Sunday, March 17, 2024

JCI Institute: Fashion Business & Creative Arts: Illustrating Classic Couture At The Little Black Dress Exhibit, A Collaboration Between Hudson Bay Vancouver Downtown and Ivan Sayers (SMOC)

The Little Black Dress Exhibit, featuring dresses from the collection of Ivan Sayers, is a fantastic collaboration between Adam McCormack, Special Events Co-ordinator at Hudson's Bay Vancouver Downtown, and Ivan Sayers, Honorary Curator SMOC. The exhibit of 12 vintage, couture black dresses, started March 1 and is extended until March 25th. Would have been great to hear movie soundtracks for movies featuring these dresses and also, some Oscar De La Renta Perfume samples since Oscar did come to the Bay to advertise the perfume and Ivan Sayers got one of Oscar's designs signed. (Yes, it is featured in this collection) It has been very popular with staff, shoppers, SMOC members and Fashion Program students. Thanks to Melanie Kroeker Mcintosh, of JCI, I was delighted to meet two very accomplished first year students, Valentina Gutierrez Castano and Danni Yu, who came to illustrate their favourite dresses and share their design perspectives. Their work will be featured on The Bay's instagram. 

Luis Gomez, Associate Manager The Bay, Second Floor, came over to watch two excellent sketches emerge. Within a couple of hours, Valentina and Danni had carefully examined each dress, and read the Designer information and the history of Ivan Sayers, renowned Fashion Historian/Collector and of SMOC - Society for the Museum of Original Costume.This was a first time visit, for Valentina and Danni, and now they know more about Hudson Bay and that many more events are in the works. I think Illustrations can be simple line sketches, or quick impressions, but in this instance, I wanted the Students to show something of their own backgrounds, Valentina, from Colombia and Danni from China. Valentina chose 2 dresses, the first from American Designer Ben Reig, New York, and is black silk chiffon, made 1956-57. It has a connection here, since "it was worn to official functions, by the wife of a Canadian Vice-Council to the USA." Her second favourite is by Christian Dior, France 1961-63. Against a background of the Columbian National Flower, The Cattleya Orchid, Columbian coffee in a cup and a bag of coffee beans, Valentina also adds that this is a "Producto De Colombia". The photos cannot capture all of the fine details, the weighted hem, the pleats, the texture and light of the fabrics, all detailed by Valentia. So, you must come to the exhibit, by March 25 to see the fabulous sketches and the entire exhibit. Danni also chose to illustrate the dress designed by Ben Reig. Her background shows her elegant fingers pointing to Chinese Lanterns and classic Cloud symbols, as well as stylized Asian flowers. One of her fingers touches the hem of the dress. The dress is moving as if the model is walking by. She has added a fancy evening bag, too. All of the illustrations show great attention to detail, the power of advertising and how Valentina and Danni put so much of themselves into the 'picture'. They brought two classic black dresses to life and showed them to be forever in style. Our Fashion Students know great design and how to draw it and wear it. We look forward to seeing more of them and more exhibits and events at Hudson's Bay Vancouver Downtown. I made a reel of our day together on my instagram. Special thanks to Luis Gomez, Associate Manager The Bay, 2nd floor, who welcomed us and also spoke Spanish with us. Languages and Design Vision, all!














Monday, March 11, 2024

Joanna Vandervlugt: Writer, Podcaster (JVCArtStudio), Illustrator, Creator of Sam Magazine: Celebrating Artists, Authors and Motorcycles

I was connected to Author/ Illustrator, Joanna Vandervlugt by Author, Winona Kent. Winona encouraged me to consider writing for SAM, Joanna's magazine, and Joanna made it happen. Blogs, journal and magazine articles are manageable for me but a novel? I highly recommend those by Joanna and the Jason Davey books by Winona and bow to their fantastic research and writing skills. They are truly story masters, word smiths and fantastic supporters for other writers. I encourage you to connect with Joanna and find out more about SAM, the magazine "celebrating Artists, Authors and Motorcycles". 


Q: You are a motorcycle Artist. Do you ride?

A: I don't ride a motorcycle, but I do ride a Scooter. The difference between the two is the maximum speed a person can go, and I don't need a motorcycle licence to ride my scooter, because it's under 50 cc. 

Q: What is your fav bike to illustrate? 

A: I really like illustrating the Royal Enfield bikes. They are a classic bike, usually in the cafe racer style. 

Q: Do your characters ride? 

