MARLO de VAAL, SMOC Board Member, Costume Designer, Model,Marketing Director and Writer, Visits My Sister's Closet and Finds Pink for Great Causes

I, too, am a huge fan of SMOC (Society for the Museum of Original Costume) and of My Sister's Closet, where my favourite jobs were selling 'new to you' clothing and accessories and bringing in designers, students in design programs and so many other creatives to highlight the importance of raising funds to support women and ending violence programs. Ivan Sayers, SMOC and My Sister's Closet, all know much about the value of clothing as well as the value of fund raising for crucial causes.

Pink is such a powerful and popular trend now, that I knew Dianna Drahanchuk, Past President of SMOC and long time volunteer at My Sister's Closet and a fine writer for both, as well as here, on the blog, would be just the expert to find the perfect vintage pink labels for our best model, Marlo de Vaal. It is so important to connect people and share the wealth of local talent and resources.

Thanks to Dianna's expertise, we had a wonderful pile of pinks for Marlo to try on. Dianna even dressed in a pink two piece Vintage ESCADA suit and helped with locations. Marlo posed perfectly in each outfit, though, so not only did she do a lot of pink vintage, but then we went downstairs to the rest of the store, to show off the wide range of informal and formal wear, plus accessories. This is the store at 3958 Main and there is a second store at 1830 Commercial. I encourage you to visit both and find your own treasures not only to look fabulous but to support the goal of ending violence against women. Volunteers are so important and there are lots of ways everyone can help. Check out many of these styles at the online store: mysistersclosetvancouver.shop or get to the store on Main for these pieces, specifically. Nothing this great lasts for long so get yourself to both stores for your best looks and lend your support.

Now, about Marlo...

I met this multitalented young woman at SMOC, where she was modelling vintage gowns, hats and shoes. She also wore the long, white gloves when she carried precious antiques down the aisles for close inspection by a full house audience, as per usual at SMOC Events at Hycroft. I met her again at Wilson School of Design (Kwantlen) from which she recently graduated in Fashion Marketing. She is also a grad in Costuming for Theatre & Screen, at Capilano University. Marketing Director, SMOC Board Member, Costume Designer, Model, and Writer, yes she has written so many fine articles for the SMOC Newsletter. I interviewed Marlo as we scouted out the pinks at My Sister's Closet.

1.Why volunteer at SMOC?

I met Ivan through my Grandmother's vintage hat collection and so 'like' minds love costume. fashion history, design, repair, showcasing, accessorizing, modelling and combining past and present. I modelled for the Hat Show with @edieorenstein and at many other events.

2.Thoughts on Pink and Barbie?

I have a special collection and have made the clothes. This was the beginning of my costuming for musical theatre throughout high school and beyond. (She was Head of Costuming, natch) Her Barbie family photo is below.

3.On a recent trip to NYC, she saw several shows and promises to share more, here as we track her next steps. She did send us a photo of her, outside of Hampton Home Living and she is wearing the Sakura Blazer and pants in Shocking Pink. Photo is by Greyson Vander Zalm Insert photo. See her instagram (@marlo.victoria)

4.Where to, next?

You will see me at Bizarre Bazaar Fall 2023, a Vintage Fashion Sale, Sept. 17th - 11-4 at Heritage Hall 3102 Main. I will definitely be at DRESSED FOR HISTORY, the Catalogue Launch, where I look forward TO AN ILLUSTRATION BY @FORESTTOMLINILLUSTRATION, Aug. 24th at @museumofvancouver and at SMOC events. info@smoc.ca

5.On thrifting?

An eco friendly way to shop for resources for costuming and self. Vintage and new can be unique combinations for remarkable style. I look forward to more of everything and to thrifting at @mysisterscloset stores and on line. More at her website: https://marlodevaal.godaddysites.com/