by Robyn Yager | Kildare Curtis has carried some of the highest quality international and Canadian designers at Eugene Choo since it opened 2000. His shop is at 3683 Main Street with its extension, The Annex, located right next door specializing in accessories, bags, and seriously beautiful shoes. Here are 10 wants from a recent pass…

1. Fleet Objects Drop Necklace and Bracelet | Inspired by the floats and bobbers of fishing equipment, this line (no pun) by Fleet Objects is a colourful and minimal way to incorporate colour through accessories. The pendants are products of Zoe Garred’s design studio in Vancouver, where she uses natural materials to make objects that speak of an abstract aesthetic in function and form. You might also recognize some of her other work at Chinatown’s Bestie (her hanging Mariner Lamps are gorgeous).

2. Eliza Faulkner wool skirt | Eliza Faulkner’s repertoire included the likes of Erderm, Zandra Rhodes, and Roland Mouret prior to her launching her eponymous line in 2012. The designer was born and raised on Vancouver Island and trained in London at Central St. Martin’s College of Art & Design. Pleats are huge this season, so zero in on this wool skirt in red and wear it with a cream cropped cable knit sweater, black tights, and black pumps.

3. Valentine Gauthier gold leather weaved flats | Metallic is basically a neutral these days. Gold, silver, copper, rose gold – anything goes. These gold leather weaved flats are no exception and would look amazing with just about any outfit. They’re retro in the weaving (some may even say nursie), but the colour modernizes them plenty. Gauthier’s resume includes lines at Rochas and Maison Martin Margiela, experience that makes for a feminine line with classic masculine twists.

4. Noah Waxman green leather desert boots | For guys, how beautiful are these green Noah Waxman leather desert boots? Again, footwear is a fantastic way to up the winter wardrobe ante without being too obnoxious about it. Noah Waxman is a footwear specialist who learned from master craftsmen in Amsterdam who instilled in the young shoemaker the highest respect for what it takes to make beautiful, comfortable and handcrafted footwear.

5. Strathcona Stockings | Who doesn’t love an insane printed tight or stocking? We’re not talking regular prints like the ubiquitous cat print or skull print, we’re talking tropical birds, lilies and avocados, mushrooms, peaches and the beautifully illustrated Mary Jane. If we have to wear tights in this cold and wet weather why not sport something more interesting? Every print from Strathcona Stockings are original – designed, collaged, photographed or drawn at the studio in Strathcona or on various travels. All products are made locally and in limited quantities. Ryley O’Byrne is behind the brand. Her prints have been featured in StyleBubble, Vogue Italia, New York Magazine, Elle UK, Nylon Magazine and all over the web and back. Let these tights and stockings be the statement piece in the outfit (because nothing says Vancouver more than weed on your feet).

6. Eliza Faulkner colour blocked silk dress | Another piece by Eliza Faulkner. It’s a very elegant and conservative dress that transitions well from day to night. The detachable rope belt can be used to cinch the waist or can be removed for a more draped effect. The knee length makes it a Vancouver-appropriate piece as we longingly await spring.

7. Comrags Thwaites dress | The Quartz Border Thwaites Dress by Joyce Gunhouse and Judy Cornish of Comrags is more like a piece of art than a dress, and more reminiscent of a green spring day than of the holidays that have just passed. This is what happens when two Canadian designers with the same design sensibility and work ethic come together. The company, born in 1983, is still based out of Toronto where their designs boast of “femininity with an edge”.

8. Oliver Spencer men’s colour blocked t-shirt | Tired of the usual black and neutral winter wardrobe? This Oliver Spencer jersey t-shirt is an awesome way to incorporate colour into the otherwise drab assortment of current winter wear. A modern British brand, Oliver Spencer is inspired by hunting and military clothing, Americana and Japanese style, and Sandy Powell, the costume designer for Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York. Total British cool.

9. Dolce Vita pointed oxford flats | Despite our stated affections for stilettos, flats are trending on the fashion front right now. We’re not sure if it’s the masculine influence at play or if it’s just a matter of comfort, but these chic and functional pointed toe flats by Dolce Vita are a wicked addition to the shoe closet. Eugene Choo has them in an all-over black colour and a two-toned black and white oxford version. If you can, grab both!

10. Osei-Duro dress | Osei-Duro is a clothing company based out of LA and Ghana. These beautiful garments are made in Ghana using traditional hand-dyeing techniques and weaving. Each piece is made uniquely and by an individual who is given full acknowledgement for their work. This particular piece is colourful and appropriate for either the summer months paired with sandals or in the winter with a heavy wool coat, black tights, and boots.

Eugene Choo & The Annex | 3683 & 3697 Main Street | 604-873-8874 | www.EugeneChoo.com

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY