Clothes Line Finds - Vintage clothing, fashion events and reviews

Haha, History! Comedy at The Museum of Vancouver February 28, 2026

2026-03-03T10:41:00.000-05:00

January and February are dark months, here and so to bring in the light and laughter, I went to the Museum of Vancouver to look for fun. I found it! Dynamic, hilarious, Host, Myles Anderson, and renowned Comedians, Charlie Demers, and Graham Clark were laughing and chatting with a sold out audience, even before the 6:30 start time. Please see more about them at Events & Programs - MOV at https://museumofvancouver.ca. You can hear, Myles, Charlie and Graham on The Debaters on CBC Radio, but do follow them to see their great variety of other comedic journeys and pursuits. Congratulations Museum of Vancouver for bringing comedic perspectives to your Vancouver History Collection.

The trivia questions are fun to try, and, they do generate a lot of consultation and yes, more laughs as we remember our own history with the photos, ads and artifacts from the past. These two questions, "Do you need to pay for parking at the museum?" "Is this the Space Centre?" were unexpectedly funny to those of us who were wondering if we would need an answer key to answer any deep, historical queries. But I remember, as a teacher, being interviewed by students, whose first questions were often: "How old are you and how much money do you make?" One of the first photos we were shown, is of a car in one of the bigger exhibits, showing it and neon parking signs and auto services. Question: What make is this one? The answer is actually in script on the hood: Fairlane (Ford). There were stories about who owned one, speed, muscle and performance. Next was a photo of two hippies and who were they? (go and see the exhibit to get the details)I think we all reflected back about the styles and the music and where we were during that time. There were several ads and we had to think about what product they were trying to sell. Life Buoy Rubbers (Overshoes), Pay to Look Well: Ted's Barber Shop, Hair Cuts, and more. We had to identify a hat (a bowler) and name a slippery con artist. Jeff "Soapy" Smith, who tried to sell soap with the promise that there was money hidden in the package. The revolver he had carried, was identified for its name and a prize given to a trivia expert who knew the difference between single and double action. I think I heard reference to Westerns of the time, but then we moved on to appliances, (the evolution of the micro wave oven) and food, (what's in the meat?) and stores. We talked a bit about Granville Street downtown and South Granville. Not all of the prizes were given out, so there are some left for your next laugh, March 28 and April 25. Tickets at www.showpass.com I enjoyed the jokes and laughs during the evening. Great to see that Charlie Demers has a new book out and that people were lining up for signed copies. Loved the MOCKTAILS Bar and meeting owner Angela Hansen and partner, Enrique, who took time to get a photo, and smiled.Thanks again Museum of Vancouver for the general admission passes on our chairs; we will be back, for sure!!!

Opening Night of "WITHIN CELLS INTERLINKED" A New Exhibit of Ceramics, Metalwork and Sculpture, Curated by Charlinee Wichaidit Jan 22, 2026

2026-01-25T16:27:00.000-05:00

I often visit the Craft Council of BC, on Granville Island, as it features such a wide variety of Art and Crafts, and the collections and events are always changing. Please have a look at my instagram to see more or check out the specific reels for (Kinuka Hara, Isis Costa, full exhibit) of the reception, last night to see the gallery, the crowd and some of the Artists and Staff who welcomed us to an evening of looking at and thinking about the complexities and beauty of all of the pieces in this exhibit, WITHIN CELLS INTERLINKED, featuring 5 Artists: Isis Costa, Kinuka Hara, Naomi Zhang, Jordan Mitchell and Tatiana Ragonesi, as well as many other Artists, throughout the entire space. I have enjoyed the CCBC's annual Earring Show and blogged about one in 2022, here. I look forward to the next one May 7-28th!! Since I do love jewellery, I will focus here on the jewellery by Isis Costa currently a student in the VCC Jewelry program, and Kinuka Hara, whose ceramic stoneware 'wearable art' headpiece and necklaces, titled: In the Flow of Sakura Petals, reminds me of the cherry blossoms here and in Japan. She is thinking about Spring and "...the beauty of nature" but also about family and her experience in Japan and in Vancouver. I was thinking about how the beads were petal shaped and would move as you walked or turned your head.I wondered how it would look with a kimono and the sounds it might make in a quiet tea room or at Queen Elizabeth Park, in Cherry Blossom Season. Isis Costa had many pieces in her collection: earrings, rings, brooches, and bracelets. Here are 10 photos and a description with each. It seems that Isis is reflecting on the inner spaces of the Artist and all humans, as well as the inner layers/compartments of each piece. Her sterling silver work is strong and draws the eye. Her rings, brooches and bracelets are shapes I have never seen before. Isis had the support of some of her fellow students from VCC at this fantastic evening at CCBC. I look forward to being at her graduation and being able to buy something special. "Within Cells Interlinked" is on now so I encourage you to get to 1386 Cartwright St., Granville Island and see Art at its very best!

Mary (Head of Communications and Marketing for the Gallery) and me!

Isis and Charlinee Wichaidit

Looking Back at Vancouver Events in December 2025

2025-12-22T12:43:00.000-05:00

I have always loved windows for the view outside to the world of adventure. Looking back, I notice that there is usually a touch of colour, often red, somewhere in the frame. This photo, by Luke the photographer, shows me looking out the window as we land in Greece, for the first time. I had never tasted olive oil, picked lemons, or been to the Parthenon. It seems wherever I go, I write and take photos. I have decided to do a monthly blog post about Vancouver events, starting with December, and including some of my favourite photos. Someone once said,"You always blog about what has already happened." I repost and share on Clothes Line Finds Facebook Page and Instagram what's coming up and then I write about my experiences. My hope is that you will join me and help share all of the great events that go on, here, year round. So, look out and go out and tell us what you see.

Christmas at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and a fantastic gingerbread version of our 'castle in the sky'. The decorated windows, trees and holiday spirit there, make a December visit, special. Red in my Kenzo scarf from Japan.

Family visit to favourite spots at Granville Island include Granville Island Hat Shop Nooroongji Books Santa's Workshop and puppets at Granville Island Kids Market.

Joy at Vandusen Garden Festival of Lights and me surrounded by lights and wearing my Hudson Bay Scarf, with a red stripe, of course!

Family visit to Holt Renfrew and on our way to False Creek Ferries. And Art; I hope this drawing is of me, wearing my crown, of course!

Celebrating Eco Thrift and Holiday Windows at Wildlife Thrift Store on Granville. Lots of reels on my instagram as well!

Vancouver Community College (downtown) annual Holiday Market, spotlighting Student Makers VCC Fashion VCC Jewellery VCC Digital Media Design, VCC Spa & Salon, small businesses and much more. (reels on my Instagram) Vancouver Community College is open year round and offers courses and events, year round. Here I am with a new bag, a COLURE Product by vcc students enrolled in the Design & Production Program. Note that VCC Fashion shows annually at Vancouver Fashion Week.

Starting the Fleurs des Villes Noel trail at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver across from annual tall Christmas tree and Ferris Wheel (Free on Tuesdays) and nearby Pendulum Gallery Fleurs des Villes Noel floral installation #20 CF WINTER HARP by Manites Flower Shop! Note that Pendulum Gallery has year round free and fabulous events/art exhibits. Thanks to fellow writer Marilyn Wilson for the photo of me and to helpful bystanders for others.

Another popular Pop Up Market that happens throughout the year is firstpickhandmade.com Fashion + Design Pop Up Dec 13,14. (Reel 1 and Reel 2 on my Instagram). And, did I mention the people I meet? Here is a Father and Daughter team of wood turners:Dan Breck of Bees and Bowls, and Alicia Breck of The Brecking Point.

And more Art, always Art!! A Christmas gift to myself is this one by Dorothy Woodend. Two things that made me go right over and buy are: the colours red and green and the images of majesty and magic! One of my favourite brooches is a tiny ceramic frog, gifted to me by a student who said I believed in the power of transformation.

So this is December so far and it is still a week before Christmas! I am looking out at the sun and anticipating what's to come!

A Study in Scarlett: A Vintage Fashion Show and Interview With Ivan Sayers, Vancouver Fashion Historian and Collector of Women's Fashion 1750-2000

2025-11-14T11:13:00.000-05:00

I interviewed Ivan Sayers because I wanted to know more about his next event "A Study In Scarlett", a sold out event with Coquitlam Heritage, before I went to Place Des Arts to cover it. Why Scarlett? She plays first in the game, Clue Master Detective. She is truly a scarlett woman and is all about murder and blood. Very dramatic. Here are a few dresses from the Vintage Fashion Show, that might fit the bill. Most of the models wore red lipstick and there were touches of red in their accessories throughout the collection. I wore red Kate (not Sam) Spade shoes and jewellery by Carolyn Bruce Designs, a typewriter key necklace, spelling Librarian, with attached book charms and a special red book in the locket. Should have been a little black book, perhaps? Think: "killer Librarian" series by Mary Lou Kirwin. Reel of the show on my Instagram (look for the red shoes)

An Interview with Ivan Sayers

Q: Who is your favourite Mystery Writer/Character?

