As a fairly recent arrival to Vancouver, West 4th in Kits has never really been on my radar for proper fashion and beauty shopping. Gastown, Yaletown and Main Street are home to plenty of interesting indie stores, while downtown and the malls have the chain stores covered. Kits, it seemed to me, didn’t have much to offer people who like style with a bit of edge.
But a slew of openings in the past year has led me to take another look. And what I’ve found is a buoyant scene with a mix of multinational and indie shops (in defiance of high rents) selling wares that will satisfy even the most fashion-forward customer.
RYU
It’s athletic gear, Jim, but not as we know it. RYU (it stands for Respect Your Universe) is a US-based mixed-martial-arts brand with a “beautiful tough” (their words) aesthetic. Think clean lines, interesting design elements and lots of black. Tops, bottoms and outerwear are suitable for running and gym work as well as martial arts, and there are also some cool but practical bags. RYU arrived in Kits in November 2015 – the first one in Canada — and additional outlets will open soon on Thurlow Street and at Park Royal. (1745 W. 4th, RYU.com)
Middle Sister
If you’re a fan of quirky Korean fashion, head here. Owner Linda Sin set it up a year ago, and what you’ll find is an eclectic selection of clothing and accessories from around the world, but with a particular focus on Canadian and Korean brands. Many of these are exclusive to Middle Sister, which means you won’t bump into a dozen other women wearing the same outfit. Sin says her store has a diverse clientele, with many people travelling from throughout the area just to visit it. (2137 W. 4th, MiddleSister.ca)
Source: Marigold dress and LIE dress - Contributed photos
Savoie
Kitsilano staple XO Bella became Savoie at the beginning of July, in tribute to Jeannette Savoie, the late grandmother of owner Sara Byblow. “She recently passed and was the last generation of Savoies,” explains Byblow. “It was not only a way for her name to live on, but also the most fitting [name], as she was this saucy little French lady with the best style.” The chic shop is inspired by bloggers and their sense of wanderlust, and is popular with people who are looking for unique pieces they’ve seen on Pinterest and Instagram. “We bring in brands from Los Angeles, New York and Australia, and have little to no repeats, so there’s always something new.” (2070 W. 4th, SavoieClothing.com)
Source: Darra Dress, $68, Nikki Bomber, $75 and store - Contributed photos
Jackson Rowe
Designer Julia Lefeaux established her wholesale boho-scarf label five years ago and opened her first storefront in June. Jackson Rowe has the Coachella vibe you’d expect from a hippie-esque brand: Lefeaux sells her own scarves, skirts and rompers, as well as pieces from local brands such as Harlow Skin Co. and wall-hanging maker Saige & Skye. Lefeaux wanted her space to be a complete lifestyle concept, with no particular clientele in mind. “We have a little something for everyone,” she says. “My grandma loves our Olive Scarf and my guy friends are really into our capes these days.” (2194 W. 4th, JacksonRowe.ca)
Source: Jackson Rowe products and store - Contributed photos
Silk Road Tea
Vancouverites probably aren’t going to ditch coffee anytime soon, but tea shops and salons are having a moment. Victoria-based Silk Road is a local pioneer of the new-school tea brand, and its third store, in Kits, opened in June. Founder Daniela Cubelic has helped popularize tea tastings, and hers was one of the first North American brands to incorporate tea (a powerful antioxidant) into beauty products. The store stocks dozens of organic teas alongside locally produced skin- and body-care, and it also hosts workshops and events. (2066 W. 4th, SilkRoadTeaStore.com)
Source: Founder Daniela Cubelic has been dubbed, “Canada’s Queen of Tea” and store - Chung Chow photos
Pure Barre
The US’s biggest barre chain arrived in Kits in March, offering ballet-based workouts as an alternative to the area’s many spin and yoga studios. The workout is an absolute killer – minuscule movements, maximum muscle ache — but is low impact, so it’s suitable for everyone, no matter what their physical shape. Pure Barre also sells its own-brand workout clothing, and accessories such as the all-important grippy socks, which prevent you from falling over mid-plié. (1907 W. 4th, PureBarre.com)
Source: Pure Barre store - Contributed photo