A: Absolutely, my characters ride bikes. It's so much a part of who they are. 

Q: So SAM is not Sam Spade? Tell us about SAM, your fabulous magazine “celebrating Artists, Authors and motorcycles. So many writers here! 

A: No, my magazine isn't Sam Spade. It stands for Scooters, Authors/Artists and Motorcycles. I know many motorcycle riders who love books and work in a professional environment, and I thought it would be cool to connect bike riders with books and art.  

Q:You are a prolific podcaster. Has that connected you more with writers you know as well as new ones? I believe that Winona Kent was one of your first? How did you meet her? 

A: Winona is such a cool person and author. After a 20 year absence from writing, she introduced me to the new landscape of being a self-published author vs. a traditionally published author. She connected me with writing groups. She's a delight, and yes, she was the first author I interviewed on my podcast. Having one person believe in you (Winona), is huge. 

Q: Have you interviewed anyone from the SFU Writers Program you recently completed? Huge Congratulations, by the way!

A: Yes. I interviewed Stella Harvey a few years back. She's an author and instructor with the SFU Writers Program and she used to be the Creative Director behind the Whistler Writers' Festival, as well as Eileen Cook. Eileen is a wonderful author. She was my mentor and shared so much knowledge about how to become a better writer. 

Q: Your latest, Spy Girls, comes out in March. What , in your background, inspires you to write Thrillers? Are you thinking of more? 

A: I read Dick Francis novels growing up. I've always loved mysteries and car chases, and catching the "bad guy". I would like to write about pleasant subject matters, but a dead body always seems to appear in my stories. If so, where and will they be in the present or future? 

Q: Where can we see you, next? 

A: I've just been interviewed on the Crime Writers of Canada podcast, which was a lot of fun. Erik is a great interviewer and so easy to talk with. I have a book signing on March 16, 2024, in the Woodgrove Chapters in Nanaimo, the day Spy Girls launches.

Q: Any book talks in your travels? 

A: No. 

Joanna's Links!

https://substack.com/@joannavandervlugt

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joanna-vander-vlugt

https://www.amazon.ca/Spy-Girls-Jade-Sage-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0CJ3P9Z1B

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20797164.Joanna_VanderVlugt

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082696385586

https://www.instagram.com/joannavandervlugt_author_art/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-vander-vlugt/

and website: www.joannavandervlugt.com 






Monday, January 22, 2024

Deirdre Kelly, Her New Book: FASHIONING THE BEATLES, A Vancouver Indie Bookstore And Two Fashion Collectors: What A Night! What A Book!!

I will always read anything about Fashion. The word 'Fashioning', though, that got me thinking about who designed for the Beatles, how fashion shaped them, how they expressed themselves and their music through fashion and how we all were influenced. Theirs were truly, "The Looks That Shook The World."  I can remember seeing their first performance on Ed Sullivan and thinking how different they were: there were 4, they all played and sang, they looked at each other and moved around, they had long hair, a sort of bob cut that I thought would be hard to copy, and although they wore suits, these were much different than the traditional ones the older stars wore. Pants were uncuffed and tight and right to the top of those heeled Beatle boots. They seemed younger, wrote their own songs (although they sang some my parents liked) and were famous Brits, bringing a bigger world to us. Eventually, they popularized an explosion of colour, psychedelic designs, bell bottomed pants, frilled shirts, embroidery, collarless shirts and jackets, velvets and corduroys and our look, not our parents' conservative styles. 

It was a lovely, new to me, Indie Bookstore: Cross & Crows Books  at 2836 Commercial, that invited us to FASHIONING THE BEATLES: DEIRDRE KELLY AND IVAN SAYERS, November 16, 2023, that caught my eye. Please see my instagram reel of the evening via my Instagram here.Then I went to ivansayersevents.com and knew that he would be bringing Beatles clothing from his extensive collectionand telling stories of how he attended their first Vancouver concert and the provenance of each piece of clothing, where he found it and where it fits into the Beatles history. I also knew that Claus Jahnke would bring German memorabilia, very fitting, since the Beatles really gained a lot of stage experience on the Hamburg circuit, where they had to "mach schau" or  "make show" (P 16). They were also greatly influenced by Astrid Kirchherr, who encouraged them all to wear the same look: black leather, and to change hair styles from greased back to shaggy forehead covering French style that the Germans called "mushroom head" (P 21). Note that George brought in the cowboy boots from Ontario (Canadian connection) and German made cowboy boots for all, completed the "coffee bar cowboy look(P 20). That was at the beginning of their career, and the beginning of an emphasis of being unique in dress, stage performance, and song writing. As a teen-ager, I felt they were speaking to me and I very much enjoyed the Beatles' example of expressing individual style and story.