A: Agatha Christie is my favourite read, going back as far as high school. I like BBC's of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. The writers and the characters must be academic, clever, believable, professional but real. The satisfying thing about these mysteries is that the murderer is always discovered and justice is done.

Q: How does clothing set the scene or make the character?

A: Clothing reflects the character of the individual...so not just superficial. Clothing has to be real, not all costume. Colour is key. ( In his show, Ivan focused on black, for death/mourning, red, for blood, heart, passion, green, for the exotic, immortality, travel: King Tut's tomb and white, for purity, bridal, peace, maybe.) Colour can indicate personality: Extroverted, Introverted, Dynamic, Daring, Quiet, Reflective, but going deeper, there is choice of fabric, style (classic or trendy) and then accessories: brass or plastic, diamond or paste, designer or copy, beret or fedora, cap or cloche. There is dressing for work, for the theatre, or for travel. There is dressing to be seen or to blend in with the furniture.It depends on whether you want to be seen or watch what others might be up to. So clothing does reflect who we are, who we want to be and where we want to go.

Q: Do you have a special find specific to this collection? Is there anything you would 'kill' to addto it?

A: All dresses are equal before God! But I have the humble and the magnificent and am always on the prowl. Am looking for a 'wide-awake' hat from the 1860's ...a goal but not a deadly one.

Q: Will you be wearing anything theme related for the Scarlett Fashion Show?

A: I will wear something neutral as I am the commentator. Clothing is costume of a kind, but also something you are or want to be seen as. Clothing is character and history. A museum of costume, here in Vancouver would preserve and reflect that. The past is inspiration for both the present and the future. I have shown just a few of the outfits, completely accessorized and referencing many, many Mystery Writers, Detectives, Characters we know well, from my collection from 1750-2000. Today we went from Edwardian to Twiggy. Want more details? Visit here and here for more information. (Here he is in deepest black at a graveyard. A funeral? No, just another spectacular event.)

Many thanks to Ivan, for this interview! Thanks also to Markus Fahrner, Heritage Manager Exhibits, and Malika Arora, Communications and Community Outreach Manager @coquitlamheritage, for my Media Pass to the Scarlett Fashion Show.

Kate Spade Red Slings and a Librarian, Book Themed Necklace by @carolynbrucedesigns

Red Dress, and red gloves, white fur stole, made in Canada. One shoulder,
Neo Classical Greek, Platform Shoes, 'femme fatale'?

Red silk lined cloak with gold, wealth, royal, silk dress, neither touch the ground,
neckline but modest, travel, exotic, murder happens often to the wealthy

Nile green, "Death on the Nile", exotic, immortality, travel, Egypt

All business and what does that bag conceal. Pearls and white against deepest black

Long sleeves for a dinner and dance event. Pearls, a simple classic, form fitting but enhanced by bell sleeves and tulle. Revealing but covered. Depth and detail, just like the great mysteries.

Slightly faded movie star? Slouch hat. "Murder on the Orient Express", modest neckline but furs and white, wealth to travel and to afford furs, esp. white. A servant would carry her bags.

Maid's outfit, pocket for secrets and vial of poison, did the maid do it? "The Case of the Perfect Maid", Miss Marple Series, Agatha Christie

Ivan Sayers and Parker McIntosh (Tailor of Historical Costume)

Vancouver Fashion Week Oct 15-19, 2025

2025-10-27T21:58:00.007-04:00

Black and white, gold, silver and red were trending colours in the collections, the attendees' clothing and accessories. I seldom wear black and white, but when I do, I add red accessories and a bit of sparkle. My jacket is by Joseph Ribkoff, the dress is Ralph Lauren and shoes are by Kate Spade. Sparkle here is by Carolyn Bruce Designs. Long time staples are a mix of new, thrifted and gifted. It is really important to get to the photo wall and to the red carpet to set the stage for your time at Vancouver Fashion Week and to tag local and international Designers, especially if you are wearing one of their creations. Please see Vancouver Fashion Week Designers for a complete list of all who showed marvelous runway shows. The Media team did a great job of giving background, media tags and photos for each one. See photos and designer captions below!

The world...our Vancouver Fashion Community. Thanks to this big creative community. Please see my reels of the week on my instagram here! All photos are mine except where noted.

In keeping with the black, white, gold, silver and red theme, here are photos that not only illustrate colour but also reflect cultural background and design philosophy. I find that fashion shows, these days, are accompanied by dynamic videos that show how and where clothing is made and truly provide a launch for the collection and its theme.

Andrew Jackson of J Andrew Speaks and me. Photo by @miss_rainne_mua

Marilyn Wilson of Olio by Marilyn

Gurl 23 is Anishinabe and Cree, two-spirited Designer Larissa Healey. Larissa opened the first evening, Oct 15, wearing red, black and white regalia and dancing the Sundance, with a drum circle, both as a welcome and as an introduction to her survival of the 60's scoop and her prolific 35 year multi-media art and performance career. Her collection, BROKN AROW, told through music and performance, is also the story of upcycled regalia, refashioning it to new forms while retaining some original materials and sewing and patterning techniques.

Ambus Accessories by Arlette Ngung, incorporating a background in textiles and design from Eastern and Central Africa and training in Paris, NY and Toronto, all gold! Luxury, sustainability and shine in this collection.

Nitenmon Kimono Clothing Tokyo by Sonoka Takeda, all the way from Tokyo. Although this is more of an orange colour, there is red in the pants and also gold. Sonoka dyes and weaves textiles, in addition to upcycling kimono fabric. With lots of experience designing for Theatre, Opera and Dance, Sonoka designs clothing that moves and takes the eye on a colourful visual journey.

Ayelelum by Aunalee and Sophia Good of the Good House of Design, a multi-generational Coast Salish Family from Nanaimo and showing all over the world. So much colour, design and generations walking the collection down the runway. They design, sew, write music and do their own media production. Love this cape with all of the colours.

Viuog by Mina Alln from Iran, a local Designer. This dress is gold, black, white and has architectural designs. It is elegant and cultural, in keeping with the title of the collection:" Memories of my City". Now that I know she is a local Designer, I will know where to find formal and elegant dresses.

Bahar Kianpour

#9 BAHAR KIANPOUR @baharkianpour A local Vancouver Designer, she is an award winning Blanche Macdonald Grad, who followed her Fashion Dreams. Her collection shows story, imagination and fantasy and is very wearable art. I loved this outfit, for its layers and textures and dark black colour with silver chain. The red roses are a dramatic, romantic finish!

Vancouver Fashion Week red photo op wall at David Lam Hall Courtyard, a place to get a memory full of a week of Designs from the heart and all colours of the rainbow.

REVIVAL Presents: Hundred Lives of Levi's by Deanna Flinn

2025-09-17T10:31:00.000-04:00

Sustainability, recycling, upcyling, repurposing, thrifting, reading labels, slow fashion, all lessons well learned through many seasons of ECO Fashion Weeks, in Vancouver and a continuous practise I see in the collections of local and international Designers. I registered for Deanna Flinn's HUNDRED LIVES OF LEVIS Fashion Show, and found out more about her here. Revival, at 2408 Main is a beautifully decorated vintage and home goods store that also does fundraising and fashion events, supporting great causes like Dress for Success and promoting local Artists and Makers. Christina Florencio, owner of Revival, and Deanna, met with Marilyn Wilson and me, before the event, for a tour and a quick look at the collection and well organized show prep and preshow fashion photography. Please look at both websites for for information and the best photography and stories, ever. Deanna's collection is in the store now, and as each piece is one of a kind and handmade, so it will sell out quickly. Revival is a wonderful resource for your closet as well as ongoing Fashion events. There is a second store at the Bentall Centre, downtown. Deanna Flinn wore a classic leather jacket, with her line drawings as patches on the pockets.The leather was in good shape except for some damage, so she used denim from one of the 100 pairs of jeans, she found on Marketplace for $1 a pair, to add art and individuality and to extend the life of a perfectly wearable piece. She repaired some of the jeans, by adding denim from the $1 levis; she made hoodies, sweaters, jackets, coats, dresses and more. The photos show the details. This collection was created over a 3 year period, with sustainability and functionality in mind. Oh, but there is comfort and Art and story, too! These clothes are about statement, strength, easy movement, and care by the maker for the wearer and for the environment and zero waste. Deannna's teaser reel shows the designs close up! Attendees dressed for HUNDRED LIVES OF LEVIS! I wore a silk, botannical print by Melissa at Adhesif Clothing, a long time, Eco Designer, in the Main Street area, and now in Germany. I also bought a green bag, at REVIVAL, to go with all the green I wear. Loved that Deanna and Christina wore denim from the collection. Keeping our focus on slow fashion, saving textiles from the landfill, creating wearable art, making it new again, vintage and denim forever! And, in this old Mount Pleasant neighborhood, on Main, there was a vintage car, a Pontiac Bonneville, glorious gold, blast of the past and here today for the best photo opps! Please see my reels of the store and the show here and here.

