Internationally recognized Canadian slam poet and writer Shane Koyczan is a legend across Canada. Although he was born in Yellowknife and raised in Penticton, he has also logged a significant number of hours wandering the wilds of Vancouver and we would like to claim him as an honorary Vancouverite whenever possible. He’s coming to town this week to pull a gig at the Vogue (details here) and we caught up with him on tour to ask him a few questions in advance of that show…

Best thing about Penticton in the Winter? It’s easier to find cuddle buddies because I’m big and warm.

Best thing about Penticton in the Summer? Midnight bike rides.

Default drink/cocktail of choice? Vodka and soda water with lime.

The Vancouverite that you admire most and why? Ivan Coyote. I admire integrity.

Your role models?  Are so cool that they wouldn’t want to see their names printed here because it would compromise their egos.

First summer job/part time job as a kid? I worked at a convenience store called The Red Rooster…interestingly it was the same store where I got hit by a van in their parking lot.

The historical personalities, both good and bad, that fascinate you the most? Charlie Chaplin and Grigori Efimovich Rasputin.

The dumbest thing that you’ve ever done to your hair? Once upon a time I had a mullet.

What does poetry offer to community? Poetry.

Your go to, no-frills place for dinner in Penticton? Haveli…it’s not fancy. Just great Indian food.

Your go to, no-frills place for dinner in Vancouver? Brittania Sushi.

If you could board a plane this afternoon, where would it be taking you? To her…wherever she is.

The strangest place you’ve ever been to? A potluck where every guest brought the same dish. There was lots of ginger beef to go around that night.

The three books that you read that made an impact on you in your formative years? Watership Down, Yurtle The Turtle, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. 

What is the best way to get to know a neighbourhood? Say hello to it’s inhabitants.

Where was the last place you traveled to for work or pleasure? Currently on tour and last night was Guelph so it was work but the audience made it an absolute pleasure.

What is your biggest phobia? I have horrible vertigo.

Where did you go to school? Lots of different places. Playgrounds, parking lots, libraries and some actual schools.

The cliché that you overuse? Safety never takes a holiday.

The strangest talent that you possess? Getting cats to love me.

What trend have you followed that you now regret? Obesity.

Shoe of choice? Cambrians.

The different career path that you could have gone on? I wanted to be a marine biologist until I saw Jaws.

Your ancestry? Is long and detailed.

Your three favourite films? Are probably the best three films I’ve ever seen.

Beach or forest? Forest.

Under what circumstances would you join the army? If the army was suddenly tasked to defend the earth from big business and environmental enemies.

Your most regrettable purchase ever? A white silk shirt… Nipple Alert!!

Your major character flaw? I have some pretty awful trust issues.

The character flaw in others that you can’t abide? Hubris.

How do you know when you can trust someone? I ask a magic eight ball.

What was the luckiest moment in your life? Surviving a car accident.

What was the unluckiest moment in your life? Losing someone I care about.

What are you the most proud of? The students at GP Vanier who worked on the Instructions For A Bad Day project.

What are you the least proud of? Not being present in a relationship.

The biggest mistake you’ve ever made? Was saying no.

What is the best thing about your work? Traveling.

What is the worst thing about your work? Traveling.

Favourite Vancouver neighbourhood? Commercial Drive

The talent that you wish you possessed? It’d be pretty great to be able to slip away unnoticed mid-conversation…like Batman.

What are you listening to as you answer these questions? My band talking about Kia Kadiri and Five Alarm Funk.

What musical instrument do you secretly long to play? Gamelan.

What sport did you give up and why? Wrestling…I hurt someone really badly and have felt guilty ever since.

What is the game that you’re best at? Scrabble?

What is the one animal that scares you the most? Irukandji (it’s a tiny jellyfish).

If you had a motto, what would it be? Sparkles are for birthday cakes and club kids, not for vampires.

Scariest situation you’ve ever been in? Car breakdown on a deactivated road miles away from civilization.

