Moissonnier
From launching on a foggy day in 1885 en France, French master cabinetmaker, Moissonnier is now expanding its timeless style globally to Shanghai, Chengdu, and now, Vancouver.
The 3,000-square-foot Yaletown space is North America’s first Moissonnier showroom, featuring the brand’s iconic commodes – wide-set, fairytale-like cabinets with scalloped edges and cabriole legs straight outta Beauty and the Beast. Like a good meal, the main event will be complemented by a series of sweet finishings: Venetian chandeliers by Arte Veneziana, Bernardaud fine porcelain, and a collection of luxury lifestyle Assouline tabletop books. Peek into the Moissonnier lifestyle with the showroom’s six revolving vignettes, including a “winter garden” and a library/studio for design consultation. Carve out your own style with Moissonnier’s idiosyncratic and fantasy-fueling 19th-century furniture. (1028 Mainland St., 604-728-8081. Moissonnier.com)
– Miranda Sam
Rituals of Love
While many of us are heading into holiday shopping mode, those with spring and summer weddings are dreaming of guest lists, flowers and of course, The Dress. Enter Vancouver’s newly opened Gastown boutique. With its distressed brick walls, hard wood floors and rows upon rows of luxe boho-chic gowns and accessories, the showroom is the epitome of romance and full of options for those looking for a gown that will reflect their personal style “only amplified in the most luxurious way,” says owner Samantha Hallaran. Along with bridal looks from Bo & Luca, Unbridaled by Dan Jones and Something Blue, Rituals of Love also has everything you need for a sexy honeymoon – think slinky dresses, lingerie and bathing suits from designers like For Love & Lemons. It’s safe to say we’re smitten. (By appointment only at 216-309 West Cordova St., 604-974-5800. RitualsOfLoveBridal.com)
– Alexander Harris
TWG Tea Salon & Boutique
These days, tea tailors are almost as ubiquitous in Vancouver as coffee shops. So why does the eight-year-old Singaporean brand TWG think we need another one? Because this place is huge and swanky. Forget supping your brew at a simple bar. North America’s first TWG Tea Salon & Boutique (and the world’s 56th) is 3,000 square feet, with a tea salon that serves a full menu of savouries and sweets to up to 50 diners. There’s also a retail boutique and patisserie Fashion & Shopping counter made of antique brass. The shop offers more than 500 teas from every tea-producing region of the world, plus limited edition and seasonal blends. And the décor is as grand as the menu – dark, rich woods, brass and marble, with a wall of teas, glittering floor lamps and ornate mirrors. We’ve got our best pinky-out poses prepped already. (1070 West Georgia St., 604- 985-5844. Twgtea.com)
– Aileen Lalor