First Time at the Toronto International Film Fest (@tiff.net) and the movie: "Good News" by South Korean Director/Writer Byun Sung-gu

2025-09-11T09:41:00.000-04:00

The Toronto International Film Festival has long been on my bucket list, but this was the first time I was in Toronto at the right time, Sept 4-14th. There is great advertising in papers, businesses, theatres, galleries, libraries and on social media. It's big! There are 5 film venues, a Festival Street (for Star viewing) hundreds of helpful, friendly volunteers, lots of promotions and photo opps, special menus, special events, and a lively buzz throughout the city. At this time, I felt like I was in New York, where anything might happen. You know...see a star, be a star...even for one night. We started at the Shangri-La Hotel, for photo opps and a celebratory drink. Beautiful setting and always terrific service. I had planned to wear black shoes, but my stylist, Anthea, insisted on red, a bit of rebellion against the tradition of the classic black dress look. She tells me I can wear black as long as there is an added element, a fancy brooch, colourful scarf, or in this case, gold embellishments and the red shoes. I loved the chance to sit in the Director's chairs! I also liked that the gold photo wall, matched my gold purse and her Michael Kors boots with gold stars! Photos are by Shangri-La Staff. Now that is service! We had tickets to see GOOD NEWS, by South Korean Writer/Director Byun Sung-hyun, screenplay by Byun Sung-hyun and Lee Jin-seong. Cast includes: Sul Kyung-gu, Hong Kyung, Ryu Seung-beom, Yamada Takayuki, Shiina Kippei and Kim Seung-O. This was based on a true story about a plane hijacking that took place during the 70's that became an international event involving South Korea, Japan and the USA, all using desperate and sometimes madcap strategies to prevent tragedy. Surprise, Suspense and Humor kept us hoping for a happy ending in this one. You can see a clip of it on the Toronto International Film Festival website or watch it on Netflix, Oct 17, 2025. I have a far away photo of the Q&A at the Princess of Whales Theatre. Hats off to the Interviewer and Translators and to the Director and Actors! Would have loved to see a live screen translation, though, because it was a full house and we were not in the front row. Next time, I will attend the Press and Industry prescreening interview for a closer look and listen. Anthea took a quick video of me on Festival Street, on King, where I was on the Star walk, accidentally and briefly. You walk along, with the crowd and then, the gate closes and the limo drives along slowly and then, the Stars step out for photos and chats. Imagine. So much to learn for TIFF26. We finished up at the Ritz Carleton Toronto for a farewell drink and pizza and snacks. Hospitality, music and lots of bubbles. Magic!

Magic Carpet Fashions with Ivan Sayers in Support of the Vancouver Unitarian Refugee Fund (van.ca/refugee-give) Saturday May 24, 2025

2025-05-28T14:08:00.001-04:00

Magic Carpet Fashions is about the fashion inspired by African and Middle Eastern cultures here, in the USA and in Europe, as evidenced in the clothing and accessories Ivan Sayers brought from his collection of historical clothing 1700 to the present. He showed 15 or more outfits in a two hour presentation, and discussed where he acquired his finds, the fabrics construction/production, geography, cultural and political events, trends and how the outfits would have been accessorized and who would have worn them and for which occasion. Additionally, Designer Somaya Ahmadi showed a selection of her designs, which you can find on her Instagram, The Vancouver Unitarian Refugee team, hosted the show in the VanU Sanctuary and Catherine Stewart opened the event by telling us about the refugees they sponsor and support. Last year they sponsored more than 80 refugees from all over the world. This very well attended event raised funds from the fashion show tickets, and sales of donated clothing, jewellery art cards and refreshments. You can learn more here. Here are my photos and notes from the presentation. Everyone always asks for more. For more Ivan Sayers events: https://www.ivansayersevents.com

Looking at African Motifs on the dress, beneath the jacket. Ivan knows the details!

Black and gold with African camel motif, dress, jack and scarf (Africa) and Caftan - a very popular African inspired trend, world wide.

1960's dress worn to dance at a Diplomatic Event, with King Hussain of Jordan. White fox fur from Nairobi.

Leopard prints, hat and coat are real leopard, image of power. Brown cocktail dress, lion fur bag. (Exotic animals)

1948 Wedding dress, damask, classic white, lustrous, elegant, inspired by Dior, emphasis on skirt, lots of fabric after the war, platform shoes.

Turban hat matches colour with dress pattern. 1940's. Skirt and top - war time so pieces are interchangeable. Monkey fur jacket from Gold Coast. She carries a large plastic purse, practical for carrying essentials in case she has to go to an air raid shelter.

Turban and scarf again, with black and gorgeous African embellishments.

Emphasis on beads, some of which became the gorgeous buttons on this outfit.

1930's gold closures on red cape Ivan got from local group: Jericho Players, over a black and red dinner dress embellished with gazelles, bias cut dress gives a long and lean figure

Brown is the colour of desert sand/Africa/Egypt, Turban/scarf (Lawrence of Arabia) furs and beads, travel to far off lands

1920's machine embroidered, now, gold = riches, exotic furs, long and slim, stockings match dress, note gold work closure on bag

Long slim body, long necklace, stockings match dress, Mummy brown colour to match King Tut's Tomb.

Bring on the ostrich feathers (Egypt) and diamonds and gold and glass! 1920's!

A 'basic' black dress, perfect for accessorizing with as many necklaces and scarves as you want. 1924 was the opening of King Tut's tomb and the beads and symbols reflect inspiration from Egypt and ancient cultures. Beads made in Czechoslovakia. Cloche hat frames face! Stockings show colour but not skin. Red gloves distinctive as most were white or brown.

Outfit is 1968-69 but inspired by harem pants (1917) Harem was a popular 'exotic' fantasy, Persian inspired. Her baton is a powder puff. Hand-made outfit, embroidery from a pattern.

Sarah wearing a Bernuse cloak, with hood, inspired by Berbers in North Africa. Her turban covers a bob haircut, 1920's, breaking away from Edwardian era. Figure is natural, no corsets, now. Long beads for tall and slim effect.

Catherine Stewart (@catherinemstewart2425) Vancouver Unitarians bringing Refugees here, through the Canadian Refugee Sponsorship Program

West Side Story, An Impressive Production by CTORA Theatre - MAY 8-24, 2025 - Granville Island Stage

2025-05-16T22:59:00.003-04:00

I thought the original film production of West Side Story was outstanding and didn't think other versions would be able to compete. But live theatre brings its own interpretation and, I think this story continues today. I am, once again, captivated by the music, the songs, the choreography and the dances, the characters and the drama of it all! But in live theatre, there can be silence, a pause for reflection and a few seconds to consider what will happen next. And that whistle that breaks the silence, ...who is being called and who is calling? Same for the snapping of the fingers, "we're cool" "we're dancing", "come here", "join up or join in" or "something's coming". There was also the silence of sneakers and soft shoes, for grace as well as stealth. The power comes from skillful dancers, light on their feet, moving quickly, purposefully, and efficiently. And then there is more silence as characters take stock of each other, lots of thinking before they break into song and dance.

CTORA Productions has done an excellent job of bringing in the best for all 6 teams: Creative Team, Designers (Set,Costumes, Lighting and Sound), Musicians, Stage Management, Production, and Marketing Team. The marketing for West Side Story is excellent and begins with the CTORA website, which has such fantastic photos and videography by Canna Zhou (Instagram), who has been with the company since 2017.

The West Side Story Production Brochure, is a beauty, too. Red, with the shadows of Maria and Tony, reaching up to their story title, it contains the profiles and photos of the entire team! You know them even before you see the show. I really like the preface: From Director, Chris Adams, and his comments about the heart of the show: "At the heart of this piece is a rare alchemy: Leonard Bernstein's sweeping, complex score, Stephen Sondheim's sharp and emotionally rich lyrics and Jerome Robbins' iconic choreography." Music Director, Kevin Woo and an orchestra of 14, managed to play from a separate room and used monitors to see the stage. I knew about the orchestra and its location because Canna gave me a quick tour before the show. Seeing the musicians at work, is another wonderful benefit of attending live theatre. All of the musical numbers are listed and were performed so well.

