EVA CHEN ULTIMATE COUTURE FALL/WINTER 2012

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasures Seeker Colleen)

A shout out to Vancouver and Vancouver Fashion Week with Eva Chen, a Vancouver Designer whose show contained the most elegant collection I've seen this week!  Eva continues to wow with her classic, intricately designed suit jackets, delicate dresses, ball gowns -everything.  The tone is set when her models with gorgeous up hair styles and headpieces (often with matching neck pieces) walk gracefully down the runway, (always the entire length, too) with Kelly Hepburn style.  Eva's simple black and white brochure tells much that we want to know: she thanks every one on her team as well as her fans and she is wildly successful, opening her own store in Beijing soon and exhibiting world wide.  This was an eagerly awaited presentation - a full house and photographers climbing over each other and even laying down on the runway just to get that perfect shot.  Every detail was covered: cap sleeves were each a different colour - no two the same, not even on the same dress, dresses cut to hug the figure and not box it in, beautiful clear colours: cream, black, gold, nude and burgundy - no loud shouts or clashing patterns.  Presentation, presentation and oh we can wear it all.  We were even guided to best seats by Stephanie, herself a young woman of accomplishment, and Eva's assistant on this event.  Hope to see more of both of them in Vancouver!  Kudos!

(Images by Colleen Tsoukalas)

Happy Monday! Jessica Alba in Gucci

Still a few more fashion week posts to go, including David Dixon, Eva Chen and our street style post, but I just had to post this fantastic Gucci 1970 bag!  I follow Gucci's facebook page and have to say I was completely inspired by this colorful look that popped up in my news feed last night! Here is Jessica Alba with the bag and in a fantastically color blocked outfit! Doesn't the warm weather just make you want to break out your entire spring wardrobe?!

Gucci 1970

ART DECO CHIC GALA - Museum of Vancouver

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

The Art Deco dresses and accessories collections of Co-Curators, Ivan Sayers and Klaus Jahnke are on exquisite display from now until September at the Museum of Vancouver!  I attended the Gala opening amidst the glitter and glamour of 20's - 30's celebrants delighting in the opportunity to dress up, dance the Charleston and meet others fascinated with all things Art Deco.

The excitement around this exhibit will be extended through a series of related events including a Design Challenge - design your own garment, a Curator's Talk and Tour, (1st Thursday of every month), Curator Ivan Sayers on Art Deco, April 5, a High Tea May 12, A Dapper and Flapper Formal,June 8 and a Pou-up Speakeasy (August, TBA) where you can learn how to make Deco Cocktails.

At the Gala, I met film makers, reporters, fellow bloggers, photographers and collectors, including a restorer of mannequins, dancers, value villagers displaying their finds, Kingsgate Mall fancy shoe shopping regulars, street stylers, be-ringed and Mowhawked, costume designers, sweethearts, families and, of course, fans of Ivan Sayers.

The mannequins are almost as dynamic and animated as their viewers.  Adorned with brilliant colors, sequins, belts, buckles, detailed buttons, capes, shawls, and lace, they smile and invite us to step into the past, leaving behind dark skies and bad weather ugs and hoodies.

Want to know more?  Read Sarah Rowland, "Art Deco Glam To Make The Heart Thump Hard", in the Georgia Straight Style, March 15.  Also check out SFU and UBC  Sr. Programs for more fashion history courses taught by Ivan Sayers.  Ivan has exhibited far and wide as well as at VAG and MOV.  How about the next step being a dedicated Fashion History Museum for Vancouver. What a chance to display collections as well as the work of local and up and coming fashion designers, film makers and artists. Fashion, Art, History, Culture - all go together and are alive rather than static.  There is space in Vancouver, in fact, how about the VAG jewel...rumor is that it will be moving....Galas are wonderful!  I plan to relive this one by going to ongoing events at the MOV.  Get up and be moved!