Your favourite word? Preposterous.

Your least favourite word? Panties.

Your favourite curse word? Dickhead.

Three things of no monetary value that you own and will keep dearly until you die? My dignity, my wits and my friendships.

The strangest road you’ve ever travelled? Deactivated road out of Terrace.

Your first memory? Rain.

The first album that made you love music? The Cat Came Back by Fred Penner

The song that you could listen to on repeat for an hour? Spiegel Im Spiegel by Arvo Part.

The one place that you have the least interest in ever visiting? The Phantom Zone.

The first three things that you do every morning? Pee, stretch and go back to bed.

Describe your favourite photograph: it’s a photo of my grandma wielding a steak in a threatening manner.

When you can’t sleep: I pretend.

What is beauty? Colour and depth.

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Shane Koyczan and The Short Story Long will be appearing at the Vogue Theatre on Saturday, April 21. Tickets still available here 

Nothing says Spring like a good craft fair and nothing says craft fair like Got Craft. It’s one of our favourite local and handmade indie highlights of the season; a room packed full of some of the coolest artists, designers and crafters in the city all selling their wares at affordable prices. We went browsing the event’s list of purveyors online and lo and behold, we came across a new name and concept: Belvedere. Curious (and hoping it wasn’t vodka), we dug a little deeper. It turned out to be a newish mens accessory line that we think you’ll love.

The gentlemen of Vancouver have long been looking for a line of mens apparel to help them look snappy. This is where Belvedere comes in. This classic collection of mens accessories is inspired by the gentlemen of the 1950′s as well as todays modern chap. Designs include ties, clip on bow ties, tie your own bow ties, suspenders, pocket combs including rules to being a gentleman, and tie clips made from vintage spoons and forks.

We got in touch with Belvedere owner Kari Bergrud to ask her about her ”Classy Goods for Classy Gents” collection…

Tell us about Belvedere. What got you going? I guess you could say that I am the new kid on the block. I have only been at this haberdasher thing for just over a year now. It began because I had some friends that were in the crafting world and they encouraged me to make some of my hobbies into a business. I started with jewelry (button earrings and bicycle inner tube earrings to be exact) but I just wasn’t feeling it. I’m a seamstress at heart, but I did still love accessories. So I thought to myself, “Self, what can I sew that is an accessory that would make people happy?” The answer was clear: ties.

Three things about Commercial Drive that make you want to live there: I’m sure that this list could go on for a while but I will try to limit myself. I love that it is a big mishmash of different kinds of people from every walk of life and that people say good morning to you when you walk down the street (or if they don’t say it to me I can say at least say it to them without seeming crazy for talking to strangers). I love the local markets (farmers and crafts) and I love that I am constantly surrounded by amazingly talented artists that have made and are continuing to make Vancouver a special place to be.

What inspires you? Being around creative people is a huge inspiration for me.  I am challenged to keep my mind moving and it motivates me to get things done.

Tell us about your favourite space to work: A couple of years ago my mom gave me our family’s dining room table. It was made when furniture was heavy and ornate. When I put in all the leaves and spread out all of my supplies, that is when I am in my glory!

Where do you enjoy shopping and eating in Vancouver? One of my favorite places to hit up for dinner is Nicli Antica Pizzeria on East Cordova. The pizza is top notch and the wine list is superb. For late night drinks, Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie on Keefer is definitely top of my list. As for the stores that I find most of my treasures in, I head to Main and 3rd. There are two antique shops that are right beside each other: Space Lab and Re Find. At Space Lab I find a lot of the hardware and deco that I use for Belvedere. Re Find is more of a guilty pleasure for the part of me that thinks that I was actually born in the 1950s and 1960s.  For clothes I generally head over to the classic Value Village where I find things that I can take apart and put back together again.