Favourites were: "Something's Coming" and "Maria" by Sayer Roberts (Tony) "I Feel Pretty" Cassandra Consiglio (Maria and Shark Girls) and "Somewhere" by Holly Collis Handford, (Anybodys, Tony, Maria and Company). It takes an entire Creative Team of dance and movement experts to make the action real, safe and in sync with the music. WOWS to Chris Adams, Director, Suzanne Ouellette, Choreographer, Kevin Woo, Music Director, Julie Murphy, Intimacy Director, Violence Design, Mike Kovac Fight Director, Celene Harder, Assistant FD, Jennifer Lynch Assistant Choreographer/Dance Captain and Monica Sumulong Dumas, Assistant Music Director. Kudos, too to Brian Ball, Set and Costume Design for not only dressing up the set as an iconic backdrop but also for envisioning clothing that moves with the dancers and reflects past and present trends. A nod to Andy Sandberg for a preshow chat about her lengthy Stage Management experience and her love for West Side Story. I saluted the Set Design and Building and Lighting in my instagram reel of my West Side Story Evening. A big thank you and bows to all! Dear Canna, I send roses for sharing your perfect photos! It is so rare that I attend events for pure enjoyment minus the dreaded photo editing. There is a place for us in this visionary, creative community! Go TEAM!!!

Photos by Canna Zhou

PATCHWORK: VSB Climate Fashion Show - Students from 11 Vancouver High Schools Present Fashion That Is High On Style and Low On Environmental Harm

2025-04-29T12:23:00.000-04:00

Whenever I see the word Patchwork, I think of quilts! Quilts can be made individually or by a group. They can be a bed cover, a wall hanging, or can accessorize clothing. They provide warmth and comfort and inspiration, in terms of their stories, patterns, fabrics and the variety of techniques used to make them. Quilts were originally made as wedding gifts or for the hope chest of bedding made for the first home together. They could be made from the finest materials or from whatever was at hand, an early form of recycling,reducing waste and upcycling. I once attended a day of workshops at Quilt Canada, this time in Vancouver, and met so many makers of all kinds of quilts. Quilting is a way of meeting to share ideas, to create art, make memories and design something useful, long lasting, able too be upcycled, recycled and reused forever. Patches are pieced together for family and friends, for fundraising, and for powerful ways to make strong statements. In this case, PATCHWORK,a Climate Fashion Show, held Friday April 25, 2025 at Kitsilano Secondary, involved more than 160 volunteers, a community from 11 Vancouver Schools, who have spent many months learning together how to patch together all the pieces required to produce a show to teach about the detrimental effects of fast fashion on the environment and to show us more ways to dress with statement and style with what we already have, what we can make that is sustainable/eco friendly and long lasting, and how we can buy less and toss less into the landfill. Maeve Downing, Head Organizer got a great committee together, some from her school, Windermere and others from across the Vancouver School District. With extensive experience at Vancouver Fashion Week and Vancouver Kids Fashion Week, Maeve asked people from the Fashion Industry and Fashion Programs, to give training workshops and this list was posted at the event! WOW! Thanks! Brilliant to show the audience (Parents, Students, Teachers, Sponsors...everyone, that this production happened because of commitment to the cause, ongoing training and using every resource they knew, through their own active involvement in school and community. When I met this committee, late in the afternoon, after a long day of school and activities, I was impressed with their energy, enthusiasm and readiness to get going. We interviewed each other as a way of learning how to get started and as a way to think about content for writing. PATCHWORK is a major academic project for them and I know they will record this experience as a memory of their accomplishments and hopefully as a template, a blueprint for educating and gaining community support for vital causes.

The PATCHWORK Climate Fashion Show is a remarkable Student Led Achievement! First, there was a high level of Student participation from all areas of the city. Each Student brought skills and experience and a commitment to action. I look at them as the top of the quilt, individual pieces featuring the faces, the stories, the cultures, the fashion designs, the photographs, the music, and the invitation to become part of a wrap around for closer attention to and better care of the environment. The batting or filling for the quilt is the sustainably sourced fabric, the closets mined for upcycling and recycling outfits, the 'found' and thrifted materials, the equipment and spaces for the planning, practising and staging of the show, the favourite pairs of shoes and boots worn thin by the travel and running around, the vast amounts of food to sustain the high energy of these teens, and a lot of hopes, dreams and vision of the final performance! The backing and binding are the foundation of this PATCHWORK Quilt! The Families, Friends, Education, the Programs, the Clubs, the Vancouver School Board and its many Green and Sustainability Initiatives and support for projects like PATCHWORK, the Teachers, Administrators, Maintenance and Facilities Staff, VCCFASHION and many additional Mentors, Workshop Resources and quiet voices of encouragement, along the way, are all the enhancements, the quilting technique on the back of every quilt. As for the dedication, how many names do you think would be added? Embroidered, stencilled, appliquéd? And now that this PATCHWORK is completed, when will the next one be? Congratulations all, for an Inspiring and Impactful Slow Fashion Event!!!

Please go to Patchwork VSB and PATCHWORK:VSB Climate Fashion Show for the details of Committee Members, Designers, and the process of the whole project and the final fashion show. We have been watching Maeve Downing shine behind the scenes and on the stage at Vancouver Fashion Week and Vancouver Kids Fashion Week, for a long time. I have written about her here: https://www.clotheslinefinds.com/2024/04/maeve-downing-volunteering-learning-art.html. Marilyn Wilson, who writes extensively about Designers and their collections, locally and internationally, interviewed Maeve, here. Both Marilyn and I made reels about PATCHWORK here and here. We thank Maeve for the invitation and the whole cast for a wonderful show. Students are our future. We look forward thanks to them!

Maeve Downing receives flowers for her exceptional leadership. Delara, her Co-Organizer is also such an accomplished, leading light!

This is Evelyn Huang (Windermere) and my very first welcome to the PATCHWORK Climate Fashion Event

Maeve Downing and friends who welcomed PATCHWORK attendees to the event.

Designed by Delara Reporter (Kits) who sourced her material from @oursocialfabric, a non-profit fabric recycling initiative/store in Vancouver

Designed by Delara Reporter who made her jewelry from scraps from her school's metal shop

Linnea and her recycled architectural drawings as clothing/wearable art

More of Linnea's architectural drawings/outfits

Vancouver Fashion Week Is Coming Right Up Tuesday April 8 - Sunday April 13. Dare to Wear Red!

2025-04-05T21:37:00.000-04:00

To me, red is the colour of energy, drama and excitement, all that Vancouver Fashion Week provides, each season. I wear red accessories: jewelry, berets, bags, scarves and even coats. Last time, October 2024, I wore and saw a lot of red. I wonder what Designers see first? Is it the garment or the colour? Some new ways to wear red, this April, might include: red sheer tops or dresses like Alexs Yu creates, or plaids and knits by Allison Dunne or a dynamic faux fur, maybe cuffs or punk leather jacket sleeves, that might show up in a Fashion School Collection, perhaps by VCC Fashion or Lasalle College Vancouver, both of which you will see, Wed. April 9th! Red could make a Fedora hat band statement or an elegant heel for a chunky Fluevog heel. A scarlet camera strap or a tomato red tie, a tux with a satin red lining,...the possibilities are infinite ...to the moon and back. So much Fashion to see and so soon. Be there to see the drama unfold. Wear a touch of red. Dare you! Here are some of the reds I saw, on the Vancouver Fashion Week runway, last time.

My jewelry is by Carolyn Bruce. Her spectacular pieces call people over to talk.

Dress is by Ted Baker and jacket by Katherine Barclay, both treasure hunted and changed up for many seasons. Hair by Ryoko Tsuchida.

Afsaneh Reihanifard, who will show her collection: REIHANI DESIGN, at 7:30, April 8 at Van Fashion Week! With her is Willow Del Rose Digital Content Creator.

Emma Ireland Designs

Alexs Yu

Bahar Kianpour and wearing red is Afsaneh Reihanifard, both of these designers are showing at Van Fashion Week, this season.

Poppy Wang

Bahar Kianpour and Afsaneh Reihanifard, again, standout red in the audience

Wearing a red wristband is Designer Lexi Chang of Hazihaus

Doggie in purse of Designer The Cut Design Academy

Designer Alexs Yu presents his 10th Anniversary Collection at Van Fashion Week

Jamal Abdourahman, Founder and Producer of Van Fashion Week and Designer Alexs Yu are interviewed on Global TV

Alexs Yu

More vibrant red from Designer Emma Emma Ireland Designs

Continued 10th Anniversary party for Alexs Yu

Happy Fashion Week, everyone. "May your days (April 8-13) be as bright and joyful as the colour red."