I vividly remember 'the British Invasion' and how new businesses, like Bad Boys Rag Shop, brought new choices here. The rise of a younger market was evident in major department stores like Hudson's Bay, which had a Teen Fashion Council and newsletter (see last photo). This is why the book, FASHIONING THE BEATLES, resonates. The Beatles, in all of their evolutions, were a major innovation in every aspect: Fashion, Music, Performance, and that push for self development and expression. Fashioning them, though took many mentors and a lot of work and time before they became the influencers that they continue to be. Extensive research and black and white photos, many new to us, so bring the Beatles right back to us. Here is a photo of the chapters that so detail the progression of the Beatles, from leather, to mop top to mod, retro and beyond.

Deirdre Kelly, is a wonderful speaker and writer! Her book, with its focus on Fashion and Fashioning, is a collection of the best photos and an extremely well documented encyclopedia (all in one) of how the Beatles were fashioned and how they used their own tastes and talents to develop their Brand. More here: deirdrekelly.com or Instagram at kellydeirdre.

Just want to say that a little bookstore, Cross & Crows Books, 2836 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, hosted a fine evening with Deirdre Kelly and FASHIONING THE BEATLES: The Looks That Shook The World. We all look forward to more fabulous books and events like this one. So get this treasure, there. And always developing, leading and supporting Vancouver Fashion events, with their collections, thanks to Ivan Sayers and Claus Jahnke for bringing the past to our present. 

Image via Amazon

photo by @andrewjackson








Saturday, January 20, 2024

Shannon Holms, Victoria Visual Artist, Visits the Guo Pei Exhibit in Auckland: Local and International Art

I met Visual Artist, Shannon Holms at an event at Art@BentallGallery, one of the many features of ArtVancouver. Since she is now travelling New Zealand, Australia and Maui, she posted her recent visit to the Auckland Art Gallery's current exhibit: Guo Pei: Fashion, Art, Fantasy. Since many of us visited Guo Pei's exhibits at the Vancouver Art Gallery (2018) and at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, I thought you would enjoy seeing Shannon's photos. 

Here is Shannon in front of one of her Starry Night paintings. She introduces herself below!


1. Tell us about yourself, your career and how you got to Auckland? 

"Currently, I am working part time as a marketing strategist for the Ministry of Public Safety. The focus is on road safety.When I am not at my government job, I work as a Visual Artist and  Story Teller. I cameR to Auckland on my way to Australia. I've never been to New Zealand before, but am very familiar with the Maori Culture. I am familiar with the poi ball and the black and white dress of the Maori Dancers. The Guo Pei exhibit in Auckland has some overlap with the one in Vancouver, but there are new pieces here, that I haven't seen before.

Is the Guo Pei exhibit in Auckland different than the one in Vancouver (2018)? What drew you to Auckland Art Gallery and do you always visit Galleries when you travel?

The Auckland Art Gallery is the largest in New Zealand. I always visit Art Galleries in every city I travel through. I have also seen amazing Art in Japan, Austria and China. When I left Victoria on Sunday, it was -20C with the wind chill factor. In Auckland, it is +26C. It is summer here.

How is the weather there? Where and when is your next exhibit?

My last Art exhibit was at the Miss Street Paint In. I have an ongoing show at the Remax Oak Bay Office. I am their Artist in Residence. I'm currently working on a show called Sex, Secrets and Scandals. Here is one of my painting that will be in the show. I've shown at the Gage Gallery, the Sooke Fine Arts show, the Moss Street Paint In for the Greater Victoria Art Gallery as well as multiple government offices and businesses in Vancouver. Please see Shannonholms.com and Youtube for more about my Art, and do contact me when you next visit Victoria.













Tuesday, January 16, 2024

An Interview with Sue Randhawa - Owner of The Optical Boutique and Founder of a New Fashion Scholarship Supporting Up and Coming Talent in Vancouver

 An Introduction to Sue Randhawa – Via The Optical Boutique

Sue Randhawa is the owner and licensed optician of The Optical Boutique in Vancouver. Eyewear is much more than a visual aid for Sue Randhawa, it's a vehicle for self-expression. Born in India and raised in Vancouver, she joined The Optical Boutique as a Licensed Optician in 1997 and took over the business 10 years later.