Is there a local designer that you admire? Someone that I admire [who] just happens to be one of my dear friends is Zach Bulick. He is also the designer of all of my graphics for Belvedere. I am fortunate enough to also work along side him at Union Gospel Mission where he is the in house graphic designer. Being around Zach is like watching “So you think you can dance” when they are crumping (maybe this is just me). You feel like after they have preformed that you could do that, too. Tragically, the gift is not always there but nonetheless you are inspired to move and make things happen. Zach is constantly making things happen and building up people in his everyday life. He makes me want to be a better artist. I would encourage everyone to look him up and get a glimpse into this creative heart that is Zach Bulick.

What is your favourite Belvedere creation right now? What I love about making men’s accessories is the clean lines that are used. Everything is precise and symmetrical. One of my favorite things to make because of that is my classic bow tie. They are adjustable and come in a plethora of colours and patterns. I also really like making my tie clips out of old spoons and forks. It makes me feel like She-ra to bend metal like that.

What sort of music do you listen to when you are working? Generally some calm stuff like Beirut or Rosie Thomas but most of the time I put on TED talks to listen to new ideas that people are coming up with around the world.

Why is Vancouver a good city for indie design? There are so many people to be encouraged by and inspired by. I probably wouldn’t even be doing this if it weren’t for the amazing people that live here.

Describe your favourite part of a typical Belvedere day: My favourite time is when I can share what I am doing with friends. I have such wonderful people in my life that want to help and support me in what I do. The catch is that sewing is becoming a lost art, so with many of these friends I am teaching them how to sew along the way. They start to come up with their own projects that they get excited about and we get to encourage each other throughout the process.

A Spring 2012 item that every stylish gentleman should have in his closet? I’m a firm believer in being a snappy dresser. It is by no shock to anyone that I would suggest a bow tie to spruce up a look. It should be noted, though, that there is a time for a pattern and there is a time for a solid colour. Learn the difference between the two and you will forever be a champion in my books. But if you are having problems, do not hesitate to ask. Belvedere is a judgement free zone.

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Find out more about Belvedere here.

OTHER INTERESTING VANCOUVERITES

Got Craft? | Sunday, May 6 | 10am – 5pm | Royal Canadian Legion (2205 Commercial Drive) | $2

by Jenny Bachynski | I recently met up with Eden Rausch, the designer behind Cuchè Bikinis, at his work/living space on Oak Street. He was busily cutting some swimwear fabric that was soon getting sent off to production. All of Cuchè’s collections are designed and made in Vancouver, but it was very clear to me that the inspiration behind his line was not only from other countries, but other decades as well. The things that were influencing Eden’s designs were obviously influencing other parts of his life, which I quickly discovered as I toured his home. We flipped through some of the new 2012 look book images and I was filled with excitement for the upcoming summer. With the weather getting warmer, and Cuchè’s new line hitting stores in May, we don’t actually have to wait that much longer!

Tell us a bit about yourself and how Cuchè came to be? I drive a money green 76′ Cadillac Coupe Deville and spend most of my time working on Cuchè bikinis. With my off time I collect and play records, swim, hit the odd skatepark and travel as much as I can. I got hooked on bikinis traveling with my folks as a kid in the 70′s, along with working the lights at my father’s disco belly dancing club.The ugly 90′s styles killed it for me so I brought back my own version of high class chic to the mix.

Working with swimwear fabric is never easy. How do you ensure a great fit and what should women look for when searching for a flattering bathing suit? Most of my new designs need to be cut a few times over until the fit develops into what I originally envisioned. Women would do much better if they’d get a suit that fits a tad bit tight. All swimwear stretches out.

If you could change one thing about swimwear fashion or a swimwear trend that you hate, what would it be? Zebra print.

If you had to choose one of your go to Cuchè styles, which one would it be? The 2012 Eugénie (see).

What is the hardest and easiest thing about owning a small business? Within the clothing world, you are expected to front the cash on retail orders. Silly industry. Tricks are for kids. The easiest thing is getting up for work.