Be My Romance A DSI Fashion Event by Chw ( Bella Sirena) Yu February 13, 2025

2025-02-19T09:22:00.002-05:00

Sirena founded DSI (Designer Search International) a Production Company, in 2017. A Ballerina, Model, Fashion Merchandising Grad as well as Theatre Grad (UVIC) Sirena has been working in TV and Film and is now back in Fashion, helping Designers to get their work onto the red carpet. The Annex at 823 Seymour, is an intimate space, perfect for spotlighting fabric and design. The seats are tiered, too. This time, the stage was filled with the colours of Valentines: red, white and pink. The word "love" appeared in almost every photo. Our Emcee, Brodie Marples and Lyndall Elizabeth Elder, teamed up for introductions and interviews and kept up hilarious chat and thoughtful commentary, throughout the evening. Lots of great music and song by: DJ-BlackPace/LadyPace, Singer, Jonny-Noel and Musician, Dean Saxman! Designers: Cassidy Theresa Breon, Cremains Cremains, Claire Paradis, Kimberly Mac. Models: AaRish Sharma, Aiesha Jones, Caitlin MacGillvray, Chw Bella Sirena, Egwuatu Francis Beacon, Kimberly Mac, Lauren Crick, Nicole Haney, Owen Mius de Pobomcoup, Ryley Dempster, Silver Ginza, Soheila Aldaghi, Tessa Marie-Fleur Li. All brought statement, flair and style to the stage. Music, Fashion, Staging, Engagement and Love, what more for Valentine's Day.I dressed in red and wore a fabulous Valentine necklace by Carolyn Bruce! The grand finale brought the whole team, holding lights and bringing us all closer with the Elton John song: "Can You Feel The Love Tonight?". Yes, for sure! Bravo! Please see Designer Reels on my Instagram.

The Entertainers

Finale

Reconstructed Identities Eloquently Expressed Through Grad Fashion Collections at Lasalle College Vancouver - December 19, 2024

2024-12-28T21:22:00.000-05:00

KEIYA, EMMA, DANA, JUDY, RAMI, RENDA: Identity, Vision, Style Thanks Lasalle College Vancouver (Fashion) for the detailed brochure about these fantastic Grads! Thanks for the invitation to a wonderful display of Design talent. Thanks for the likes and follows for my reels and posts. Our Fashion future is here!

Keiya

Keiya Nagai is Japanese Canadian and his collection: SENTIMENTAL RECORDS, reflects his passion for sharing his culture and presenting it in new ways for his generation here and eventually, around the world. I have been to Tokyo Fashion Week and hope he can show there, as well as at Vancouver Fashion Week. I love how Keiya, who is committed to sustainability and change, has retained the strong visuals of Japanese design but has presented such creative interpretations of the obi and kimono. The obi becomes a waist band for a pink tulle skirt and the kimono becomes a jacket, a capelet and a longer cape, with dramatic scenes on the back. Culture and Craftsmanship beautifully sustained!

Emma

Emma Duggan presented her collection: A GOSSAMER DREAM, that brought the stark setting to life, with bright white, forest colours, colourful ribbons and embroideries and pink wings, all of which show the impressive range of her craft and design skills, but also the story of what women might dream of and what they choose to wear every day. Designer, Model, Goddess, all with choice, strength and confidence. I love the wings and the short, white fitted dress, for its youth and fitted design. Also love Emma's corsetted dress and hope she visits Melanie Talkington of Lace Embrace Atelier Corset Museum.

Dana

Dana Paola is from Salamanca, Mexico and has designed a menswear collection: TAILORED DISRUPTION. I met her family, before the show and am hoping they will model for her at Vancouver Fashion Week, next year. Family and Culture, definitely shape the Designer! Sustainability, exquisite tailoring and creative new looks, especially the jackets, characterize Dana's work.

Judy

Judy Taylor is a mater crafter and uses a wide array of techniques in her women's wear collection. INTRICATE NATURE shows a soft colour palette of sustainable linen in so many variations beyond the traditional basics. I loved that she wore her own sweater. Also impressed that this is another career for this multitalented Designer from the Prairies. flax fields and big skies. I would wear all of these styles and they would fit! Looking forward to seeing some petites at Vancouver Fashion Week!

Rami

Rami Chaman is from Pakistan and incorporates her cultural background in her designs. I love her colour choices and how the sari has taken on new forms. The wide, off the shoulder sleeves give this purple top a unique look. The ruffled, extended sleeve becomes a cape in the cream coloured outfit. The shimmering silk, fitted dress is dynamic and moves with the body like a second skin. So well constructed! I think it would be fascinating for Rami to meet Parvesh Jai's Bridal, Designers who have shown at Vancouver Fashion Week and all over the world. Sure hope to see more of Designer Rami Chaman next year, on the runway, too!

Renda Pei

Rend, is from Mongolia and his collection: THE SOFT REVOLUTION, reflects his love of technology and clothing for exploring new worlds, perhaps in Space and perhaps right here. His is a menswear collection, featuring a bright blue double-breasted jacket and pants, paired with vibrant red shoes. Very dramatic and powerful. I like the idea that clothing can convey messages, maps, signals and more. This collection sets he stage for music, maybe a full symphony orchestra with lots of drums. It is truly dressing for "the next frontier". Looking forward to seeing more at Vancouver Fashion Week, next year!

Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week Nov. 20 23, 2024 Day 3: Indigenous Futures

2024-12-03T12:40:00.001-05:00

I was fortunate to be able to attend three out of the four wonderful shows, this time at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. I have written blogs and created reels for most Designers, for Nov. 20, 21 and 22. You can find more details at VIFW.ca (Designers) and find complete details on their websites and social media. Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week's Media Team have been hard at work day and night, spotlighting Designers, Artists, Performers and Market Highlights (vifw.ca/marketplace). You can find so much online but to meet the Artists see their designs on the runway and those Models (Supernaturals Modeling) and Guest Models (Friends and Family, of course) you really must get to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre as many nights as possible. VIFW has provided a fantastic showcase of Indigenous Creativity, once a year, usually in Nov./Dec, since 2017. Indigenous Futures are shining brightly everywhere, but are especially so at VIFW and at Fashion Events all over the world. Here are my favourite photos, miraculously snapped amidst enthusiastic audiences, who also had cameras and phones, and after most performances, gave standing ovations. Have a look at these and the reels on my Instagram and you will see that Indigenous Culture, Community, Art, Music, and Performance continue to flourish. Indigenous F,utures assured!! Designers: Girls Who Leap/ Kevin Gosnell Two Smudge/ Matthew Provost, / Angela Howe, HstryMkrs / KC Hall & Charles Brown, Savage Kids/Darren "Young D" Metz and Quintin "Yung Trybez, Alicia's Designs, Indi City, Angel Aubichon (not covered but lots at vifw.ca and on her Instagram.

Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week - Day 2 - Nov. 21 All My Relations

2024-11-30T12:26:00.000-05:00

At Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, Nov 21, 2024, Day 2: All My Relations, I thought about travel and how this evening's Designers travelled here from their homes in Yellow Knife, Manitoba, Ontario and beyond.They bring their communities and landscapes with them. A lot have been to the USA and Europe and then all the way to Vancouver. for VIFW. Imagine not only travelling but designing a collection, and packing and transporting it! Designing, Marketing, Mentoring, Meeting new people and staying in new places. In 2018, I went to Toronto Indigenous Fashion Week and saw Cris Derksen, there. Cris was our Musical Artist, at VIFW, on opening night at the Red Dress Event, and Yolonda Skelton, here, She showed at VIFW(Nov. 20) Lesley Hampton, exhibited at VIFW (Nov. 21) You can see the entire Toronto post here. Vancouver is only one stop on the road to many Fashion events.

Indigenous Fashion Weeks are all about celebrating culture, arts and design and connecting with the makers, musicians, performers and media. Who is writing, who is filming, who is taking this talent to the papers, the magazines, to television and movies? I have seen coverage in The Vancouver Sun, The Tyee, The Georgia Straight, and at Stir. Global News and APTN News. On Nov 20, I met a reporter who was writing for Elle Canada. There is so much more and this is a sign of the consistently excellent shows that shine at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, each year. These Designers, Artists, Musicians, Performers, Models, many from here, travel to other events, then from there, to get back here for this Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, and then travel to share their work all over the world. When I travel, I look for Indigenous Fashion Weeks and now, there will always be someone I know. It's a Family.

Designers for Nov. 21: All My Relations, are listed below, with my photos. I have made reels and shared them with the Designers. I always get a hello and a thank you. A big thanks to all of you, everyone that is part of the VIFW team/family. Reels are on my Instagram and you can find lots of writing about VIFW, over the years, since 2017. More about the Designers at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (Designers) and at their links. These are my photos except for Designer, Kaylyn Baker, which are courtesy of Writer, Andrew Jackson.

Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week - Nov. 20-23, 2024 - Red Dress Event, All My Relations, Indigenous Futures and Spirit of the West Coast

2024-11-28T10:43:00.001-05:00

I have been writing about Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) since its inception in 2017. A look back shows a smaller venue and fewer Designers but the same fantastic Fashion, Art, Music and Performance and extraordinary runway skill and confidence by Models. (The formation of the all Indigenous, Supernaturals Modelling has been so key to ensuring a wide range of and ages and increased possibilities for membership, training and career development for Indigenous youth, especially.) The first show was historic and spectacular, a beginning that made the promise of resilience and future, and it was extraordinary to see the Brinks truck outside, security for the Bill Reid Jewelry Collection, brought in to further showcase Indigenous Culture and Creative achievements. And as for youth, 10 year old Derek Packer, showed a dress he had made for his sister and proudly walked to meet the cheering crowd, at the end of his collection. Here is what I saw then in 2017. Today, there are 8 or more Designers for each evening as well as Artists, Dancers, Musicians and a Marketplace (vifw.ca/marketplace) each night. There is a photo wall with Professional Photographers for photos and many attendees making their own photo memories. And Social Media, well, lots of texting and tagging and following and videoing and writing and lots of thanking and connecting. The brochure is professionally created, double sided and contains Sponsors, Partners, Designers, Artists, Emcees and DJ's, Special Performance Guests, and a Welcome Speaker for each night. Here are some of the highlights from The Red Dress Event, Nov. 20, 2024. Nov 21, and Nov 22 highlights will be on the second blog post. I have chosen Red Dresses, for the most part, to remember and honor missing and murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This tragedy continues. We all wore red. Joleen Miskinahk, Founder of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, is always the first to greet and welcome us to the week. Inspiration leader, she is always a Model, too and also was instrumental in the formation of the Indigenous Modelling Agency Supernaturals Modelling. While the colour Red is at the heart of the Red Dress Event, there is brilliant gold in Rebecca Baker Grenier's collection(@rebecca.baker.g) and that, to me, shines a light on the excellence that is in every design, this first evening of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW). The Art and Craft of Salish Weaving by Chepximila Siyam, Chief Janice George and Skwetsimeltxw, Wilfred Buddy Joseph,shows the history of hand made and blanketing for warmth, idenity and Art. Loved the red dress by Yolonda Skelton because it is dynamic and celebratory. The fitted jacket with embellished collar and lapels, finishes off a complete story. The intricately designed red dress by Taalrumiq is worn by her daughter, so it is a mother and daughter team on the runway! Imagine designing the dress, an entire collection, planning the show of her runway show and then walking in it, too! Lindsay King did an entire collection in red, for women and men. The fit is key, here. Lindsay's own magnificent black coat lined with red was truly a grand finale! My favourite image in the Ocean Kiana collection is of the two models, on in a ribbon skirt and the other in a short red dress, showing the blend of traditional and modern looks. History in the making, yesterday and today. I have been fortunate to meet Rebecca Baker Grenier and interviewed her, last time, here. In this collection, I loved the variety, touches of red and then the gold/silver black top and shimmering skirt. So much Indigenous talent and skill in these beautifully organized and statement making collections for Nov. 20 The Red Dress Event. The Red Dress Event Designers: Chepximiya Siyam: Chief Janice George + Skwetsimeltxw, Wilfred Buddy Joseph Chief Janice George Sugiit Lukxs Designs by Yolonda Skelton, Taalrumiq, Lindsay King, Ocean Kiana, Rebecca Baker Grenier. Please see more information about these Designers at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW). My photo reels are on my Instagram here.

Rebecca Grenier-Baker

SMOC - Society For the Museum of Original Costume Event: INSIDE OUT, Featuring Ivan Sayers and Mitchell Mackay on The Art of Fashion Construction and Cutting

2024-11-06T18:37:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, Nov 3, 2024 I went to Hycroft Ballroom 1489 McRae Ave. Vancouver, for another fascinating event, jointly hosted by SMOC Costume and CAFTCAD (Canadian Alliance of Film and Television Costume Arts and Design). President Melanie McIntosh and President of CAFTCAD, Allisa M. Swanson, welcomed us to the event and especially to the silent auction, benefiting both organizations. More at CAFTCAD here. Ivan Sayers brought 12 dresses and talked about their place in history and how the shape and construction details, reflected status, the 'ideal' image for women, during each era and lots of stories about where he got each dress, who made it and who wore it. These dresses are from Ivan's extensive collection from 1750-1970. What do the two white dresses have to say? One is the oldest from early 1900s, and was a wedding dress in Atlin, B.C. There is a front page newspaper clip of it and the wedding, as there was an avalanche nearby that happened around the same time.Both dresses are matronly; the figure is seen but details not revealed. There are lots of frills, and the impression is one of women's fragility and need for protection. The second is from a late date. The third dress, 1917-1918 is high waisted, girlish, frivolous, the dress beside it has a Chinese image, more international, waist is natural and fabric is lighter and allows easier movement, the brown dress is made of rayon, waist has dropped, more about work, practical colour, wartime, stock market crash, then on to 1938 where the figure is more defined, dresses curve at the hip, still puffed sleeves but more natural and less flounce; bad times equal the need for strength, vitality, ability and independence.The pale blue pastel dress with daisies on the pockets (so practical) less money and availability for fabric so shorter skirts, black and red rayon dress, 1947, again, stamina, emphasis on job, sports, active participation rather than passive stance. The Mondrian dress, Yves St. Laurent 1965. Wearable Art, legs are the feature, the swinging sixties, waif like look, young,leggy, and out in the world, Twiggy. The Sequin dress was worn by Mitzi Gaynor when she appeared at The Cave Supper Club (1968) in Vancouver. Last two outfits: pink 3/4 length coat to match short skirt and turtleneck sweater. Clinging black, fitted top, tiny waist and polka dots and a slit for showing off more leg. This is just a light skim of the encyclopaedia of fashion that is Ivan Sayers. You have to attend the events to meet him and hear the jokes and stories. He has received multiple awards, even an Originator Award from Vancouver Fashion Week!

Mitchell Mackay "...has worked as a cutter, milliner and Special effects Costumer for most of the major theatres in Canada, including the Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, National Ballet, Vancouver Playhouse, Citadel Theatre and Bard on the Beach. He moved here during the 1990's and created costumes for 16 Feature Films and 7 TV Series. For 6 Seasons he was the Principal Cutter/Fitter for the Emmy nominated series: Once Upon a Time." Mitchell is a Canadian who got his start in Barrie, Ontatio and has worked in the industry, everywhere for 40 years. He talks about being lucky but you know it takes great knowledge to get the time period right and great skill to design a costume that not only fits and is the right fabric and colour but is also accurate in terms of buttons, thread, embroidery, accessories. And, it has to be made to last through many production evenings. Plus, you might have to design for a monkey or a ghost, just be prepared to take it all on. He talked a great deal about being a team member and how very little is made by one person, alone. Also, that hand made, does not mean the whole costume was made by one person by hand. And couture is actually measured by the hours devoted to making a costume. And how about designing patterns, too? Mitchell walked by all of the dresses and then said that he was amazed at how little time it took for dresses and projected body image to change. He was impressed by how dresses gradually became more freeing, losing the corset and bindings, and hoops and other restrictions; women are no longer compelled to comply but can choose to wear what they like. He referenced, "...the last dance of women willing to suffer." Mitchell said that men's fashion was correctional while women's was presentational but that is changing. Men now have to spend more time on the presentation, in terms of spending more time at the gym and watching their weight, in order to fit into those skinny stove pipe pants and tight fitting jackets. Mitchell's worst enemy is Lycra, the bane of a costumer's existence, he says. He prefers eco fabrics, natural and long lasting. The ballroom floor at Hycroft was Mitchell's stage! Many of the audience dressed up, as they often do when they come to an event here. This day, it might have sold out any Vancouver Theatre.

I always like to meet newcomers,especially those who are planning to go into Fashion/Art Careers. This time, I was delighted to meet Katherine Salomon, in her grade 12 year, and still managing to volunteer at Vancouver Fashion Week with a very well known local Designer, Eduardo Ramos Studio. She is already on the scene, learning the craft and the craft of fashion shows, and meeting others in the business. She is planning to go further in Toronto or London, but we know she could also be here in any of our fabulous fashion programs. Her very supportive, fashion enthusiastic family was with her. Illima Loomis, her Mom and Shirley Salomon, her Grandma, are so supportive of Katherine's interests. Hope to see them all again at SMOC events, soon. I wore a gold jacket to celebrate what I knew would be a memorable event. Owl jewelry by Carolyn Bruce was much admired.

