If heaven were a walk-in closet, it might look something like Timeline Boutique. Cordovas newest consignment store (in one of Gastowns oldest buildings) knows whats old is gold, and Amanda Cairns and Azura Cook urban miners of the most fashionable kind have created the perfect resting place for those pre-loved designer items that are ready to be bagged (and are possibly still tagged). While the idea of having Jimmy Choos lying around that you just cant find a use for seems a bit unfathomable, the girls have seen a staggering amount of designer consignment flowing in, and out. And then there is the couturière upstairs. Oh, lordy!
What drew you to open in Gastown? We love the energy of Gastown and the history. Koret Lofts is a heritage building that used to be a clothing manufacturer. We have the original 100-plus-year-old wood floors when we saw the space we knew it was perfect! And we have many stylish neighbours who appreciate fashion and have incredible closets.
What is it like for a business owner in that area? Gastown is always growing. There are incredible new spaces opening all the time like Vicino (owned by Nicli Pizzeria the best pizza in the city) across the street from us, and the new Rainier Rooms deli by Sean Heather, which will open on the corner of Cordova and Carrall very soon. We love our new neighbours Rubi & Kino in their space on West Cordova, too. Next to us is Wink Beauty Lounge and they have been very welcoming of us as the new kid on the block. And Gastown.org is organizing the upcoming Shop Hop on Nov. 15 so we can celebrate fashion. Our neighbours will often say that you never have to leave Gastown if you live here we have everything.
With so many great stores in a few small blocks, how do you stand out? We are the only designer consignment store that we know of in Gastown. We have great prices and many items that are absolutely new with tags. We exclusively carry the lines of Anaya handcrafted leather, Hold Your Ground eco-couture jewelry, and have an in-house couture designer, Norma Sheerin who loves to use previously loved fabric to produce couture. Normas line, One of a Kind, has been seen on stage and the red carpet, with clients including Sir Elton John and Cher. Norma offers complimentary custom alterations on all her gowns. She will custom dye natural fibers as well to make a truly unique piece for that special event.
Now that youve opened, is the store fulfilling your intentions? The treasures that come in every day from our consignment clients are amazing no appointment is needed to drop off everything from Jimmy Choo to Joie to Joes jeans. We are also the only company in Canada with a complimentary online login so clients can watch their consignment items sell from home and pick up their pay out money any time we are open. As one client said You sold my Chanel jacket in three days and I picked up the money that same day! Thats never happened for me at any other consignment store.
Your repurposing has an environmental agenda. Will you be at eco-fashion week? The Five Agency, which was involved in Eco Fashion Week last year and just completed Vancouver Fashion Week, is going to be hosting a very special event at Timeline Boutique on Oct. 13 with Ras Kasozi, the designer of Kas Wear from Uganda.
Whats your favourite thing youve salvaged for the store? We are very grateful for the generosity of Minami in Yaletown for the use of their four mother-of-pearl chandeliers (pictured, left). They look beautiful hanging from our 17-foot loft ceiling. We also have items of the former Betsey Johnson store on Alberni Street glass shelves, clothing racks (even a few hangers) and the Betsey Johnson welcome mat at our front door. Every fixture possible was recycled.
What labels do you see lot of coming in? We carry designers labels from Robson Street to Holt Renfrew: BCBGMaxAzria, MARC by MARC JACOBS, Betsey Johnson, Citizens of Humanity, Wren, Maison Scotch, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and great jeans from Aritzia! We have constant requests for Chanel and Hermes bags if they are collecting dust in your closet please bring them in so that we can see them off to a loving home. We also have menswear and amazing mens accessories such as LV clutches, watches and shoes.
Whats your best vintage find? We had a vintage Holt Renfrew sheer dress that Norma lined and altered for a Fall wedding on a ranch. That was so special!
Describe your personal style: Amanda loves elegant, contemporary style, neutral colours and stripes. I [Azura] love to dress up the more sparkle and glamour, and the higher the heel, the better. Together we have combined our love of fashion into one closet: Timeline Boutique.
If you could bring any fashion icon to an event at your store, who would it be? We would love to have Sir Elton John come visit in the jacket that Norma created for him from previously loved curtains. He wore it on stage in a performance, and we would love to have that piece hanging on our wall as a piece of fashion history.
What trends will we be seeing a lot of this Fall? Our fabulous friend, Vivienne Taylor of Trend Fashion Marketing and Forecasting, gave her stamp on the peplum jackets and skirts we have in store as well as what looks like upholstery fabric for skirts, pants and jackets.
TimelineBoutique.com | 63 E Cordova
