April News From Vancouver’s Fashion and Retail Scene

Credit: La Isla; Photo by Morgan Lee Alain

Eco-conscious swimwear label La Isla will appear at Eco Fashion Week April 10-12

Looking to purchase the key pieces for spring style? Citizen Style has searched high and low to bring you the intel you need on fashion events, design markets and what’s new in Vancouver boutiques

The Bay Launches its Exclusive Line of Liberty Print Blouses and Dresses

This spring the fashion world is aflutter for prints – from graphic floral to perfect paisleys. Lucky for us, The Bay just launched an exclusive collaboration with Liberty Art Fabrics, showcasing the iconic British textiles in a collection of blouses, shirt dresses and shift dresses. Blouses retail at $129; shift dresses retail at $145.

ECO Fashion Week Kicks Off April 10-12

The darling of conscious fashionistas, ECO Fashion Week returns April 10-12 for season 04, in a conspicuous and dramatic new venue: The Robson Square rink oval. Founder Myriam Laroche urges Vancouverites to occupy the runway during free events including a Vintage Fashion Show. Tickets are now on sale for the more exclusive runway shows.

The usual Vancouver eco-conscious design suspects will show their work alongside international names like swimwear label La Isla and Jeff Garner of Prophetik – as seen on Esperanza Spalding at the 2012 Oscars.

J.Crew to Open on Robson

We’ve blogged about it before and the date is moving ever nearer. In fact, a little bird told me the launch party invites are already in the mail. J.Crew, the chic American retailer best known for dressing Michelle Obama and family, is slated to open at 1088 Robson Street and will occupy 5,953 square feet over two floors.

The flagship will carry J.Crew’s classic designs along with Italian cashmere, weekend, outerwear, handbags, belts, jewelry and shoes. You can also expect limited-edition seasonal pieces from the collection’s runway label.

Liberty Art Fabrics for The Bay dress (left). (Image: The Bay); thvm atelier hi rise skinnies at One of a Few (right.) (Image: thvm atelier)

H&M Conscious Launches an Exclusive, Sustainable Glamour Collection April 12

Glamour meets sustainable style this spring at H&M as the mega Scandie retailer makes a move toward more eco fashion options. The newest initiative is H&M’s Exclusive Conscious collection made from materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester. The red-carpet-ready looks showcase just what’s possible with greener fashion.

Amanda Seyfried wore the blue tuxedo blazer and shorts at a London premiere, while Michelle Williams wore an H&M custom-made gold-draped organic cotton bodice with a satin-backed crepe trumpet skirt at this year’s BAFTAs in London. A top and skirt inspired by Michelle’s exclusive gown will be available in selected H&M stores when the Exclusive Conscious collection is launched.

Nifty for Fifty Design Market, April 22

What started as a glorified garage sale has evolved into the annual, budget-friendly bash known as Nifty for Fifty at Main Street’s Heritage Hall. As the name implies, all fashion, accessories and trinkets are $50 or less. With racks of discounted goods by the finest (and usually quite pricey) local designers – including Adhesif Clothing, Allison Wonderland, Erin Templeton, Daub & Design, Kdon, Irit Sorokin Designs, Toodlebunny, Floating Gold Iceberg, Bronsino, and more – you’ll want to arrive early.

Gastown’s One of a Few Gets a New Shipment of thvm atelier Hi Rise Skinnies

Lusting after skinny hi rise denim this spring? One a Few has a new crop from thvm atelier, and the in-demand denim label seems to fly out of the door. The fit is perfect and the price is super affordable at $110-130.