EWMA X Atira At Vancouver Fashion Week Oct. 25, 2024 (Day 4) A Statement About Strong, Fit Women

2024-11-05T20:39:00.001-05:00

I have been drawn to the concepts of empowering women and ending violence, significant themes in all of the Ewma Store collections, since 2015. Last time, EWMA Artists designed their Pink Collection that fundraised for Cancer research, and was a tribute to Barb, one of their wonderful Designers who lost her battle with breast cancer. See my previous post from last time here. This time, Friday Oct. 24, the collection was all about the 90's, Retro and a blaze of neon. To me, it spoke of individuality, endless creativity, strength and fitness. Artists who designed this blast to the past are: Hongoro Design, Backwards Rider, Kiln Ceramic Jewelry, Pompom Dancer, Domi Palomino, Myla, Julian, Janina, and Farlee_mowat. On Friday night, before Ewma X Atira opened a fabulous weekend of local and international Fashion, I (in my brilliant orange silk kimono) was greeted by Domi Palomino, a Designer I met last season, wearing pink, a vivid memory and salute to all pink warriors. A great sewist and beader, Domi was there to support Ewma creatives and is still posting photos, daily. Ewma Designers use donated and recycled materials and upcyle them for their VFW collection. Always out of this world earrings and accessories by Kiln Ceramic Jewelry. An example of how ceramics can be used in clothing as well as accessories, is this two piece ceramic outfit, modelled by well known local Photographer, Yvonne Hanson. Many of us have walked, and my hat is off to those who choose this challenging career. EWMA is all about creative and enterprising, and empowered women. It is a strong community! The last photo features Model, Extremely Erin Erin Leigh, who truly represents fitness, focus and achievement. That brilliant yellow is golden!

Yvonne Hanson

3 Japanese Designers: Naoki Mulakami, Yukoogawa, and Anyluck at Vancouver Fashion Week Day 4 Friday Oct 25, 2024

2024-11-03T10:27:00.000-05:00

I wore a vibrant orange kimono in honor of Japanese Designers who travel all the way here and bring such artistry to Vancouver Fashion Week! SUGOI is a Japanese word that I would use to describe the following 3 collections. SUGOI means amazing strength, great, wonderful, terrific. Naoki Mulakami's collection, I AM I, speaks to me of the importance of self expression and celebrating who you are. Naoki's company hand paints, primarily on shirts, but I also love the kimono, skirts, dresses, skirts and jackets. Naoki does the painting and Shota develops the patterns. She also works with a variety of other artists at her studio. Yukoogawa, was launched in 1997. She uses ancient kimono fabric (ramie) which is taken from ancient Jamon ruins and her theme: Katakamuna is based on ancient Japanese language and characters. She, too collaborates with others and one, Hyugaj, developmentally disabled, is a talented Artist. Another is Otahaj, who is a travelling story teller. This collection is a whimsical, happy one with lots of variety and accessories. Anyluck by Hayaka Morita, is one that asks the question: Did anything good happen?" Yes, and it is all in the presentation of this collection. Launched in 2023, it is based on Tarot Cards, Art and Cycles, and the belief that there is always a new and fresh world every day.I liked the animal accessories and prints on the shirts, especially. The last photo, here is of attendees who dress for Fashion Week. If we have outfits from Designers who are showing that evening, we will wear them. Other times, we will decide what the theme for the shows might be and then wear outfits and accessories to honor and support local and international Designers we are so inspired by, at Vancouver Fashion Week, each season. ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU!!!

Naoki Mulakami

Yokoogawa

Anyluck

ALEX S YU Celebrates 10 Years of "Contemporary Women's Wear for the Everyday Dreamer" At Van Fashion Week 2024

2024-10-29T22:01:00.000-04:00

Alex has treated Vancouver Fashion Week attendees to 10 years of fabulous collections, each a froth of brilliant colour and dynamic stories. He invited us all to celebrate, first and then dazzled us with this season's collection. He and Jamal Abdourahman, Founder and CEO of Vancouver Fashion Week, were interviewed on Global News Morning. They supported emerging and established Designers, local and international, and the week long event as the perfect platform to showcase design talent. The ALEX S YU woman is actively pursuing her dreams and dresses to work, play and travel. Her clothing is both formal and informal but always full of colour, style and statement. More information via his website here. Oh, and by the way, when Alex is at Vancouver Fashion Week, everyone wears his brand! We celebrate your success, Alex S Yu! I have written about Alex many times and to celebrate another one of those 10 years, here is another colourful post.

EMMA IRELAND DESIGNS WINS THE SUE RANDHAWA AWARD AT VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK OCT 22-27, 2024

2024-10-29T22:00:00.000-04:00

Emma Ireland Shepherd is the Fashion Programs Manager at Blanche Macdonald Centre and is also a full time Instructor, there. Educated in New York, she brings her design training and superb creative talent to work every day, as well as creating her own colourful, whimsical collection, "Love Letters To Girlhood" which debuted at Vancouver Fashion Week Day 1, Oct 22.

Think hot pink and red hearts and stars, and a nod to the past, but these are styles easily worn now. Plaids, checks, hearts and bows, round collars, flared pants, frills, swing coats and detailed accessories salute youth, femininity, energy and fun.

Emma won the Sue Randhawa (The Optical Boutique) Award, this season at Vancouver Fashion Week. Congratulations to Emma for her beautiful collection and for her mentorship and support for emerging Designers, here and everywhere she takes her fabulous Design Talents.

See more about the scholarship via my interview with Sue Randhawa here.

BAD BOY - The Latest Jason Davey Mystery by Local Author, Winona Kent

2024-08-08T10:26:00.116-04:00

So excited to see Winona Kent's new mystery, BAD BOY, making its debut Sept 26, 2024. Winona's photo, here is by Jim Goddard, an excellent photographer, who posts great photos of Winona's many book events. Brian Richmond designs all of Winona Kent's book covers, and the Jason Davey mysteries always feature a guitar, as Jason is a musician as well as a sleuth.

The London setting shows the Shard, a huge hotel complex with the highest pool in Western Europe, with a city view of London Bridge and the Thames. That imposing sky scraper, the Shard, is the setting for the first major incident in the story. Is it a crime and who is the bad boy? The unsettled and darkening sky hint at dark times ahead.

This is a musical mystery, one that involves finding stolen musical scores/arrangements (Sir Edward Elgar: The Enigma Variations) by following a 6 word clue: Judy, Wensley Manor, Market Street and Newlydale. Finding people and places is a complex puzzle, which Jason works through by consulting with family and fellow musicians and friends, using maps, (old and new)sustaining himself with lots of chocolate, biscuits and double Gloucester cheese, and being a tourist around the city and countryside. He is expert at getting people to tell their stories, revealing more clues. So many references of places he has played at and the locations of 'meet-ups' and critical incidents, provide readers with music and perhaps travel memories. Even "The Antiques Roadshow" has role and I could hear the introductory music as soon as I saw the name. Cliff Richard and The Shadows, Herbie Hancock, Buddy Holly, David Bowie, The Bee Gees,The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Terry O"Neill (Photographer) Piccadilly Circus, Denmark Street (Regent Sounds) are a just a few of the people and places.

So many songs to be remembered and locations, all popular tourist attractions, today. Is there more than one crime, here? Read on to find out. Winona gives readers two chapters to read here: http://www.winonakent.com/badboy-chapters.html More about her books here: http:www.winonakent.com

A Few Questions for Winona:

Who are some of your models for your lead, Jason?

Jason is based on "...a musician my husband and I met on board a Holland America Cruise to Alaska, in 2009. He was a one man band playing his guitar in one of the lounges. I first wrote about him in "Cold Play" my 3rd novel and brought him back, with a permanent gig in London and a career as a sleuth. Jason will come to Vancouver in the 6th book." (Musicians are memorable)

What is your favourite music?

Rock and Roll from the 50's and early 60's and the British Invasion, of course.

What are you reading right now?

"Bermondsey Boy" by Tommy Steele - his autobiography. I love autobiographies.

Note: Winona was in London during the summer of 1968 when the Beatles' film: "Yellow Submarine" opened at the London Pavilion, Piccadilly Circus, and saw the Beatles arrive. She says: "That was pretty exciting for a 14year old teen from Regina, Saskatchewan.

BAD BOY is available for preorder on Amazon. I have written about Winona Kent, previously, here: Ten Stories That Worried My Mother, Ticket to Ride, Notes on a Missing G-String.

Photo by Jim Goddard

Image via Amazon

Lighting Up Monday: Dressing Up For BARD ON THE BEACH - TWELFTH NIGHT!

2024-06-28T11:41:00.001-04:00

I have to plan my week by starting off with a brilliant Monday. This time, Monday June 24th, Mel Kobayashi and I met up at David Lam Park, to chat about what she wore to opening night of TWELFTH NIGHT and why dressing up lifts your mood, lights your creative fires, emits positive energy, adds joy, and gets you out into the community and beyond. If life is a circus, might as well actively participate. Ring Master, Trapeze Artist, Musician, Acrobat, Fortune Teller, Magician...camera, lights, action and we're off!

