You’ve got to feel sorry for brands that are celebrating big anniversaries in Canada this year. Like a kid who’s born on Christmas Day, their birthdays are bound to be overlooked (“We got you a joint present! And nobody feels like eating more cake....”). So we decided to cast the spotlight on the fashion and beauty superstars that have significant anniversaries in 2017, from local labels to international ones.
Tiffany & Co: 180 years
In 1837, Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Youngopened their stationery and “fancy goods”store in New York. It was an instant hit with the city’s fashionable folk, thanks to simple designs that were refreshingly different from the prevailing trend for OTT opulence. These days, it’s probably jewelry’s only real household name, the most reliable choice for everything from christening presents to sweet 16s and, of course, engagement rings. Closer to home, the brand is celebrating 10 years in its Burrard Street location. It’s just reopened after a massive revamp that has almost tripled the size of the store and given it an iconic Atlas clock to guard the corner of Burrard and Alberni.
Jergens bodycare: 100 years
Household staple Jergens arrived in Canada in 1917. Originally associated with Hollywood glamour, it later became known for its targeted products for dry skin. In 2005 it launched Natural Glow Moisturizers that gave a hint of a tan and are still a favourite with beauty editors. This year, it brings out commerative packaging for its centenary, created by Canadian watercolour and digital media artist Stephanie Anne Mackay.
Ralph Lauren: 50 years
Alongside Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren basically invented the American preppy sportswear look, starting in New York with a range of ties in 1967. He was also one of the first to turn his fashion label into a total lifestyle brand and Ralph Lauren now makes clothing, accessories, homewear and fragrances. The man himself stepped down as CEO in 2015 but is still at the creative helm. He’s supposed to be releasing his memoir this year and his personal wealth is estimated at 5.5 billion – not bad for 50 years’ work.
Kalena’s Shoes: 50 years
Commercial Drive’s favourite shoe store celebrates a half-century in Vancouver’s Little Italy this year. Founded by Carmen and Isa D’Onofrio, it specializes in handmade shoes and handbags imported from Italy, just as it did 50 years ago. It’s still family owned – these days, helmed by Carmen and Isa’s daughter, Veralena Casellato. Own-label Kalena’s products are made by manufacturers who also work with Prada and Valentina and the store is famous for its warm and friendly service. To mark its birthday, it has started e-commerce at Kalenashoes.com and is offering a 10 per cent discount with the code, “I LOVE KALENA”.
Nike Cortez sneakers: 45 years
You can keep your Stan Smiths. These days, the only sneaker we want to wear is the Nike Cortez, which is the perfect combo of sporty and stylish. For its big birthday, Nike has worked with Olivia Kim, VP of creative projects at Nordstrom for a navy blue leather version with a pink flash across the mid-sole.
Escents: 25 years
Vancouver native Jacqui MacNeill encountered essential oils when travelling the world. When she got back to BC, she set up an Escents kiosk, aged just 23. In 2003, she experienced complications during her twin pregnancy, which led to brain surgery. She believes scent and essential oils helped her to heal and refocus. In 2007, she secured a partnership in Taiwan, where she now has 42 locations. Today, she also has a partnership with a Japanese retailer and three stores there, plus 12 locations in Canada. Next up, further expansion and more products to add to the current roster of diffusers, lifestyle items, bath and body products and, of course, essential oils.
Saje: 25 years
After a car accident, Jean-Pierre LeBlanc was left with health difficulties that he wanted to address with plant-derived remedies. He used his chemistry background to develop all natural essential-oil-based treatments, which he believed brought him back to good health. This personal mission turned into a business in 1992, when he and his wife, Kate Ross LeBlanc, set up a small Saje store in North Vancouver. A quarter of a century on, Saje is a household name in Canada, with more than 50 stores here and in the US. For its birthday, the brand has launched a limited edition version of its famous Pocket Farmacie,
Biore Skincare: 20 years
In 1997, Japanese brand Biore arrived in Canada with its pleasingly gross Deep Cleansing Pore Strips. Since then, it’s become known for unusual but effective cleansing products like Charcoal Soap and Baking Soda Scrub. To celebrate the anniversary the brand has worked with Katie Cavanagh, a Toronto student, to create commemorative packaging for all its products – it’s available now.
Botox: 15 years
The product that keeps people looking half their age is now a sulky adolescent. It feels like it’s been around for donkeys’ years, partly because it has (it’s 15 years since it was approved for by the FDA for cosmetic use but it has been used unofficially for much longer), and partly because it’s been so revolutionary. “It’s not that Botox has changed aesthetic medicine – it actually created the field. As physicians it gave us a platform from which all the other treatments we have really originated,” says Dr Shannon Humphrey, dermatologist and medical director of Carruthers & Humphrey. She says the formulation hasn’t changed much over the years, but the usage is more sophisticated, and more benefits are being seen as it becomes completely mainstream. “There’s a building body of evidence that patients who have regular Botox reap more benefits. Not only do they get temporary wrinkle reduction but new wrinkles are prevented and we see improvements in skin quality factors like radiance and luminosity. We’re seeing more millennials accept it, almost as part of their personal hygiene – hair, nails, dentist, Botox – and they’re very public and vocal about that,” she explains.