 Photos courtesy of Colleen Tsoukalas

SOIA & KYO WINTER/FALL COLLECTION 2012

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

This was a coat collection that would work fantastically, anywhere!  Loved the variety of shapes and lengths.  Even the puffy coats were slim and close fitting.  The colours: camel, sand, khaki, moka, red, mustard, grey and olive, added a touch of light to the darkness that will be upon us again next October-November.  Fur, scarves and other accessories showed us how to say, "I'm wearing this season, Winter, so take that!"

Photo (above) by Anthea

LUNDSTROM COLLECTION

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen) 

Always love the music, this time by Christian Pronovost, as it sets the tone for the dynamic, dramatic and multi-pieces of this Fall/Winter Collection.  Favorites included: Florentine jacquard sheath dress, raised satin stripe v neck gown with gathered skirt and vitage lace bodice gown with gathered skirt.  Stretch dresses often had rushing and pattern that made the form fit, softer and more forgiving for less than model bodies.  Pea coats and swing jackets very much a nod to the past but always classic.  Like the idea of reversible as in the embroidered circle reversible party coat!  Engaging and great visual appeal!

THE PENELOPE RESTAURANT -225 KING ST. WEST

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

Had an hour between shows yesterday and was attracted to the bright blue and white entrance and sunny patio of THE PENELOPE, a spacious Greek restaurant right next to Fashion Week.  A gorgeous bar area affords you a street view of shoppers and fashionistas.  The huge, bright eating areas are surrounded by urns, mosaics and pillars that place you right in the middle of temples that you can easily find, today, almost the moment you land in Athens.  Everything shiny and spotless and linen tablecloths and napkins! Yes!  Friendly and efficient service.  Lovely, generous portions.  I had the Avgo Lemono Soup (Chicken, rice, lemon) and pita and dip.  All hot and traditional recipes.  A glass of Retsina and then I wanted to turn up the music and dance.  Everyone here has a story and the first question for me was: Where are you from?  After a few conversations about home towns, music and film, I was off, a block away from fabulous Greek hospitality and into the rush and crush of Fashion Week.  You should go!  Opa! Visit their website at Penelope Restaurant.

ADRIAN WU - FALL/WINTER

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

Adrian's collection was both dramatic and surreal!  Titled "Hierarchy of Needs", it is a reflection of his own goal to show technique and craftsmanship but is also a reflection of the range of requests his clientele might have.  Of course, as they watched the runway line-up, new wants and needs definitely would emerge. Could we wear this to Vancouver Fashion Week, The Wearable Arts Awards, The Game of Thrones After party?  How about to the Art Deco Events, now happening at the MOV?  Yes, yes and yes. Tucks, pleats, sculptures within skirts and a variety of subtle shades, tints and colors made this a substantial but not heavy collection of Fall/Winter apparel.  I think Vancouverites could really fancify and brighten up what they wear in the bleak, gray rains, especially November through March.  A very young designer, Adrian will bring much to our choices for fabulous wardrobe.  A great collaborator, he has even worked with Margaret Atwood!  Love his detailed handout in which he credits and thanks his whole team.

Photo by Colleen Tsoukalas

Photo by Colleen Tsoukalas

MATIS by Lucian Matis

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

Beautiful ballroom of the Royal York for this one!  Intricate lacework and patterns capped shirts and decorated pants.  Collared dresses with cutouts, short, long but always fitted and flattering.  Black, black and more black but highlighting fine craftsmanship.  Long, flowing dresses, fitted tops, very Audrey.  Dramatic presentation with cheers and ovations.  Lovely gifts for adoring fans.  Full house with good reason.

KORHANI - Rug Runway

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

Runway carpet is usually red but how about a vibrant mix of colours and designs to really define the way?  Love the idea of wearable rugs - like wearable art!  Great design, especially like what you see in Korhani rugs, cushions, and furniture easily translates to the purses and clothes that captivated the audience, last night.  Multi layered and textured fabrics took the form of capes, vests, hats, coats, dresses and more.  Golds, pinks, oranges, black and white, collared, belted, ribboned, masked apparitions marched towards us and invited us in to the ultimate, exotic kingdom.  Picture yourself draped in silk tapestries, warm but dramatic, ready to take on travel and advenure or just luxuriate in the castle you call home.  KORHANI.COM for more info and online shopping at 50% off during Fashion Week.

