoat by Ben & Diction (1215 Bernard Ave. W., 514-564-6575, benetdiction.com).

With bright hues radiating from many spring ready-to-wear collections (Fendi! Jil Sander! Gucci!), now’s the time to give the colour wheel a spin. Amp up this season’s mostly neutral palette with a pop of bright orange. Pair this blouse ($40, at H&M) with white for an urban sport look, or with khaki for cool camp appeal.

There are a few companies in the world that are widely known for their prints: Liberty comes to mind, of course, as does Finnish designer brand Marimekko, which has its only Canadian concept store here in Vancouver. For spring, the brand has collaborated with Converse on a collection of sneakers, bringing those brightly coloured graphics to the classic footwear.

By Karen Ashbee The address: Empire Collection 800 16th Ave. SW, Calgary, 403-457-3443, empirecollection.ca The wait for something new to fill the coveted corner spot vacated by Focus clothing in Mount Royal Village is finally over. Its new occupant specializes in trendy casual wear: tops by Velvet, Royal Underground and Ben Sherman; sexy dresses by […]

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After a few months of letting soggy weather ruin cute outfits, I’m longing for waterproof footwear that’s actually stylish—specifically, Loeffler Randall’s much-anticipated rain booties (shown, $200). Originally slated for release two years ago (there were production delays), the cotton jersey–lined lace-ups are slightly Victorian, slightly military and altogether practical. At The Block (350 W. Cordova […]

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As if Cheap Monday denim wasn’t already affordable, Vincent Park (4278 Main St., 604-879-6665, vincentpark.ca) owners and sisters Cara and Lauren Stryer have launched their very own Cheap Monday Cult Club. With every pair of jeans you purchase (shown, $75), you get a stamp—and your ninth pair is free! Being a club member also gets […]

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By Caroline Gault

Shanie Bar Oz is itching to soften your skin. The co-founder of Lavan (840 Granville St., Vancouver, 604-568-8807, lavanlavan.ca), which means “white” in Hebrew, sources all her store’s natural, hypoallergenic, paraben-free products from the Israeli countryside.

By Karen Ashbee Nga Van and Anna McDonough have opened a sophisticated store for trend-seeking Edmontonians, Coup (10137 104th St., Suite 101, Edmonton, 780-756-3032, coupboutique.com). You’ll find Kain cashmeres and pocket tees, Myne swingy separates, and Catherine Malandrino chunky knits and pencil skirts. Accessories include Rebecca Minkoff leather bags, and jewellery by Elizabeth and James, […]

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Julia Vallelunga, the designer behind La Raffinerie (laraffinerie.ca), was inspired by ancient tribal jewellery for her new Nomad collection. I love her use of raw, hand-dyed Indian silk and vintage chains from the 1970s, and it doesn’t hurt that these precious pieces start at only $65.

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Years ago, when I was working at Caban, Hajnalka Mandula walked in wearing an amazing outfit, all her own design. So I visited her Gastown boutique, Mandula (1898 Main St., Vancouver, 604-568-9211, mandula.com), and fell in love. Now, she’s moved it to the former Grace Gallery on North Main. Her ultra-deconstructed clothing is pricey, but […]

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Canada’s most stylish came home, if you will, to Vancouver to fete the opening of the country’s first Louis Vuitton Maison (730 Burrard St., 604-687-4644, vuitton.com). The revamped Hotel Vancouver store, the fourth Maison in North America and 12th in the world (other Maison cities include San Francisco, Tokyo, London, and, of course, Paris), features an installation work by Vancouver artist Steven Shearer, as well as a glossy “bag bar” and, finally, the complete ready-to-wear collection.