Deeply involved in the local fashion scene, she collaborates on look books, editorials and video shoots. In support of emerging designers, she's a front row fixture at Vancouver Fashion Week and a regular guest speaker at fashion schools. Naturally, she brings all this into her work to help clients find the right eyewear to complement their personal style.

For Randhawa, fashion has no barriers; it's for all ages, genders, races and religions. She approaches her style consultations with curiosity and without judgment. Randhawa doesn't limit herself in style or life – she's a runner, road biker and aspiring author – and so she's inspired to help others see and celebrate their own uniqueness.

With Anna Dello Russo at Paris Fashion Week

At Van Fashion Week wearing Vancouver Designer Evan Clayton
Photo credit: Street Scout

Photo credit: Jamie Mann

Interview with Sue

Q) How long have you been attending Vancouver Fashion Week and what keeps you coming back?

A) I have attended Vancouver Fashion Week since 2013, recognizing it as a platform to showcase global talent. My focus is on local talent, particularly from our schools, and I am consistently impressed by the creativity and skill showcased each year.

Q) When did you establish the scholarship for Emerging Designers?

A) I awarded the first scholarship in 2018.

Q) When you go to the Fashion Schools, what do you talk about?

A) When speaking at local fashion schools, I cover various topics from my perspective as a small business owner. It's crucial for students to understand that entering the design field can be challenging. While natural talent and passion are significant, they should also learn essential skills such as drafting a business plan, emphasizing the importance of personal branding, and mastering effective communication.

Q) How did you get to Paris FW?

A) Every Fall, I go to Paris for my buying trips. The optical trade show frequently coincides             with Paris Fashion Week. Luckily, I have a connection with Jamal Abdourahman, and when he attends with the Global Fashion Collective, I get the chance to witness incredible shows. Paris is abuzz with shows happening everywhere during this time, and the experience is inspiring and nourishing for my soul.

Q) Have you met Fashion Journalists at the International Fashion Weeks?

A) I've been fortunate to meet incredible individuals at international shows, including journalists, fashion bloggers, and photographers from around the world. A highlight for me was meeting Anna Dello Russo, the Editor-at-Large for Vogue Japan. I've also had the pleasure of meeting Grace Coddington, Susie Bubble, and many other amazing people. This, for me, is the best part of the experience.

Q) Designers you follow?

A) It’s difficult to choose a favourite designer but I would have to say Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten, Rei Kawakubo, Vivienne Westwood.

Q) Local Designer you wear?

A) From our local pool of talent I favour Alex S. Yu and Evan Clayton.

Q) Should all Fashion Students see VFW? How can they be involved if they don’t yet have a collection?

A) I believe all fashion students should attend Vancouver Fashion Week; it should be a requirement at local schools. Jamal Abdourahman has created an amazing platform where students can learn various aspects of the industry. It provides valuable experiences to help them reach the next level, be it in writing, photography, makeup artistry, or styling.

Q) Skills to be developed?

A) The skill set I referred to is vital for all students but is frequently overlooked. As a guest speaker, I stress the significance of effective communication, connecting with your audience, and crafting a distinct personal brand. These aspects hold immense importance.

Q) Next Steps

A)  The scholarship faced an interruption due to the COVID shutdown, but I am pleased to announce its resumption for every S/S and F/W season. Being able to learn about the students and personally awarding the scholarship brings me immense satisfaction. I am particularly interested in following up on the recipients' career paths to gain insights into the trajectory of their journeys. This ongoing commitment is not just about the financial support but also about being a part of their professional development and success.

With over 30 years in the optical industry, my passion for fashion has seamlessly intertwined with my professional journey. The gratification I derive from creatively styling my clients has become the cornerstone of my business model. Fashion is not just an aspect; it's a vital force driving my success. Clients recognize and appreciate the value of this fusion when selecting the perfect eyewear. And of course being voted one of the best dressed people in Canada by The Globe and Mail is a nice touch. Your interest in my story is sincerely appreciated. Thank you Colleen.

Website: www.theopticalboutique.com

IG: theopticalboutique

Thank you, Sue to taking the time to talk about the Sue Randhawa Scholarship and for your exquisite Fashion and Fashion Stories, year round.