Where do you find inspiration for your collections? Last summer I was somewhat obsessed with 60′s and 70′s cult and French/Italian mob flicks. I purposely direct my influences into my collections. It’s always best if I don’t think about it too much and not pay too much attention to trends.

Who is going to be on your summer soundtrack this year? Dj Spinna – Future Shock (listen).

One piece or two piece? What are women leaning towards this year? Women are in love with this Frédérique one piece I built but I’m thinking the hot two piece will rule this summer!

What is another Vancouver small business that you love? Black Dog video.

Best beach to wear one of your Bikinis? Bajondillo Beach in Torremolinos or 3rd beach if you’re local.

Thanks Eden! For more info visit www.cuchebikinis.ca.

OTHER INTERESTING VANCOUVERITES

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Jenny Bachynski was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. In her teenage years she packed up her bags and headed to Vancouver to pursue further education in fashion design. In 2009 she started her own small business Jenny Andrews Recycled Leather Goods, as well as her blog Jenny Loves. After starting her blog, Jenny discovered that one of her greatest joys was stumbling upon beautiful and interesting things, and sharing them with anyone who would listen.

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by Jenny Bachynski | Rowan Sky is one of those Gastown stores that I seldom pass by without going in, even if I’m not in the market for shoes. Located at 334 West Cordova street, the bright, inviting store is filled with the most beautiful, high quality footwear. When I first started corresponding with co-owners Troy and Nima, it was clear that they were not only passionate and hardworking, but some of the nicest guys around. The two of them have a true understanding of shoe construction and what people are looking for, which makes for some amazing customer service. I spent an afternoon with Troy and Nima talking, taking pictures and fantasizing about my eventual purchases. I couldn’t wait to hear their take on the world’s obsession with shoes, and have them tell me more about Rowan Sky’s history and future.

Tell us about yourselves and how Rowan Sky came to be? Nima: My name is Nima “Jones Quaker” Farahmand and I’ve lived in Vancouver since July of ’99. I like to think that I started my life in Canada right at the turn of the millennium and the start of 21st century. I started working in retail for a friend of mine while I was in university and instantly fell in love with it. Initially I use to be mostly into apparel when it came to fashion, but in the last few years I have truly fallen in love with shoes and shoe making. Naturally, after I was done with university I joined forces with my friend and partner in crime, Troy Cruickshank, and created Rowan Sky. Troy: My name is Troy “Montgomery James” Cruickshank Jr. and I definitely have a shoe fetish despite the fact that I spent most days in army surplus boots while growing up. My family was by no means rich, but it was 100% my choice to wear army boots and to this day I still don’t know why. What I can tell you is that the strange obsession with a classic boot led me to a career of footwear and fashion. My family background is one part Danish and another part Canadian bacon. My mother used to run a shelter for single mothers on the east side and my father was in real estate during the market crash in the ’80s. So I can also say I didn’t come into the shoes business naturally, even though it’s where my heart is. Rowan Sky is a trendy fashion forward footwear and accessories boutique that not only pays attention to style and trends, but also quality and value. Our brand collection is a selection of brands from around the world, and we are always looking to change our collection and add new styles and brands to keep it fresh and up-to-date. Most people like to know how the name came to be, which is a bit of a secret, but the important fact is that when you come in the store and meet us you’ll have a hard time thinking of any other name. We like to make sure our customers are well taken care of and educated about our products, and it is our mandate to make sure every customer walks out in the right pair of shoes.

When I am in my store I feel…? When we are in Rowan Sky we are happy. We have a lot of fun with our staff and customers and make sure to keep it that way. But personally, the store to us is a safe place. We are surrounded with shoes and the smell of leather. What can be better than that? It is inspiring to come to work each day, listen to good music, fit customers with great shoes, and work side to side with our lovely staff.