In preparation for our discussion about the play, TWELFTH NIGHT, currently on at Bard on the Beach, I dressed in a vibrant gold jacket by Hot & Delicious and added the lips necklace, the wooden, must-coloured bracelet, the pearl ring (pearls and rings are in the play) and pearl bracelet, and the vintage sunglasses.The Shakespeare/England Starbucks mug, the tiny crown, with its coloured jewels by Carolyn Bruce, the blue mask, the fool's/clown's sceptre/wand, the fancy envelope (isn't there always a letter or note in the plays?) and the mirror necklace (who are we?) and the twins: sparkly, pearl and gold earrings/ornaments Carolyn Bruce and twin, gold faces earrings, again, female/male (who's who?), all on a silk, circus coloured fabric, set our stage.

I wore the gold jacket, a pink fedora, striped top and matching striped stockings, (stockings and garters feature prominently in Twelfth Night), blue pants with side stripes of gold, lots of pearls and a sunglasses patterned bag. Thanks to Mel for taking these photos of my outfit!

But Mel dressed up for the Opening Night of "Twelfth Night" because dressing up is a way to show support and preparation for the event. It is sharing in the creative act and both respects and nods to all of the creatives who stage performances like this one and so many others, here in Vancouver and in your other travels. Mel who went with Twelfth Night Costumer Mara Gottler, says the costumes were magnificent and effectively tied together the fast-moving storyline with many role changes. Mara, not only designed all of the costumes for TWELFTH NIGHT, but has made extraordinary costumes for Bard On The Beach since the first production in 1990. Imagine it is now in its 35th season! An Instructor Studio 58 at Langara, she has also designed for other stages and Opera, too. I have never believed in simple costumes so as not to overshadow the story. A big story, I think, can be told through costume, especially this one, set in the carnival world of "ILLYRIA, Land of Misrule". Jerry Wasserman described "fantastic eye- popping costumes", in his review in The Vancouver Sun and Janet Smith referred to the "over-the-top costumes" in her review in STIR. I am sure there will be many more great reviews to come!

Mel Kobayashi at opening night of Bard on the Beach. Photo by Mara Gottler

Orange robe by Malcom Paull (Australia), Two necklaces and ring by Jackiebrazil4you (Jackie Brazil Jewelry Australia), Rainbow dress by vintagebysuzanne, Neon yellow robe by Top Shop, Pink Munsters by Fluevog, Vinyl ruff collar by VCC Fashion students, Striped silk blouse with bow, thrifted Scotch and Soda, Paillettes bag, gift, Handcrafted ring by OSK Micro Art

My photos of Mel

Mel's Sketch of Bard on the Beach

The glitter twins

So have fun, dress up, be who you want to be and get ready for Costume, Drama and Stage. Tickets at: bardonthebeach.org. According to Mel, many people do dress up when they hit Vanier Park for Bard on the Beach performances, on now through September. Be prepared for intrigue, music, a fabulous setting, both on and off the stage, and oh, those costumes. Play on!

Retro Riviera A Hot Exhibit of International and Local Outfits (1960-1970's) From the Collections of Ivan Sayers and SMOC (Society for the Museum of Original Costume) on now until July 2 @hudsonbayvancouverdowntown)

2024-06-23T12:22:00.000-04:00

RETRO RIVIERA is a timely, hot (1960-1970's) collection currently on at Hudson Bay Vancouver Downtown, 2nd floor, The Room. The pieces are from the collections of Ivan Sayers and the Society for the Museum of Original Costume (SMOC). Last Saturday, June 15, Ivan Sayers emceed a Retro Riviera Fashion Show, in a special VIP suite, at The Room, and more than 75 people dressed up and headed into what was a lively summer ticketed event, proceeds to SMOC. We do want a Costume Museum here, as most cities have one to showcase local and international contemporary and historic clothing and textiles. I have visited Costume Museums in Toronto, Montreal, Japan and now throughout the UK. The collections are waiting for storage and exhibition and so many more events. Meanwhile, you can visit Hudson Bay Vancouver Downtown to see outfits you might remember, now through July 2.

Claus Jahnke and I recently visited the RETRO RIVIERA exhibit and he chose some of his favourites. He finds this collection to be quirky and one that broke down barriers, during the 60's and 70's. Imagine women not being able to wear trousers, especially to work. I remember having my skirts measured at school to ensure they were not too short. There was a lot of pressure to dress 'quietly' and modestly. Lots of rules about patterns and colour combinations for women and men, rules, that were discarded, thankfully. And these changes were world wide, not just here or in the USA.

The Lounging Caftan, was "inspired by traditional garments worn in North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean. Nurmesniemi Vuokko from Helsinki worked for Marimekko and had her own label, Vuokko in 1964." This is one of Claus' first choices and I love how it was designed internationally and came here, to us. The Pucci, (Italy) is a bikini and cover up, that is signed and is an example of a bathing suit that is form fitting and accessorized by a cover up that is sheer. The Pant Suit, is made here by Missy House of Canada. These are Claus's first 3 picks and then there were the orange summer dress, a tie-dye, custom made in Nigeria and the green Two Piece Outfit by Aldare, Lagos, made in Nigeria. I loved the Summer Overdress & Trousers by Austrian, Rudi Gernreich Designed for Harmon Knitwear. The green and orange colours, the stripes and circle, make this an outfit I would love to wear. My own resort wear for the day, consisted of a pale mauve dress and patterned mauve 'cover-up', always great for the beach. My beach bag is covered in sunglasses. I also wore a Japanese mauve and yellow flower brooch by Dancing Leaf Design. Fashion and Resorts are international!

Claus and Ivan, founders of SMOC (Society for the Museum of Original Costume) established it in 1992 to "collect historic fashion, traditional costume" and textiles and to "display our collection in a permanent museum of historic fashion and fabric arts". So many exhibits and events in the city, around Metro Vancouver and elsewhere...show the value of collections that reveal our history, culture, politics, trends and fashion stories. Hudson Bay, so historically and architecturally significant is the perfect site for RETRO RIVIERA and more fashion history from Claus and Ivan and SMOC. Please see my reel of Claus's photos of Ivan's Retro Riviera event, June 15th and my photos of our day at the exhibit here:

FASHION SAVES THE DAY!

2024-06-18T10:02:00.001-04:00

Recently shackled and confined indoors by a shadowy, sinister spectre named Pneumonia, I battled this macabre monster into a corner, swiftly, by dressing it daily, in shrouds, musty wool blankets, damp robes with pockets filled with inhalers and pill bottles, all weighted down with the heaviest and most haunting metals by Carolyn Bruce. I tired out the beast and sent it skulking and slithering under the door, down the dark stairway and out into the burning hot sun and deeps of False Creek.

My love of Fashion, here and worldwide, has sustained me and kept the beast in its corner. I have chased Fashion, Design and Architecture in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, now and travel plus Vancouver Fashion Week and Global Fashion Collective shows bring me year round stories, dramas, and dances, all set in video and stage backdrops, a kind of bringing the classics and castles, here.

Please have a look at my reel of opening night of Vancouver Fashion Week, this past season, and see some of our local and international Designers, share their visions and how so many community builders dress up and support these weeks of history in the making. We are always welcomed and hosted by CEO and Founder of VFW, Jamal Abdourahman and Sarah Murray, VCC Fashion.

The following photos are my way of connecting fashion here with my UK adventures. "The eye must travel", and so must the soul. Confined to a small space, indoors, even for a short time is not for me. Any beast that dares to invade my world, be forewarned that you will have to work, to be dressed and to march that runway. And, since you won't like having to perform and write, you will have to leave the floor. So farewell oh beastly pneumonia and hello to a warm and fashionable summer and fall. Looking forward to the very next best season of Vancouver Fashion Week, coming soon!

A visit to see the Elgin Marbles at the British National Museum had me captivated with what the Greeks did with marble. You can also see one of my reels here. The pleating and draping and subtle shading, remnants of what was once brilliant colour, fitted to the body and moving with it, never still, reminds me so much of the costume created by Vancouver's Eduardo Ramos for Ballet BC Dancer, Sidney Chuckas. You can see it on one of my reels here,

London's Fashion and Textile Museum had a fabulous exhibit: THE BIBA STORY 1964-1975 and I was fascinated by Barbara Hulanicki's fashion story and illustrations. Illustration at Vancouver Fashion Week is a constant delight and I was reminded of the wonderful work of local illustrator Forest Tomlin, now relocated in Zurich but still illustrating for Global Fashion Collective. See his Vancouver Fashion Week reel here.

Finally, the bagpipes of Scotland called (The Pipe Band of the Royal Tank Reg. Reel) and all of the castles, grey stone, tartan and rich woollens brought to mind the award winning local VCC Fashion Designer/Instructor, Allison Dunne. Her family heritage is connected to the Shetland Islands and her patterns and textiles remind me of Scottish cities and the need for vivid colours and warm forever knits.

Photo of Allison Dunne and Sue Randhawa, courtesy of VCC

Here's me, looking at you and inviting you to look more at Fashion and find yourself a seat, this Fall at Vancouver Fashion Week.