VANCOUVERITES: Five Minutes With Randi Obenauer, Designer & Creator Of “Ora Bags”

by Jenny Bachynski | Randi Obenauer is the designer and creator behind Vancouver’s own Ora Bags. With an impressive amount of post secondary sewing and arts education, it is no wonder why her handmade creations have been sparking attention everywhere. Using a mixture of new and vintage leather, Ora bags demonstrate a perfect balance between practicality and style (who wouldn’t want a sleek leather bike bag to ride around with on a nice Vancouver evening?). Randi was kind enough to sit down and share some insight into the world of Ora, and what it has been like running her own business.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how Ora started out? As an artist I’ve always been interested in fashion and fabric as a medium, and once I got a taste for working with leather while working on custom car interiors, I was hooked. The irony of my line of bags is that the first ones were born from a desire to actually have a bag I liked – I’m not much of a ‘purse’ kind of girl, so I always had a basic rucksack or messenger bag. I made my first leather bags while I was still in fashion design school, and was overwhelmed by the result, and it’s just snowballed from there.

Is Ora a one-woman show? Do you do all of the designing and creating yourself? I love to collaborate with other artists for my photo editorials, as Vancouver has so many talented photographers, stylists, and clothing and jewelry artists. When it comes to the making process, it is entirely a one woman show. I’m so happy to have a studio in the Dynamo Arts building, it’s really inspiring to work in an environment shared with so many talented individuals.

What is your favorite aspect of working with leather? I love the feeling of cutting and sewing leather, the smell and the hand of the different types. Leather is equally forgiving and unforgiving, so I enjoy the challenge of perfecting things as you often can’t backtrack and resew. With the introduction of some of my most recent styles in entirely new rather than recycled leather, I am really enjoying the ability to design pieces that are really minimal.

If you could collaborate with any Vancouver designer, artist, or business owner, who would it be? I’m currently in the process of discussing a potential collaboration with local brand Sitka. I feel very in alignment with a lot of their initiatives towards sustainability and their West Coast vibe. I’m also currently the Womenswear Designer for local brand Voleurz, perhaps later down the road there could be potential for an Ora-Voleurz collaboration if we expand into accessories.

Read more and check out the 2012 Look Book after the jump… Read more

VANCOUVERITES: 5 Minutes With Gene Doe Creatives Christina Ladwig & Hanna Tveite

by Jenny Bachynski | Christina Ladwig and Hanna Tveite are the creative directors and photographers behind Gene Doe, a creative agency specializing in fashion media. Based out of Vancouver, the talented duo have collaborated on many editorial shoots, ad campaigns, and films. It’s easy to be drawn to their photography for its cinematic quality (it gets me in the same way that a good film does); the style is minimalist and striking, something that I feel is often absent in fashion media. I was keen to hear their perspective and learn how they balance their talents to create a cohesive business. Say hello…

How did Gene Doe come to be? Simply, we both wanted to make work that we wanted to see. Although we didn’t know it when we first met, we shared a sensibility that was quite different than the prevailing one in the city at the time. Once we realized we both felt that way, it just felt like a natural progression.

The name Gene Doe…how did that come about? We really wanted to create a personality. We wanted an identity, but one that was somewhat ambiguous. We didn’t want to limit ourselves by choosing a name that defined us in a specific way. We also knew that our identity would be closely linked to the names we worked with, so a reference to the nameless “Doe” seemed fitting. Everything about it felt right.

Do you feel that you both have similar photographic styles, and how does that play out when you are working together? We have a very similar vision, but naturally assume different roles. Our individual strengths are well balanced. What one of us doesn’t see, the other does.

While you are shooting, are you purposefully aware of what you are trying to capture, or is it more of an organic experience? Everything we do, we do with a tremendous amount of purpose. Our focus going into any shoot is on expressing a particular tone. But in achieving that, collaboration is an extremely important element of our process. The different creative influences of the model, the make-up artist and stylist are something that we fully embrace. We don’t always know how we’re going to get there, but we always know where we’re going.

What has been your favorite experience you have had since you started Gene Doe? Probably the short film we did with Jordan Chu, for her jewelry line, The Woodland. We had incredible creative chemistry. It was, by far, our most ambitious project. It was also the most collaborative project we’ve done.

Gene Doe is primarily a business that is dedicated to fashion media. How would you describe your style if you could only use one word? Understated.

How has living in Vancouver influenced you as artists and photographers? The aesthetic that appeals to us is one that isn’t at all prevalent in Vancouver. The absence of that provided space for us to find our identity.

What is one thing you wish you would have known before starting your own business? Nothing, really. Learning is the best part.

What is your favorite small business in Vancouver (besides your own)? There are a lot of great small businesses in this city, but if we’d have to pick one, it would definitely be Old Faithful. They have a really strong identity, they’re super friendly and they support local business. We also love their aesthetic.

If you could do a portrait session with anyone, who would it be? Bob Dylan.

