This week we are taking our style feature from the streets. Literally. As in Clark Drive and East 6th Avenue.
Vancouver has many notable installations, one of the most recognizable being Ken Lum’s Monument for East Vancouver sculpture. Inspired by a long-lived local graffiti symbol, the East Van cross is a representation of both hope and defiance.
Recently, this symbol has crossed over from its roots in street art and entered the realm of fashion. The City of Vancouver has, for the first time, extended it’s support through a licensing agreement to local jewellery designer, Susan Fiedler, to bring the symbol forward as an element of personal adornment.The collection currently is reserved for a pendant style necklace, with a larger range of jewellery featuring the Monument coming this spring. Available in two sizes, the East Van cross pendants created by Fiedler not only turn city pride into a wearable statement, but also take a stand for community involvement.
As a reflection of the monument and what it stands for, the pendants achieve a balance between softness and edge, making them an ideal “everyday” piece that will suit any attire. Like the play on positive and negative space that the design offers, this accessory allows the bearer to add a stamp of personal style while simultaneously speaking up for and supporting social change.
This is a feel-good piece that leaves your pursestrings intact and happy as well; at a price point ranging from $175 to $325, the pieces are as approachable as the message. $25 from every pendant sold will be donated to Pivot Legal Society.
Fiedler has teamed up with Pivot in a fundraising initiative to help support the many social and human right causes the organization strives to protect. Pivot is leading the fight to improve conditions for marginalized members of our community; since 2002, Pivot has seen great success with victories for sex worker’s rights, police accountability, and affordable housing.
Katrina Pacey, executive director of Pivot, shares her excitement for the collaboration with Fiedler: “We are so excited and honoured that Susan has chosen our organization and the community we work with as the beneficiaries of her amazing art... The Monument for East Vancouver is an icon of the neighbourhood. It represents the place so many of our clients call home. Susan's generosity will help us to continue to fight for the rights of marginalized people in this community."
Fiedler is no stranger to supporting social change. In 2008, she launched F Cancer Embrace Life, a campaign to offer support and appreciaton for those who are fighting the battle against the disease/ Fielder, a cancer survivor herself, raised over $200,000 for the cause with her initiative. She's now teaming up with Pivot to put her awareness skills back to use with the pendant project.
The East Van cross pendant is set to make it’s debut later this month. The first pendant will be available for auction at the annual Passion For Justice, a fundraising event hosted by Pivot, held on Thursday Nov. 13 at 7pm at Ironworks Studios in Railtown.