Photoshoot and Interviews with Rent frock Repeat Founders Lisa Delorme and Kristy Wieber

A few weeks back Anne Cayer and I had the opportunity to create our own shoot!  We visited the lovely Lisa and Kristy at Rent Frock Repeat and modeled dresses for our lovely and very patient photographer Nicole! When we arrived, Lisa and Kristy had already selected a number of fun and flirty dresses for us to try on.  It was a dream come true and a privilege to work with such talented professionals.  I asked Lisa and Kristy for their thoughts on the latest gowns, life and work and fashion advice for all of us working women out there!  Enjoy! 

Lisa Delorme

You have such a diverse background! What inspired you to get involved with fashion?

I’ve always loved fashion but never thought I could make a living doing something fashion related. When we came across the business model and the numbers worked I was elated that I finally found something that allowed me to use my business background in such an exciting industry as fashion.

How did you and Kristy meet?

We met at the Art Institute of Toronto where we both worked.  Within days we were fast friends and we knew early on that we wanted to do something together but we just didn’t know what.  Fast forward 9 years and here we are – business partners and even more importantly, still the best of friends!  I couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else.

Favorite Oscar look?

So hard to narrow it down to one.  Isn’t that like asking who your favourite child is?  I have to say Gwyneth Paltrow looked stunning but that girl could wear a potato sack and still look great and I loved Michelle Williams in the coral Louis Vuitton, Jessica Chastain in McQueen and Octavia Spencer shows that curvy can really rock a frock.

Your favorite dress in store right now? And your advice for shopping for an important event!

We are now calling the red and cream Tibi dress the Lisa dress http://rentfrockrepeat.com/products/red-and-cream-short-sleeve-print-mini .  It is just so fun and flirty and yet unique that I can’t help but gravitate to it each time.  As for advice for shopping for an important event, go with what feels right.  So often we covet a look we’ve seen in a magazine but it might not be the right colour/cut for us.  Try on as many as you can and pick up the one that doesn’t look great on a hanger (or one that is so different from the style you normally wear), it is amazing how putting it on a woman’s body can transform a frock.

Kristy Wieber

As a recruiter and someone who has been recruited, what is your advice for women looking to be noticed and succeed in any industry?

Be your own cheerleader - make yourself heard – and by that I mean, don’t just submit a resume and think that’s all you have to do to get the job.  If there is a company you really want to work for or a position you want to advance to, talk to the people hiring for and/or doing that job.  Find out what they look for and what they did to get there.  Ask them to be your mentor.  Be vocal about your accomplishments.  Be a problem-solver.  Be kind. Be positive. Be a leader, even if it isn’t your role. 

What kind of look would you suggest for a work evening party?

Well, if you are going straight from work to the party, choose a dress that works under a cardigan or blazer that you can slip off after work - add some great accessories, throw on a different pair of shoes, change your lipstick and your set.  The dress style can vary depending on your work environment and culture (funky, conservative, casual), but it should always be professional.  That doesn’t mean you have to cover every body part, but save the mini-skirt and the plunging neckline for date night. 

Some of my favourites:

http://rentfrockrepeat.com/products/splash-of-red-sleeveless-dress

http://rentfrockrepeat.com/products/mocha-jersey-dress-with-origami-draped-sleeves

http://rentfrockrepeat.com/products/noir-long-sleeve-pencil-skirt-dress

http://rentfrockrepeat.com/products/oyster-beaded-shoulder-dress

  

Fashion advice for the office?

Really take notice of the environment and culture in your office and take your cues from that.   However, just because everyone is wearing khakis and button-downs or jeans and t-shirts doesn’t mean that you should, too.  Take it up a notch and throw a jacket on, or pair your jeans with a great tailored blouse and accessories.  Wear a dress! Just because you’re at work doesn’t mean you can’t feel pretty. Finally, dress for the role you WANT, not the one you have.  And wear clothes that FIT – tailoring can make or break even the most casual outfit.