A day in the life
By Kate MacLennan
Once every few months the stars in the fashion universe align and the dedicated fashion editor finds herself triple booked every day for a week with events. So many soirees, so little time.
First order? A wardrobe revitalizer, starting at Dyrberg Kern on South Granville. We all know that responsible accessorizing (not the earrings, the necklace and the bracelet, dear) is the best way to step up an outfit inexpensively and with the most effect. The boutique’s contemporary design and expensive glass showcases, never mind its tony address, might make you think your wallet couldn’t handle stopping in even if your jewellery box could. Be not deterred. The Danish company’s baubles feel and look expensive—mais non.
When we went for sushi recently, it was impossible to ignore fashion stylist Karen Munnis’s wide-legged Citizens of Humanity jeans. She’s fresh off off MTV’s Kaya set, has legs like Flicka, and claims that even the most vertically challenged can pull off denim’s flavour of the season, the wide-leg. Holt Renfrew has Fidelity’s Lilac Jet Gloss ($198) with wide hems (a crucial detail) and that miracle cut that makes all derrieres look perkier. Or, if you’re looking to get into wide legs on a narrow budget, check out the options at Mavi’s new Kitsilano store on West Fourth Avenue.
Three events or more warrant a manicure. Good thing there’s almost guaranteed to be a Pure Nail Bar near you. The little nail emporium on steroids has just opened yet another location in Kerrisdale. Its $25 manis include soak, cuticle service, file, moisturizer and OPI polish, and they show Sex and the City DVDs the entire time. (You know you need to reacquaint yourself with the girls before the movie comes out.)
Out and about, the annual Prêt-A-Pour Tea fashion show for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation served tea, sandwiches, Blushing Designs, Jacqueline Conoir and Chloe Angus to a sold-out crowd at the Fish House in Stanley Park. Angus’s show was exceptional—it was aimed at a more mature woman but was also classic with enough sex appeal to catch the eyes of those younger. A black, pleated baby doll dress with a scarlet wrap buttoned around the shoulders, and a black shirt-dress were simplicity at its best, while a high-waisted fuchsia skirt paired with a high-collared, crisp white blouse screamed party ensemble to those over 50. Her cream cashmere three-quarter-length coat harked back just enough at Love Story.
Obakki’s Fall 2007 show offered prime people watching, not to mention a chance for the nascent clothing brand to show off its stunning Gastown space, designed by North Vancouver architecture firm McFarlane Green + Biggar. The collection itself was the last for designer Genevieve Graham, who is passing on the reins. Some pieces grossly missed their mark, such as a pair of cream Gaucho pants in a thick, textured material, but a grey wool, long-sleeved dress with an open back garnered “oohs” from the full house. The party was pure industry: fashion stylists, photographers, designers, makeup artists, models, media, and musicians—a demanding crowd. The wine was more than palatable; it was good. After the event began to wrap (around 11 p.m.), Six Acres was the designated place for libations and a snack. It was late, but everyone was already out and about, so despite an early morning at the office and another night of the same tomorrow, what else is a girl to do but move with the flow? Sigh, so many soirees, so little time.
Shown: Fidelity’s fabulous Lilac Jet Gloss jeans.
