Vancouver: One of a Kind, West Coast style

In a world where mass-produced goods proliferate, it is often hard to find truly unique items made the artisanal way–by hand. Except for one weekend of the year, that is. The One of a Kind Show (October 8 to 11, Vancouver Convention Centre, oneofakindvancouver.com) has recently announced that they will once again bring one Canada’s most extraordinary shopping events to Vancouver.

This year’s show features a number of B.C.-based designers–at the preview event that took place a few short weeks ago, creations by Vancouver’s own Little Red Caboose and Chloë Angus Design stole the show. Made of natural fibres like cotton, linen, hemp, wool and wood, Little Red Caboose’s adorable matryoshka dolls (above, littleredcaboose.etsy.com) will make you smile no matter what your age. Meanwhile, crafty fashionistas that have loved Chloë Angus’ versatile Button Wrap (shown, chloeangus.moonfruit.com), will be happy to learn her latest design, the Spirit Wrap, will debut in new colours and fabrics at this year’s show.

Many of the vendors will be featured in daily fashion show and, if you see something you like, you can quickly stroll down through the Fashion District to find the item you desire. That’s right, the exhibition space is divided into neighbourhoods, grouping similar vendors together–making it easier to find exactly what you are looking for. Other neighbourhoods include the Green section, for all things sustainable, the Flavours section, for savouries and sweets, and the Schools section, for student exhibitors from local art and design programs.

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