Adventures in Lisbon

My Lisbon adventure has come and gone, now it's time for surfing in Ericeira! Here are a few snaps of some of the landmarks I saw while in Lisbon. Still a few more things on Lisbon to come, including my amazing dinner at Chimera restaurant.

Top - 25 of April bridge

Middle - Praça do Comércio, tram car, Padrao dos Descobrimentos, The Cloister of Jeronimos Monastery

Bottom - square in downtown Lisbon, Belém Tower, narrow street, colorful tunnel

Gone to Lisbon!

I am currently on my way to Lisbon, Portugal. Treasure Seeker Colleen will continue to bring great fashion posts from Vancouver while I share adventures from Lisbon and Ericeira. More to come! 

Image courtesy of CN Traveler

Carolyn Bruce Designs at Eco Fashion Week 2016

There's a little steam punk in all of us! Who wouldn't be thrilled to wear this collection of fabulousness? I have taken some of these pieces around the city and even to The Cherry Blossom Festival, this year, and I always have to share it with the many admirers who want their pictures taken with the robot rings, Japanese purse and necklace ...no one can resist it. It is complex, with layers of symbols and accessories. How about a vintage radio purse or a chopstick embellished necklace and matching handbag? And what about earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and fascinators, too? The golds, silvers and oh, those reds! And the bride...when she walked that aisle, people beside me oohed and ahead about the front and back necklaces. "Let's get married again," they all whispered.

Steam on, Carolyn Bruce!

Photos by Dianna Drahanchuk and Colleen

Carolyn Bruce and Victoria Clements 

Reg Davidson and Wendy Van Riesen of Dahlia Drive Collaborate for Eco Fashion Week, Vancouver

Reg Davidson, a Haida Carver, Painter, Print Maker, Drummer, Singer and Dancer with his and brother Robert's Dance Group, Rainbow Creek Dancers, and Wendy Van Riesen, Artist and Designer, Dahlia Drive, have collaborated often on design and performance and this time, captivated the whole room, with their runway show at Eco Fashion Week.

Wendy, featuring Reg's raven images, especially, upcycles thrifted slips, shirts and other textiles and transforms them into the dresses, jackets, tops and so much uniqueness that could grace any runway, art collection, and, of course, any closet.

This runway show, music, video, dance and overall demonstration of creative excellence, heritage, and wearable art got a standing ovation. Not a single person remained in a seat. So many bravos!

Well deserved. More, and more please.

More about Reg at: www.regdavidson.com
More about Wendy at: www.dahliadrive.com

Kudos to Dianna Drahanchuk for her fabulous photography.
Thanks everyone for a truly memorable evening! Rocked the house!

Sakura-Cherry Blossom Festival at Van Dusen Gardens

April 10, 2016

So many activities around Vancouver when Cherry Blossoms are out! The two day Cherry Blossom Festival, at Van Dusen Gardens, is always a visual feast and an invitation to participate in a celebration of blossoms, music, dance, fashion and Japan, here in the city.

There are no strangers here; we are all Sakura friends. I wore a vintage Kimono accessorized by
Carolyn Bruce Designs. She made a Japanese themed collection: Necklace, earrings, ring and handbag. So unique and eye catching that everyone who saw them, had to try them on.
The focus of my Sunday was to see Tomoe Arts Dance Students, Beginners to Advanced levels, in costume, on the stage. Colleen Lanki, Director of Tomoe Arts, is herself, a Master Dancer and Teacher and expertly introduced each dancer and the story behind each dance. The audience was captivated! A few little children danced along on the grass. Huge thanks Colleen Lanki and Tomoe Arts Dancers! A wonderful start to the day!

Please consider attending the Tomoe Arts Summer Patio Party, June 5th- 2:00-5:00. Guu Garden Izakaya 888 Nelson Street (Upstairs) Tickets at www.tomoearts.org.

Kwantlen Grad Show 2016- THE FINAL CUT

Thanks to Haley Woodin, Media Relations for Kwantlen, for sending me the details and extending such a warm welcome to this Grad Show for 36+ Emerging Designers. Held at The Imperial at 319 Main, this was an expertly organized event right from an efficient registration and photo op on the wall of fame, the minute we got there. And then, all of those fabulous designers, portfolios, exotic fabrics, special whispered confidences: "I wearing my Grandmother's pearls for good luck", "I like electronics and tech more than sewing", "I'm so excited for tonight. No I'm not nervous." "My high school sewing teacher is here, tonight!" The enthusiasm, the skills, the clothes that adapt and can be formal and informal, work or nights out, this is what brings me back to Kwantlen, time and time again. This is a preliminary post so there is more to come. Kudos, all! As Cole Porter would say: "You're the tops!" More and more here: Kpu.ca/2016fashionshow

Thanks to Dianna Drahanchuk for going to the show and then rushing home to get the first post up!

Me, Haley Woodin and Dianna Drahanchuk

Photos by Dianna Drahanchuk