Friday, January 5, 2024

Reflections Of Three Days At Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, Nov. 20-25, 2023

I  am starting 2024 off with a memory filled look back at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week 2023. I attended  Nov 20, 21, 22,  3 of 5 days of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, this time.  On my Instagram (@ctsoukalas) I made many reels of the beautiful, slow fashion collections, including regalia, couture, streetwear, formal and informal styles of Indigenous cultural expression. Some say that reels are too fast, yet it seems to me that animation, fast, confident strides up that runway, those perfect poses, direct and proud, can be captured instantly and in a moving series, to Indigenous music, unique and unforgettable. Fashion, Music, Dance, Performance, a Market each day...unlimited expressions of Culture,  and Language,  for Friends and Families, for everyone there. People dressed to show identity, and belonging, to honour, and remember, to speak out, to educate and to share. Creativity, Achievement, Art, Vision, Leadership, Mentorship, Strength and Statement: We are here, like always, like forever. 

The following photos are special to me. They are People of all ages,  Leaders and Artists I know from the 3 previous VIFW shows and one at Toronto Indigenous Fashion Week, as well as those I met this time. Let's just say that I know them from the fine examples they set, always at the forefront, on that powerful world stage.

1) The Indigenous Fashion Week Stage at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Dramatic lighting, decorated panels, Indigenous music, drumming, performance, enough room for simultaneous presentations. Steps up to the runway made models appear to rise up, and then walk directly toward us. Lots of space for us to see the outfits from different perspectives. The walk back down the stairs, made each show slowly disappear and we might have wanted to shout, "No, come back. More, More."

2) Joleen Mitton Founder Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, Co-Founder of Supernaturals Modelling. Joleen introduces the Red Dress Event, and leads us all to wear red in honouring and remembering Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGHTQQIA people. 

3) Palexelsiya Lorelei Williams Coast Salish Founder of BUTTERFLIES IN SPIRIT, an Indigenous Dance Group that raises awareness of MMIWG, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA

4) Mandy Nahanee of the Chinook Song Catchers Musician, Song Writer, Cultural Ambassador and extraordinary Emcee Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

6) Musician/Artist Aysanabee, Singer.Songwriter,  Canadian Oji-Cree. WATIN, his first album is new in 2022. 

7) Rueben George, Sundance Chief (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) and his children, Cedar and Kayah together, welcome us. Wonderful to see families sharing knowledge and traditions through the generations.


8, 9, 10) Joleen Mitton, introducing and walking with GIRLS WHO LEAP a leadership and mentorship program for Indigenous girls in grades 6-12. They made their own clothing and modelled their outfits. Kevin Gosnell, a Nisga'a, Designer, Make-up Artist and Drag Performer, showcased two  designs for the runway and all of the outfits were paired with Mukluks by Manitobah.

11,12) Yolonda Skelton, (Sun-iit-looks) from Gitxsan First Nations, award winning Fashion Designer,  is awarded again with an outfit designed by members of GIRLS WHO LEAP. 


13, 14) Notorious Cree (James Jones) is from Tall Cree First Nation in Northern Alberta. He is a traditional Hoop Dancer, who is an international Speaker and Performer.

15) Close to me, in the audience was this woven Cedar Hat. Everyone dresses for Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. So, there are the Fashion Shows, the Vendors and the Attendees and all clothing is accessorized. Many of the conversations I heard were details about who made the clothes, why outfits were chosen, and what more might be added from the many options from Vendors, who also dressed. Cultural knowledge, skills, creativity and expression, all vividly in evidence each night. This woven cedar hat is a strong symbol for memory and reflection.

I thank everyone involved in bringing Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week to the city and stage! I look forward to the next fantastic week of Indigenous Fashion, Art and Performance in 2024. Watch for the preview: Copper and Cocktails, too. This time it was held at the Vancouver Art Gallery, coinciding with the exhibit: Fashion Fictions, featuring many Indigenous Designers. Attending the preview, helps you meet many of those who design and perform during the actual fashion week. Whenever I attend, I take a lot of photos, but I always miss Kei Baritugo, Public Relations, Social Media, Wizard, who always says hi, gets me there, connects me with those who would like to be interviewed and is a constant teacher and mentor, while she does everything else. Selfies next time. You know she will take the best one! Congratulations everyone for an extraordinary week of Indigenous Fashion/Art/Performance today and in the future. Keep an eye on Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week for Program details, Designers, Models, Performers, Marketplace and more. 

 
© 2012. Design by Main-Blogger - Blogger Template and Blogging Stuff
UA-21300137-1