My Sister's Closet and Ivan Sayers: A Night for Supporting Great Causes

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

On November 15, 2012, Ivan Sayers, former Museum of Vancouver Curator and Fashion Historian/Collector, gave a great Vintage clothing/accessories identification workshop to staff, volunteers and friends at My Sister's Closet, 1092 Seymour, in Vancouver. Proceeds went to support battered women's support services (BWSS) and SMOC - Society for the Museum of Original Costume. The whole evening was about learning about how to examine donations for the most resale value: to recognize styles, design techniques and designers, and how to look for quality material and hooks and eyes, hand made lace, special buttons, and overcast/finished seams as well as hidden labels. Shoulder pads and house dresses can be old as well as valuable as can wacky print and sports costumes and bathing suits with bright colors and humorous designs. 20's sleeveless dresses, with no darts and looking uniquely hand made, intricate bead work, even a plain two piece trouser suit or longer jacket with skirt from that time period, can be rare and worth money to a collector. Long, long ropes of beads, especially with attached tassels can be true finds. Again, intricate designs and signed pieces usually merit a further consult, especially with Ivan. Hats are very popular again and are more valuable if made of quality materials, are banded and have any special accessories. Signed hats are best, of course. Most importantly, though, everything must be wearable and in the best shape, possible. Ivan advised us not to wash items for sale but to let the new owner take care of that. He brought many dresses from his own collection, to illustrate different time periods and, he also had a slide show to show the clothing in context. I liked his comment: "If I don't take care of my dresses, they won't take care of me." And he does take best care of the huge collection he has so that not only can he share his passion for fashion and fashion history, but he can raise a lot of money for the causes near and dear to his heart. See my review of Ivan's Art Deco Chic show for the Museum of Vancouver!

Fabulous shoes and bags in the store

If you haven't been to My Sister's Closet, you must go. Samantha Kearney, Manager of Retail Services and Programs and her more than forty volunteers run this thrift boutique and social enterprise seven days a week! The attractive and welcoming (think fantastic window displays) store had a make over from BCIT Students for Free Enterprise and it could easily fit right in on Granville. You will find designer clothing, shoes, locally made jewellery and cards and a million other treasures. There are beautiful children's and babies clothing, free for those in need. Moms can also bring in clothes to swap. The store provides training for work, a wonderful opportunity for volunteers and a retail space. There is no tax on your purchases and the money you spend goes to Battered Women's Support Services.

Thanks to Samantha Kearney, volunteers and Ivan Sayers for a truly enjoyable evening. Special treats from Nester's Market were as ' designer' as the fashions. Would love to see a runway show from this store at ECO Fashion Week, this Spring. Ivan Sayers to be the lead, naturally.