Ivan Sayers' Fifty Year Love Affair with Sally Ann - September 16, 2016

Ivan Sayers, iconic collector, curator and educator of vintage clothing and accessories, began seriously saving his for treasures and bargains from the Salvation Army on 12th and Sophia, in Vancouver, many, many years ago and still drops in to stores local and far and wide. He literally, teaches from his clothes, fundraising for charities as well as for SMOC. He and all of us who know him, want to see him realize his vision of a Museum of Costume, right here. A home for his vast collection as well as a teaching base, would be just fantastic. See more here.

Even on Ivan's birthday, he showcased his stories and finds. Music and speeches were graciously (and fondly) provided by the Salvation Army and their truck stood ready and waiting outside the Heritage Hall venue, for donations. I brought three big bags to contribute to the Army's mission of recycling and sharing, especially those who really need winter coats, boots, sweaters and whatever else you can help out with. Thrilled to receive a $10 coupon for my next visit.

The runway show featured Ivan's mother's Salvation Army Officer Uniform. Both of his parents served and as you can see, he has maintained his association, working for the cause of preserving history and sharing it with his very large community.

Melanie Talkington, appeared first, in a very light shift, one that would have been worn under corsettes, with a shift, bustle, dress, coat dress and more, in the early part of the century. This is truly beauty by impairment, as Ivan would say, as she had to have assistance to lace up, both corsettes and button shoes and most of her wardrobe. Loved how Melanie made several appearances down the runway, as pieces were added, showing the detailed process of getting dressed.

Outfits showing outfits through to the fifties were expertly modelled as Ivan discussed each one. After that we sang happy birthday and had delicious cakes from VCC bakery. Four winners of the silent auction will be sharing a shopping trip with Ivan to Sally Ann Stores around Vancouver.

This was a yet another wonderful Ivan Sayers/SMOC event. Audience was mostly friends, fashionistas, collectors, designers, students, photographers, ...all part of the Sayers historical fashion community. It was his birthday, but we all celebrated.

Thanks to SMOC organizing committee and President Dianna Drahanchuk for getting the word out and making the party happen. Photos by Sonia Ko and Colleen Tsoukalas.

Dianna Drahanchuk, President of SMOC

Claus and Parker

Lynn Katey and Dianna Drahanchuk

A Visit With Katherine Soucie at Her Sanssoucie Studio, Vancouver, B.C.

I have long been fascinated with Katherine Soucie's clothing and accessories, ever since I read about her in Marilyn Wilson's book, "Life Outside The Box". I had been to a book launch and clothing swap and was lucky enough to get my hands on a hand dyed stretchy top, made from her own invention/creation of hosiery textiles. I have a photo of the blouse here.

I love her card quote: "Let Our Textiles Tell Your Story" and am always pleased to tell others about her remarkable achievements, awards, and glorious collections of clothing, accessories and other products. More, here: www.katherinesoucie.com

My story is all about vintage, thrifting, recycling, upcycling and repurposing. But, I am in awe of those who can design and sew. I especially admire her creative and very unique ways of making style from leftover textile waste, sourcing ethically, and producing eco friendly collections of wearable art. Something Katherine creates for you, will be multilayered, textured and colored. It will fit like a glove, yet will move and reflect a myriad of shades as you walk. It is impressive how she has turned mending techniques, inside out and uses those stitches as further design details.  So her studio is an art gallery of equipment, fabrics, knits, collections on the walls and tables, and people. Did I mention that her open studios are very popular and you meet so many other crafts people - like minds, but, all eyes are on Katherine, an excellent speaker and so passionate about eco and the clothing design world. By the way, I met her friend, Berlin Designer, Agente Costura,from whom I bought a funky gold silk men's tie, diamond patterned, turned into a cute 50's bow hair band, which I wore with my 50's outfit for Ivan Sayers "My 50 Year Love Affair with the Sally Ann", a vintage fashion show and celebration of his 70's birthday. (More at smoc.ca) By the way, Agente, was a guest artist, the previous evening with Lisa Simpson and Rob Matharu, who do music to accompany sewing, using the machines, voice and other instruments.

Katherine, your story continues and you bring us in as characters. Thank you for the tour! I want all of your creations! Thanks also for introducing me to Agente. I will be back, bringing everyone who will want to come with me, now.

Cocktail Art - 2016 Harbour Centre - Dinner Table Landscapes, Craft Cocktails, Gourmet Canapes -Great Event - Great Cause

Presented by Social Concierge, Cosentino Group and Kabuni, in partnership with IDS West, this gorgeous event is one of three that supports VCAD Interior Design students, as well as a community of guests wanting to learn more about fabulous table/room décor, delicious canapes, crafted cocktails and opportunities to meet designers, chefs, mixologists, artists - all involved with creating the most beautiful tables, room décor, lighting, and perfect entertaining. More details at Dinner by Design.



Greeted with a game of Truth or Dare, we played and posted while sampling reds and whites and a variety of custom cocktails. Very tasty, endless trays of canapes, were to be found all around the two floors of this venue. Platters were also circulated throughout the evening.

What intrigued me were the wall coverings, origami like, intricate and cushioning the room. Multilayered colors, collage like, also seemed to envelope the table, with a three dimensional wall of art. No need for windows. It was like being in a jewel box. Lots of black and gold and themes inspired by nature. My favorite was the Alice in Wonderland table landscape (KALU Interiors) a great conversation starter, "Have you read the book, seen the movie, looked at the illustrations..."

A lot of people, a fashion feast, a wall of sound, an infinite range of possibilities for the home, the table, an atmosphere of excitement, lots of oohs and ahhhhs, and many new invitations to dinner parties of your dreams.

Thanks to Cocktail Art and Good Life Vancouver, for the opportunity to enjoy this very entertaining event.

Photos are by Guest Blogger, Dianna Drahanchuk!

Karl Lagerfeld Comes to Hudson's Bay, Downtown Vancouver!

On Friday, September 9th from 6:00-8:00, The Bay invited us to see Karl Lagerfeld's line of clothing and accessories - from Paris to Vancouver. This began as a black and white event, with staff and caterers (Culinary Capers) wearing black and the display area brightly lit, white floor shining and black and white collection, featuring black and white Chanel jackets and white T-shirts, with pops of color, here and there, subtle and chic. The idea was to bring color to the outline of Karl. A huge set of paints and brushes were located right by the poster and guess what? Everyone there seemed delighted to bring the portrait to life! As always, bubbly and canapes made this a celebration of style and creativity. Loved the Karl Lagerfeld, black and white macarons - a perfect treat to welcome the collection to Vancouver. I wore an Elie Tahari white skirt, hand made lilac silk jacket, silver jewelry, and a Japanese cloth bag, all from my favourite thrift store, My Sister's Closet. After seeing Karl's collection, I may consider one of those black and white jackets and a new black bag.
Thanks for yet another fashion delight!