To learn more about Gene Doe visit www.genedoeproject.com and www.genedoe.tumblr.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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VANCOUVERITES: 10 Questions With Kyla Leslie, The Owner And Creator Of “Kove”

by Jenny Bachynski | Kyla Leslie is the creative force behind Kove, the gorgeous crochet line made right here in Vancouver. When I stumbled on her work awhile back, the colours, quality, and meticulous attention to detail really stuck with me and got me excited. I needed to know more…

Who are you and how did Kove came to be? Born and raised west coaster, aspiring yoga teacher and corporate drop-out; lover of textiles, travel, fashion and Indian food. Kove has been this amazing experiment-turned-success. I came home after my last trip to India and started playing around with the crochet hooks for the first time in years (my mom and grandmothers had taught me in my pre-teens). I put a little collection together, photographed it and opened my Etsy shop with no real expectation of what was to come. I just made the kinds of pieces I like to wear and hoped others would like them too.

When did you realize that this could become a job? It was sometime this fall (probably in the middle of the night, working on orders) I realized this not only could be a full-time gig, but that I really wanted it to be. What Kove grows or evolves into, we’ll have to wait and see, but I’m really excited for what next season brings.

What has been the most exciting thing that has happened to you since you started Kove? Successfully pitching for a pop-up shop space at Rize House in October. Designing the concept for the space, putting the shop together and then using it as a showroom for the line was absolutely one of the highlights of this season.

What do you think makes your work stand out, compared to the other designers around? Being so close to my work, that’s a hard question to answer. I think the most obvious difference is that my designs are crocheted, and the majority of what is out there is knit. Like any designer I’m always trying to learn new skills, and this season I spent a bunch of time working on a more traditional style of crochet that you can see in some of the more intricate textures, like the boot warmers, for example.

What do you think is the most valuable skill to have when starting a business? To know what your skills are and when you need to outsource the expertise of others.

What is your favourite thing about owning your own business? I love that most of the time work is just this great evolving project that I get to spend my time on. Having my own schedule is something I really value. As for least – well, who likes doing their own bookkeeping?

What is the best advice you were given when you started your business? Who was it from? Having started Kove on a lark, the support and encouragement to keep going has been the biggest boost. I have a group of entrepreneurial friends and family members who make a great sounding board for ideas and are always around to answer questions.

If you could hire anyone in the world to work for Kove, who would it be? Living: I’d actually love to hire a farm and produce my own yarn. Deceased: My grandma.

What is your favorite Vancouver small business? Is this the part where I shamelessly plug my (very talented) friends? I could never choose just one – this city is full of creatives doing fantastic things.

If the world was going to end this week, what would be the last thing you would make? Something like this would be perfect, don’t you think?

To learn more about Kove visit www.kove.ca and www.facebook.com/kovehandmade.

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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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LOOKCITY: Thom Browne’s New Fall 2012 Men’s Collection Is Way Freakin’ Out There

(via) Just when you thought J.D. Salinger and Lewis Carroll took a bunch of LSD with Edward Scissorhands and got busy making clothes at Quentin Tarantino’s house (again), it turns out that it’s just designer Thom Browne unleashing his new menswear line for Fall 2012. Oh, fashion. More oddity/hilarity here.

Seen In Vancouver #336: “Beggars Banquet” Comes Fleetingly To The Old Boneta Space

Gastown’s newest pop-up market, The Beggars Banquet, opened up tonight in the old Boneta space at 1 West Cordova. Check it out from 11am to 6pm tomorrow (Saturday). The Found and The Freed were well represented, as were Union Wood & Supply Co. and Cocolico (among several other locally spun bits of awesomeness). Score clothing, unique housewares, furniture, books, trinkets and all manner of curiosities.

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11- 6pm | Saturday, January 21 | Boneta 1 West Cordova | $2 Admission

EVERYTHING SEEN IN VANCOUVER

LOOKCITY: A Master Cut Of The Unrelenting Narcissism Of Fashion Designer Tom Ford…

My friend Steve put together this riveting edit of Tom Ford mastering the personal pronoun. Oh, fashion.

SEEN IN VANCOUVER #327: Inside The Opening Of Gastown’s New “Frock Shoppe”

The Frock Shoppe (331 Carrall Street) has opened and just in time for the holiday soirée season. The new offshoot of Community Thrift & Vintage is stocked with beautiful vintage ladies apparel and jewelry that ranges from practical but stylish to outright fancy party gear. Scout stopped in at the official opening part last Friday night, and we can tell you that if you’re still looking for that perfect cocktail dress or unique evening gown, you’ll want to pay this place a visit. The turn out was solid and the dressing rooms were all full. Have a look at some of the beautiful clothing (and people) we saw.

The Frock Shoppe is located right next to Nelson The Seagull in Gastown. A latte and lemon muffin followed by a browse through a quality vintage joint should combine for a pretty perfect afternoon. And don’t worry, gentlemen, the original store around the corner on Cordova is still going strong and now carries mostly men’s vintage (affectionately renamed “The Men’s Den”). Hand-picked sweet vintage duds at both The Frock Shoppe and The Den go for cheap with proceeds directed to the Portland Hotel Society. Check it.

