By Erika Renfrew

There is something about a rainy Vancouver day that makes me crave an afternoon looking at beautiful things.  Lucky me, this weekend I got to do just that.

Jacqueline Conoir boutique hosted a Style Scene shopping event complete with sneak-peek fashion show for F/W, trend details and lots of lovely to look at.

This locally produced label brings together Parisian training with a modern “I don’t have time to change after work” twist.  Designer Rozemerie Cuevas livens up a sophisticated style and makes tailoring downright sexy.

My eyes lingered even longer on JAC; an edgier line with shorter hemlines, plunging necklines and that ooh la la factor.  Being a shopper that has to touch everything, the studio merits a visit for the fabrics alone.

Partnering with Jacqueline Conoir is jewellery designer extraordinaire Anne Carson.  Using semi-precious stones, fresh water pearls and sterling silver (doesn’t that just sound sumptuous?) she creates true showstoppers.

It pained me to leave without a amazing black velvet smoking jacket; I mean it practically had my name on it.

By Erika Renfrew

Ever been coal mining?  Didn’t think so. Ever smeared dirt on your face and strutted around in fabulous clothing while holding a mining pick? I can tell you who has.

I had the pleasure of attending John Casablancas Institute’s Obsidian fashion show.  Celebrating the graduating class of Fashion Business and Creative Arts, students put an ooh la la twist on the otherwise eerie underground.

With clothing and accessories from local boutiques and emerging designers, students styled chic and funky looks for guys and gals.  The theme came together with asymmetrical hems, teensy velvet dresses, ultra sheer tops and plenty of metallic.

With John Fluevog on their feet, chunky sky-high boots were left unbuckled for a little bit of high-fashion grunge. While the male models were left to brush that dirt off their shoulders, the ladies sparkled with gold flakes painted on their skin.

The Obsidian fashion show was a fundraiser for the Looking Glass Foundation, an organization working to open Canada’s first treatment facility for eating disorders.

Congratulations to all the graduates!

PS. If you are reading this and have been coal mining, I think that’s pretty darn cool!

By Erika Renfrew

Just because the days are turning dreary, doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to scream winter blues. FORME Fashion’s evening of music, art and fashion was full of life, colour and a whole lot of sparkle.

Every corner of Vancouver’s Ayden Gallery celebrated design. In a gathering of Indian culture, we were welcomed by live tunes and called to loiter around the treats table for cake pops and spicy brownies.

The main event, you ask? A runway show by a new-to-Vancouver fashion house Lotus Eye. Creative Director Paromita Naidu fuses South Asian flair with a contemporary west coast twist.

Draped around the (almost unfairly) gorgeous models were jewel tones, ornate patterns and embroidered fabrics. While supporting tradition, Lotus Eye created easy-breezy maxis, fitted tunics and classic blouses, all topped off with some shimmery accessories.

Judging by the audible oohs and aahs, I’d say I wasn’t the only one who thought Lotus Eye designs to be stunning.