The Dark & Beautiful Mandula

We’re in Gastown’s Mandula – a gorgeous treasure chest (ok, boutique) tucked into an 1899 heritage building on Abbott between Water and Cordova Street – and even the food the lovely sales girl eats (fluted glass of Perrier and white china bowl half fat of purple black grapes) looks perfect.

The store itself makes you feel as though you have just walked into circus tent from the late 1800’s complete with antique spotlights, heavily worn canvas curtains and an array of curiosities to pick up and play with. Antique straight razor on a heavy chain link anyone? It’s a necklace, selling for $175.00.

Mandula’s line has a definite Victorian spookiness to it with beautiful ivory cashmere bloomers hanging next to a tissue thin white tee with what appears to be a small spray of blood on the shoulder. Turns out its vegetable dye – what most of the organic and recycled fabrics here are colored with. Vests with a faint ‘straight jacket feel’ and full gauzy skirts fill the rough timber racks along the wall. The pieces have a definite romanticism to them while still seeming to be entirely wearable (and comfortable) for day or evening.

So while you’ve put away your favorite vampy dress now that Halloween is over, Mandula’s beautifully constructed, eerily pretty pieces are just the thing to add an extra touch of style and mystery to your closet this winter.

Mandula | 214 Abbott Street | 604.568.9211 | www.mandula.com