From weird to WTF
Among the beauty of the runway shows every season, there are always a few beasts. The winners of Spring 2013? Pradas leather socks (the next ballet flats perhaps?) and Célines trompe loeil toe shoes (complete with faux pedicure).
A bit of BC history
I wouldnt be a good Mennonite girl without feeling a hint of nostalgia at the new pieces from Spanish label D-Due. Inspired by the craftsmanship of the Amish and Mennonites, D-Dues three winter collections are made from beautiful, organically dye-tinted, natural materials wool, cotton and silk. Hand-drawn illustrations make each garment unique. The label got some serious buzz when, last month, it popped up (literally) at Kapok, on Hong Kongs hipster-central Sun Street. If its not your street thing, you could always go as a Mennonite for Halloween, just dont trick-or-treat out near Yarrow; youll blend right in. Available in Canada exclusively at Urbanity, 2412 Granville.
Early birds and people with their acts together
Looking for a costume change? Boo La La (formerly Carols Costume Corner) in North Vancouver, has been ghouling and glamming the Lower Mainland for more than 25 years. Theyve built their reputation as one of Canadas most reputable and successful costume stores by combining thousands of designer/vintage costumes for rent with hundreds of high-end costumes for sale, to create a mix-and-match concept that leaves every costume complete, right down to accessories and wigs. You can buy online at BooLaLaCostumes.com or make the trip to the North Shore (152 East 2nd, 2nd f loor). 604-986-4880
A good-sized Halloween costume pop-up has opened at the old Esprit location at 1066 Robson. Its open regular business hours.
Just in time for Halloween
If you like to think on things for a while, TM Events a local event and promotion company is selling off costumes that they have used at events. On Saturday, Oct. 20, from noon to 6pm, hundreds of male and female costumes and accessories will be 50 - 70 per cent off retail. Cash or credit only. DOMUS Party Room, 1055 Homer (access from the back lane between Nelson and Helmcken). Call 604-760-7465 for info.
Putting rumours to rest
Old Navy (not an Apple flagship store, nor Japanese retailer Uniqlo, as previously speculated) has signed a lease for a 12,365 square foot store at the corner of Granville and Robson Street. The store will take up part of the ground level, with an escalator taking shoppers to its 10,767 sq. ft. second floor. The building, which used to house Granville Optical, True Value Vintage, Hitz Boutique, and more, is currently under construction and will have the address 720 Robson. The announcement is receiving markedly less fanfare than the ghost sign revealed during the demolition, which had been hidden for nine decades, advertising a 1922 movie. Old Navy will be located directly across the street from Vancouvers new Nordstrom store, set to open in 2015 as previously reported. From the BC Les Clefs dOr