What makes the perfect shoe? Many people don’t realize how much work goes into making a pair of shoes. A lot of attention and manpower is used to transform a design concept into a wearable product. Needless to say the more attention a shoe gets the better it will be. All that aside, what makes a shoe perfect is the person wearing it. For most people (as we like to believe) shoes are a reflection of taste and personality. So the perfect shoe: fits effortlessly, wears amazingly, looks great on, and most importantly it is a reflection of the person.

Owning a small business is never easy. What has been the hardest part, and what inspires you to put in all the work? Obviously the recent economical issues and scares have definitely changed the landscape for all companies. Add online sale sites and other competitors, and having a small business is not as easy as it once was. But we are thankful to have customers that understand the importance of fitting a shoe in person, and supporting their local shoe shop. We think this quote embodies how many small business owners might feel: “When you buy from a small mom or pop business, you are not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons…a mom and dad put food on the table. Our customers are our shareholders and they are the ones we strive to make happy.”

Being a Vancouverite, I need to know what is the best rainy day boot? The easy way out when it comes to rain is putting on the Vancouver special (rain boot). But we find that spending a few more dollars and investing in a quality leather boot not only will it keep your foot dry, it will also last you longer and look better for seasons to come. So we recommend that for next season it is best to buy a nice fitting Camper Boot, or an Ash boot. That way you look stylish, don’t break the bank, and stay warm and dry.

Why do you think so many people have an obsessive fascination with shoes? That is a great question that may never find a proper answer. Shoes have definitely become an important part of a wardrobe, but the obsession with shoes is mainly related to the individual. For some, it is a naughty fascination, for others it’s about having something low key that can offer a twist to your daily attire. It’s a rebellious way to express yourself, and simply it’s that special detail that will transform your wardrobe into something spectacular. Also, in this day and age we are obsessed with how we are perceived physically, and when it comes to shoes you don’t need to worry about whether you have gained a few or not. We can tell you that during a fitting at Rowan Sky, we rarely hear the famous question: “Do these make my ass look big?”

What are the future plans and goals for Rowan Sky? The future of RS is going to be awesome. In addition to picking up many new brands for 2012 Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter, we are currently working on setting up our online store to join the World Wide Web sales. As well, we have a few new secret projects in the making. Scout Magazine is the first to know that soon you can expect our very own RS collection of meticulous hand-crafted products.

Nice! If you were to go buy an outfit in Vancouver to go with a pair of your shoes, where would you go? Being small local business owners, we like to support local businesses as much as possible. So when we are not thinking shoes or booze, a few stores we love to shop at that would pair well with our products are: Global Atomic Design, fine finds, plus our lovely next-door neighbors The Block, Holly Boutique, One/Two of a Few, Rubi & Kino, Lynn Steven, Dutil Denim and (212).

How does being in Vancouver influence the type of designs you bring in? Are there any distinct Vancouver shoe trends right now? There was a time that trends/fashion took more time to appear in Vancouver, but thanks to globalization we’re always pushing for the next fashion trends and brands. However, there is still that west coast factor and feel to our city, which shapes trends and fashions, and sets it apart from other Canadian cities. The relaxed bohemian feel plays a big role in what makes or breaks it here. Spring/Summer go hand in hand with ballet flats and sandals. For women this season we will see a lot of fun wedges with hints of exciting colors, like red, orange or yellow, as well as colorful sandals and flats. Also, the hidden wedged women sneakers seem to have really picked up momentum in the east and you’ll soon see a lot of people wearing them in Vancouver. For men, however, things are staying a little more classic; English style oxfords and brogues in masculine colours, like oxblood and deep brown are the looks of this season.

If you could pick one person and walk in their shoes for a day, who would it be and why? Nima: If I were to live in any era and be the same age as I am now, I would love to experience the late 50′s and early 60s’. I find everything from that day and age exciting, cinema, art, fashion, and music. Especially music and fashion, three-piece suits, beautiful shoes, pianos, and live music in clubs. To top the experience I would want to be one of the Rat Pack. Smoke, drink, sing and wear some fantastic shoes and clothes while living life to the limit. Troy: David Bowie. I bet he has some pretty rad shoes in his closet and he has probably seen some crazy shit while wearing them.

