Nicole Bridger and Zoe Pawlak Work Together on Summer Collection: Ready for Love

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

Love Nicole Bridger's collection of soft, silky dreamy colors and flattering fits.  This was a collaboration between the designer Nicole, and the artist, Zoe Pawlak.  Zoe created the landscapes an graphics and together, the two decided on the themes and integration of art upon fabric.  Nicole names her clothing and colors, for example, she uses the words "infinite" and "inspire"  and you'll see the words both in the labels and around the showroom or on the runway.  I found the word, :Challenge" right at the entry to the loft space event I was so fortunate to see, recently.  The first challenge, for me, was not to buy every piece, immediately!  The second was to take lots of time to walk by each model to survey the collection and then watch as models changed poses and then changed outfits and moved to different locations around the room.  As with most of Nicole's presentations, the event was continuous and scenes evolve so that as you are socializing, you are, in a way, watching infinite new possibilities for what you could be wearing next.
The lighting, above each model's head, cast 'halos' and added shadow dimensions to each movement and design.

The dynamic trio photo shows Zoe on the left, and Nicole on the right and the model extraordinaire in the middle, wearing the divine pink and blue, Flow Dress.

Always standing out in the crowd, were 'fashionably blue' Felix, @yukiandbee and Colleen.

The silk crepe, short Kimono Jacket, was to me, a fitting example of the timeless, beautifully made clothing that Nicole Bridger creates.  Each item is complex, has a story and is designed with thoughtfulness, skill and knowledge not only of who we are but also of who we might become.

Sugar Free Chocolates, in all flavors, were deliciously added by "For the Love of Food" by Julie Beyer.

The softly draped cream colored blouse and blue and pink silk shorts were first up and I think they would be flattering on anyone but especially for the smaller figure, like mine.  The dreamy blue, button front dress with white graphics, was a classic and once again, great on both short and tall.  The black sweater with graphic detail and the softly pleated front pants were an elegant combination and could be for work or casual wear.

 

Blanche Macdonald 2014 Fashion Design Grads Spring Show

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

On May 15th, a gorgeous. sunny evening, right across from the iconic, Vancouver Public Library at Robson and Homer, the fabulous location of The Blanche Macdonald Institute for all things fashion and beauty, six up and coming design program grads presented their 'here's what you want to wear now' looks.  Elegantly designed, my favorite 'looks' featured the best riding jacket ever seen, the statement blue dress with a stunning gold buckle at the waist, the flirty skirted white Spring/Summer classic dress,  the soft, white Ballerina dress, the high collar landscape graphic coat (perfect for any city)and much more, all of which I was ready to buy when I saw them on the rack, after the show.

Stars of the event and names in lights: (left to right) Frank Wang, Katie Woodburn, Janna Meller, Ciel Wu, Chantelle Harley, and Cheryl Stelte. All received flowers and ovations from the large and very appreciative audience.  Awards were as follows: Ciel Wu - Garment Construction, Katie Woodhouse - Illustration and Cheryl Stelte -award for overall excellence.  I congratulate them all for their outstanding achievements and for creating the clothes we want to see and wear.

Director of the Fashion Merchandising and Design Program, Tyler Udall has a lot to be proud of.  He can often be found with his students, creating camera ready fashion shoots @My Sister's Closet, much to the delight of staff and customers.  Wouldn't we all love to more about making the ordinary look extraordinary?

Blanche Macdonald fashion events are always artfully showcased by fabulous refreshments and flowers, this time by work of art cupcakes and orchids. The Fabulous and the Formal!

Designers' portfolios are always on display and I'd love to see them in the permanent collection at the Vancouver Public Library.  How fun would it be to have the porfolios and a show right in the atrium, there.  How about featuring each of the grad shows from the extensive array of programs at Blanche?

The 'Man In Black' was from the collection of Frank Wang.  Many of his designs were urban and futuristic, very much the man of the hour.

Last, but not least, Kenji and Josh were both stylish and gracious at the 'Refreshment' table.  Lovely way to welcome and thank families and guests.

Special thanks to Dianna, guest contributor to clotheslinefinds, for her attention to detail and fantastic camera and journalistic additions.  And, yes, she is also a Blanche Grad.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to my amazing Mum and to all the other Mums reading this! Here are a few photos of Treasure Seeker Colleen and I over the past few years. Here's to many more adventures and fabulous finds! xo

Do I Need New for Summer? Mixing Up What I Already Have

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

Leaving the dark grey of winter and coming into a late, but warm spring, my first impulse was to buy something new, bright or pastels, something fresh.  But, we're on a three month challenge not to buy anything new, so I looked at an old favorite, an Indian shirt in turquoise, greens and white (3-4 years old from Value Village) and then matched it up with a set of green glass beads (garage sale) a pair of  green and blue clip on earrings and a turquoise cotton, V-neck T (made in USA) also from Value Village.  Black ballerina flats from Value Village, (one of the items on my VV shopping list) complete the ensemble, further accessorized by a pop of orange shoulder bag and hat with beads that match all of the colors. Green/blue owl ring is from My Sister's Closet, Yaletown.

A couple of notes about our challenge...  Making a list before you go thrifting, will help you focus and not overbuy.  While it is sometimes difficult to find exactly what you need, you can cross off what you do find and keep the list going for the next time.  I shop on VV sale days and have a Savers Card so that I get sale alerts.  Recently, I donated and got a 30% off coupon, too. If you're going to buy something, give something away.  It pays to plan.