OPULENCE - A Luxurious Collection of Hats by Victoria Milliner, MARIA CURCIC

I wore my red beret and fascinator to meet Maria Curcic and see her opulent hats, Saturday, November 20th at Fluevog Shoes on Granville. My black Fluevogs came along, as did a fabulous Christmas sparkler by Carolyn Bruce. My photos reflect by love of berets and all accessories that Maria adds to hers. But of course, she does more, much more as marvelously detailed in Andrew Jackson's interview with Maria, here. YAM Magazine, Victoria's Lifestyle magazine also interviewed Maria here.

Fluevogs are her go to shoes and the message is clear: Dress up head to toe. Wear color and dress with imagination and statement.

For more info: 1 604 688 2828 or visit mariacurcic.com or via Instagram at hatgoddess.

Thanks to Maria Curcic, Andrew Jackson and Marydora Winden for an afternoon of great company and great style!.

Kudos again to Jillian Mundy for her stunning mural outside of Fluevog on Granville. I want those designs on my next hat!!!!

LONE FLOWER Aranka Jacoba Scheeper's First Collection at Vancouver Fashion Week, Opening Night, October 22,2021

 It was her first collection and Aranka Jacoba Scheeper was on the runway for the first night of Vancouver Fashion Week, live, not virtual, for the first time in a very long time. So glad to see both! 

Aranka's collection is such a thoughtful tribute to the Danish Military Home Guards and their service during lock down. I was impressed with her eye for detail and how she made a uniform into style. I liked the colours, the pockets and tags and the idea of lone flower. Wanting to know more, I reached out for an interview,  to which she enthusiastically responded: "Being at Vancouver Fashion Week was an Amazing experience. Everybody was so nice and the audience received my collection so well."

Q: Where are you from and does this influence your collection?

A: I've lived in Denmark my whole life. I also took my my BA in Fashion Design at Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design (SAFD) Copenhagen. I'm connected to my Dutch roots when it comes to my Designs.

Q: Have you shown your collection elsewhere? If not, was this your first time at Vancouver Fashion Week?

A: I just graduated this summer so this is my first time ever showcasing a collection. I think people were still able to relate to the whole lockdown/isolation inspiration.

Q: What is your favorite piece from your collection?

A: It is hard to pick a favorite between all the pieces because I've had an amazing journey and process in making every single item. I'm most proud of the duvet jacket because of how hard it was to make it with the machines. The white jumpsuit was hard too because each flower had to be individually made.

Q: Where will you go from here?

A: My biggest Dream is to have my own fashion brand. For now, I would love for the collection to travel the world. Photo shoots and red carpet....

Q: What is a good title for an article for you and your work? Actually I love the title: "Lone Flower" but I might add the word, "hope". 

A: Here is a quote that describes my collection really well: "We have all been trapped flowers looking outside every day, hoping for a post pandemic world."

Bravo, Aranka! What a wonderful first collection! I look forward to following you! See more Vancouver Fashion Week schedule Oct. 22, 2021.