Thanks guys! For more information visit www.rowansky.com.

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Jenny Bachynski was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. In her teenage years she packed up her bags and headed to Vancouver to pursue further education in fashion design. In 2009 she started her own small business Jenny Andrews Recycled Leather Goods, as well as her blog Jenny Loves. After starting her blog, Jenny discovered that one of her greatest joys was stumbling upon beautiful and interesting things, and sharing them with anyone who would listen.

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by Jenny Bachynski | Alex Henderson is the owner and designer behind Henderson Dry Goods. With her stylish eye and impressive craftsmanship, she creates a variety of items ranging from mirrors, frames, clocks, and jewelry. All of her work is handmade in Vancouver, and gives off a nostalgic feeling that will hit close to home for many Canadians. Inspired by the history of the Prairies, Henderson Dry Goods are reminiscent of heirloom pieces that you would find in your grandparents’ closets. Some of her most fascinating works are laser-etched cameos of well known Canadian figures (such as Emily Carr). As a person who grew up in Alberta, I was fascinated to see more from Alex and enjoyed being reminded of my love of the Prairies, and the rich history that it holds…

Tell us a bit about yourself and how Henderson Dry Goods came to be? Since about the age of 15 I knew I wanted to be a designer and from about the age of 16 I knew I wanted to go to Emily Carr. I had small deviations from these ideas over the years (at one point thinking architecture and another thinking art history) but stuck to the original plan and started my degree in Industrial Design at Emily Carr in 2003. I started making and selling things (hand-felted accessories, small leather goods and some jewelry) all throughout my student years under the name “Obsessive/Compulsive”. Pretty much from then on I knew I that could make a business for myself working with my hands. Fast forward to a few years later where I was very much in a one door closing and another opening situation and was able to give my small design business aspiration a real go. I took a “Be Your Own Boss” program and came up with a solid plan and away I went.

Does Vancouver as a city inspire your work? Vancouver inspires my work in a sort of non-direct way. I am very much affected by all the creative people around me and all the great things happening here, not just in design but also in art and music, too. However, I am very much influenced by Canada as a whole and especially the Prairies where I was raised.

What is your process like when designing a new piece? It usually just starts with a thought of a shape or even just a feeling, a mood, and then it is a process of feeling around until I manage to put that feeling into 3D. I always really identify with how Michelangelo described carving the stone away to reveal the figure that was hidden inside.

Has owning your own business changed the way you work and create? Yes! But I try not to let it to too much.

In three words, how would you describe your work personality? Obsessive, compulsive, and…obsessive.

Who is another local artist or business owner that you admire? There are lots, but to name a couple: I always admire the work and working style of my good friend Karin Bubas, who is an amazing artist and Zoe Garred of Fleet Objects is an incredibly hard working and talented designer.

What has been your most rewarding experience since starting your own business? It is very lovely when people tell me that they like my work and think that the objects I make are beautiful. That is definitely rewarding.

If you could change one thing about your daily work routine, what would it be and why? To actually have a routine! Right now my days are all over the place. I am juggling my business with being a new mom, which is extremely challenging.

Which piece of your jewelry is the most fun to create? Probably custom portrait pendants. I am always very aware that it is a piece that will be a special gift and so that makes it special for me too.

The most important thing in my studio is my…? My laser cutter!

Thanks Alex! Find out more about Henderson Dry Goods at www.hendersondrygoods.com.

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Jenny Bachynski was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. In her teenage years she packed up her bags and headed to Vancouver to pursue further education in fashion design. In 2009 she started her own small business Jenny Andrews Recycled Leather Goods, as well as her blog Jenny Loves. After starting her blog, Jenny discovered that one of her greatest joys was stumbling upon beautiful and interesting things, and sharing them with anyone who would listen.

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