Vancouver designer Katrina Jones wears her heart on her sleeve.
Jones' brand, ODE Apparel, features limited edition designs that she says are inspired by big feelings. Natural conversation starters, a number of her pieces feature the words "everybody cries" in the centre.
Also a member of Belle Game, a Vancouver-based indie band, Jones turned to fashion after a year-long mental health crisis. Since her mental health battle became front and centre in her life, she used design as a creative way to escape excruciating days filled with panic attacks.
"My ‘everybody cries’ design is meant to de-stigmatize our emotions, and remind us that mental health is something that impacts the lives of everyone. It’s not a disease and it’s not relegated to a select few," she writes.
"Whether we want to believe it or not, we all struggle with mental health in some way."
After constantly seeing designs that she felt were negative or aloof, Jones wanted to create something that was positive.
"Really this collection is about reclaiming control. It’s about taking all that pain and trauma and hurt and turning into something meaningful, without shying away from the gravity of what I continue to face," Jones explains.
ODE Apparel's first bricks-and-mortar pop-up is open daily from noon until 6 p.m. until March 15 at 136 East Hastings St., second floor (Faulkner Apparel).
The sale will feature men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, both new and up-cycled from curated thrift to the ODE 001 “everybody cries” collection. The curated thrift features lots of denim, work wear, street wear and brands such as ACNE, Levi’s, Wrangler, Saks 5th Ave and more.
"I have fun and affordable pieces for everyone. Pop-ups are the perfect way to support new, local brands and find something totally unique and special in the process," Jones adds.
ODE Apparel Pop-up
When: Daily until March 15 from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: 136 East Hastings St., second floor (Faulkner Apparel)
Visit ODE Apparel online here or visit their Instagram here.
