Feminism made its way into culture and fashion in a big, beautiful way in 2015.
In March, Lisa Tant, Holt Renfrew’s vice-president of exclusive services, touched on the topic in Westender’s spring style cover story, pointing to the influence of Gloria Steinem in the re-emergence of 1970s style. (But really, does the boho thing ever really go away?).
“International Women’s Day was last week,” she said at the time, “and my Instagram feed was jammed with photos of Gloria Steinem, and I thought ‘Oh, that’s interesting that she is being seen as a fashion muse right around now, because certainly she never would have intended that at the time.”
Even beyond fashion we saw the rise of female perspectives in both culture and politics. Millennial powerhouse and Girls creator Lena Dunham co-launched Lenny Letter, a feminist arts newsletter, with pal Jenni Konner. Female cast members dominated SNL. Comedian
Amy Schumer had a break-out year by calling it as she – and a lot of other women – saw it. Who can forget her speech at the Glamour awards in June, where she brazenly declared, “I’m like a 160 pounds right now, and I can catch a dick whenever I want.”
A new government took over this fall, bringing in a Prime Minister who promptly announced a gender-balanced cabinet. When asked why it was important to do, answered: “Because it’s 2015.”
In fashion, the stylish paired their sneakers with skirts and the skinny jean was slowly replaced with wider trousers and denim.
You couldn’t talk about Vancouver fashion this year without including the seminal September opening of Nordstrom at Pacific Centre. The major US fashion retailer didn’t just stroll into town, it blew up with a sophisticated tactical public relations and marketing operation, the likes of which this sleepy town has never seen. Opening night featured a sold-out celebrity-studded fashion show and gala that raised a whopping $420,000 for local charities.
More than 2,200 guests attended the event, which included a stunning runway show featuring 85 looks from top designers and an in-store gala and shopping extravaganza.
Eager shoppers lined up for opening day, clamoring to get inside the swanky new flagship store.
But it wasn’t just Nordstrom that came to town to shake up the retail scene. This year we saw the opening of a permanent Gastown retail spot by Vancouver’s Hey Jude, Main Street’s Neighbourhood Quality Goods, Middle Sister boutique on West Fourth, Drake General Store at Hudson’s Bay, and the North Shore’s Kiss and Makeup brought its blend of cosmetics and clothes to to this side of the bridge. International brands like skincare line Aesop and luxury fashion giant Dior opened in the city. The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet at Vancouver Airport also launched in the summer to such huge fanfare some people reportedly missed their flights because of retail gridlock.
But the real highlight in 2015 was the many small-scale, Vancouver-based designers and artisans we discovered. Most are women, carving out a place for themselves and doing what they love.
This year’s profiles included a handful of jewelry designers, like Leah Alexandra, who makes delicate, timeless pieces; tomboy with a sweet touch, designer Izabela Domachowski’s line Iza Jewelry; and edgy art-deco inspired pieces from Anita Sikma. Another favourite is Granted, a line of hand-knit vests and jackets (for adults and kids) made from a sustainable and ethical wool. The knit pieces, featuring charming winter scenes, will be treasured every winter for years to come.
