ISSUE 4 : PACIFIC WESTCOAST VIBE
If you know us at all you will know that our collection has a strong Pacific westcoast vibe. Inasmuch as we see ourselves as a global company, buying and selling in many parts of the world, our roots run deep and it shows in our collections and presentations. This coming year, in particular, you’ll see our heritage stronger than ever, as we ramp up to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in February 2010. According to newspaper reports, the Olympic venues are ready and this morning I took a long walk down to the False Creek waterfront where the Athlete’s Village is almost finished, in the stages of interior decoration and final touches. It’s a very desireable location, with a view of downtown and within walking distance of our favorite place, Granville Island.
Our new RAV transit system is operating between the airport and downtown and we’re all looking forward to reduce traffic woes as a result. I was in Whistler recently and the treacherous road has been replaced with a fantastic new highway. This is truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world going from the sea to the ski hills with a ferry landing, gold mine, some of the best rock climbing bluffs, one of the best places to see eagles in their natural habitat, an awesome waterfall and numerous charming towns and villages along the way.
No, I don’t work for Tourism BC, but, so often we take the beauty and diversity of our region for granted and I must say, as I’ve looked around recently, it’s reminded me of the natural beauty within which we live in Vancouver. We see the ocean, the mountains, coniferous forests, brilliant sunsets, lush gardens, long stretches of beaches every day, right within our downtown core. The beauty surrounds us, affects us and defines our style. You’ll see our city with Olympic coverage, hopefully with more than the cliche images.
Sometimes, as a city, we are ridiculed for not being fashionable enough, not being cosmopolitan enough, not enough cool. Well, I disagree. In Vancouver, our cool is not so obvious, it’s tucked away in places all over the city. It’s not shouting at you or demanding your attention - you must look for it, and if you do, you’ll be rewarded for your effort with a wide variety of unique places. As quintessential Canadians, we don’t flaunt ourselves and tend towards the understated, rather than the overblown. Yet, fashion exists in this city and most often, it’s simple, elegant and inspired by the nature that surrounds us. Vancouverites are reknown for our affinity for the outdoors, yoga, environmental activities, peace activism, alternative spiritual interests and an interracial mix. This creates in interesting dynamic and energy within our independent retail shops, restaurants and cafes.
*if you are coming to Vancouver, here's a taste of the best neighbourhoods for discovering interesting places to shop, eat and entertain yourself.
Granville Island - foodie heaven Farmer’s Market and artist vibe. All independent retailers, no chain stores.
South Granville - mature cool, art gallery street, 18Karat Homestore, Meinhardt’s gourmet foodstore and lots of independant and upcoming fashion.
4th Avenue - revitalized hippy cool, outdoor sports stores and the original Lululemmon, 49th Parallel Coffee, Gravity Pope Shoes + Fashion.
Yaletown - hipster cool, young and trendy. great place to get lost for a day
Gastown - urban decay cool, where fashion meets the urban homeless, Inform Interiors, Obakki fashion, John Fluevog Shoe Studio.
Main St. - off-beat fashion, rummage around for the newest fashion upstarts
Robson Street - mainstream fashion, celebrity spotting
Downtown Granville - nightclubbing cool for the young and the restless.
whatever you do, don’t miss this:
- walking on our numerous beaches, especially at sunset - Spanish Banks, Jericho, Kitsilano, English Bay and Stanley Park seawall
- a drive around Stanley Park
- The Aquarium at Stanley Park to see the tanks of amazing westcoast sealife
- Jazz at The Cellar, Blues at The Yale
- some of the best and least expensive sushi in the world
- multi-ethnic eating: Vij’s for modern Indian, East is East for Middle Eastern, Trattoria on W. 4th, Umberto’s,CinCin for Italian, Pied a Terre, Salade de Fruite and Le Crocodile for French, Blue Water for seafood, Watermark on Kits beach for the best views of water, mountains and gorgeous bodies in swimsuits while you dine.... and the list goes on and on. Whatever you do, don’t miss stopping into our store on South Granville Street. We’ll be showcasing our newest collection with the original artwork by Kenneth Torrance. Hope to see you this year in Vancouver!
posted by Maureen Welton; President + Creative Director
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