The Frock Shoppe | 331 Carrall | Mon – Wed 10-6; Thurs-Sat 11-7 |  Website

The Men’s Den | 41 West Cordova | Tues + Wed 10 – 6; Thurs – Sat 11 – 7; Sun 12 – 5 | Website

EVERYTHING SEEN IN VANCOUVER

LOOKCITY: On Autumn Wishes And Seeking Intelligent Solutions To Leaky Rain Boots

Movember is here. Not everyone can rock a Magnum P.I. moustache, so please…gentlemen, know your facial hair limits. Consider these classy alternatives. Now, back to fashion…

Moulé on Fourth Ave has lined their shelves with some new Autumn duds. I was in over the weekend and fell for this sweater. It would look perfect with a camel coat, am I right?

Because everyone should have an excellent camel coat! Vintage is a good option, but if you feel like you can shell out the big bucks, Eugene Choo on Main has a 3/4 length stunner selling for $700. It’s a Steven Alan, and it’s fucking beautiful. Emerson Made also has this one, which is awesome. My personal favourite is the casual and cute Ulla Johnson ‘Alice’ coat at The Block in Gastown. Feels like butter.

Ah, what about rain boots? I’m looking for a new pair because my Hunters leak like the Bush White House. I want something with some style, but seeing how this is Vancouver, gumboots need to…well, be gumboots. The trouble is, do I go for a new pair of Hunters or switch up to the Isle Jacobsons that I saw at Umeboshi on Main? Maybe some Natives?

Boys, enough with the hoodies already. You need some thick, warm and cozy Fall/Winter shirts. Lucky for you there is a pile of new Penfield gear at Mr. Lee’s General Store and Haberdashery. So great.

Sick to shit of Fall/Winter already? Yeah, I get it. Dig the new COMUNE 2012 Spring & Summer Women’s Collection (see video above). Sigh.

PS Good news: Community Thrift and Vintage is opening another shop. The new digs will be located at 311 Carrall and will open next month. Yay!

LOOKCITY: On Retiring The Bikini For Autumn Fashions & Faces Full Of Good Skin

by Ashley Gesner | Retire the denim cut off shorts, TOMS and striped bikinis. The best time for fashion – Fall – is upon us!

I’m loving the Octoberish duds from Portland based Bridge and Burn. First spotted at Eugene Choo on Main Street and then again at The Block in Gastown. Classic preppy appeal.

Vancouver designer Dace has some beautiful pieces on the go.

Hometown kingpin Obakki throws down with their Holiday 2011 Collection (see image at top). Is it too soon to think about holiday parties? Nope.

Have you seen Strawfoot Handmade Bags (see)? Perfect for autumnal day trips! “Strawfoot is a small operation from Northern California that crafts durable bags from American made waxed cotton canvas with hand tools and a vintage single-needle sewing machine.” Must. Have.

The Sartoralist gives us a taste of  what was seen on the streets during Milan Fashion Week. Man Repeller gives the not-so-subtle version (and throws in a video chronicling the process of how to become a man repeller, check it) and Poppytalk just focuses on NYFW hairstyles.

Back in Vancouver, we prepare for Eco Fashion Week (just around the corner from October 5-7).

Oh, and seeing as it won’t be long before leggings are a requirement, so check out One of a Few for the best in town. On to the face after the jump… Read more

Talking Shop With Local Designer Nicole Bridger In Advance Of Eco Fashion Week

Nicole Bridger is a locally produced line of socially conscious clothing and also a woman (locally produced as well). While this interview is concerned with both the clothing and the woman, we’re focusing on the latter while fully appreciating the difficulties of separating the two.

Nicole,as we’ve obtusely made clear, was born and raised in Vancouver. She studied fashion design at Ryerson University in Toronto and then she went to London (UK) to intern at Vivienne Westwood. But here’s the thing: instead of getting carried away with the extravagant and conflicted world of high fashion, she saw that she could use her talents with fashion design as a vehicle for some of the changes she wanted to see in the world.

To take care of the Earth we use sustainable fabrics that are from natural and renewable resources and are dyed with low impact dyes. We consider the impact that we have on the earth and do the best we can to minimize it.

For the People we use ethical manufacturing practices. The majority of our goods are manufactured locally in Vancouver and if we manufacture overseas, we use fair-trade factories.

Finally, for Spirit we sew into each piece of clothing our affirmation labels that say I AM LOVE. This is a reminder to the wearer to speak kindly to themself and to others and help spread positivity throughout their day.

Long story short, Nicole moved home where set about establishing her own clothing line. Today, Nicole Bridger the company, like Nicole Bridger the woman, is guided by the axiom that one must strive to do what is right for the earth, for people and for spirit. We caught up with her to ask a few questions as Eco Fashion Week approached here in Vancouver (October 5-7 at Storyeum)…

Three words that capture your design style: Effortless, drapey, sexy.

Favourite luxury purchase hanging in your closet? My Vivienne Westwood sheerling jacket, though it was a gift.

A Fall 2011 item every girl should have: One of our new organic wool coats. They make me happy that Fall is here. Read more

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