She is my good friend, a talented, knowledgeable and confident girl.
她是我的好朋友。是一位聰慧與自信集一身的女孩。
This is our bold attempt and innovation. The styling is something that she has never touched before. We simply only use one backdrop paper, plus lights and colour gels trying to bring out the different looks of Doreen Wang.
On September 10th, 2016 An all-star cast of 200+ volunteer models, dancers, actors and musicians — sponsored by volunteer local fashion designers, top hair stylists and make-up artists — created an avant garde themed extravaganza on the runway, all in support of mental illness & those living with addictions. Over 900 guests came out to support and enjoy an unforgettable evening of fashion, fun and entertainment for the inaugural year of SHINE!p>SHINE! 2016 was a huge success!! I was so proud and honored to be on the team this year as the Official Fashion & Lifestyle Correspondent. I had so much fun conducting interviews leading up to the event, and building the social media buzz! Thank you so much to Dean Thullner for creating such an imaginative event which was a fabulous way to give back, with communities helping communities. I also want to tip my hat off to the whole team & participants for their hard work and organization! I sat down post-SHINE with the Lead Stylist, the incomparable Miss Dani Barnes | House Of Barnes, who gave me a few of her Lead Stylist notes on each of the 14 Fashion Designers who showcased their talents at SHINE! 2016. I can’t wait until next year, and I am still feeling the afterglow!
Still gagging over the eleganza that was SHINE! 2016? Want to look up some of the amazing designers? Here’s our Essential List! –Justin Voitic
It was an honour to see Tracy’s extreme imagination come forth in this collection. I love when designers produce lines that have a little bit of everything in them. From a full length tassel onesie to suiting for dapper ladies. My eye is on that black vest with the glitter smiley face…Loved it!!
A Blanche Macdonald grad with some seriously unique style! Who knew quilted pants were a thing…now we know. Doris is a genius, starting with a colour pallet that strikes me as unusual (red and lime green) then somehow pulling the whole concept together like it was a classic pan-tone set. Delicious.
The black and white striped lady boss jacket saves my life just by existing. April Peters is a woman who has inspired me for years! Her designs are otherworldly, absolute top quality and wearing anything of hers makes one not only feel like but become royalty.
Layer upon layer upon layer of goth godliness and glamour. I LOVE wearing anything by Carolyn. She has an eye for ‘more is more’ that only a decadent exhibitionist can truly appreciate. A vial of blood here, a giant bat face on a 12-foot cape there, a casual light-up 8-piece elephant jewellery set over there….Yes. Please.
“Just make sure not to touch the razor mask. It is truly beautiful but they are real razors and you will totally cut yourself” says one of the models at rehearsal about one of Shay’s masks. I think this nicely sums up the collection- beauty with a bite that you’ll have to touch to verify you’re not dreaming!
Charlene has more talent than we know what to do with! I’m OBSESSED with the cream brocade coat with 3-foot long tail trains. I’ve never seen anything like it?! It’s a royal wedding for Tim Burton friends and I can’t decide whether I would want to be the bride or the groom. Keep your eyes on this one!
The rainbow sequin, red silk lined jacket was one of the first pieces I saw after being brought onto team Shine in May. She’s a Calgary designer and I knew we had to get those garments shipped in!! Well yes, it was even more exquisite in person- our second Blanche Graduate designer who is going to make a big name for herself in this industry!
Karin is an absolute DOLL with devotion to glitter and opulent fabrics. Are fashions fit for a queen? Had to say it. :p But really, stunning custom creations that make you want to dance and strut and show off and celebrate….how much better does it get? I need one of the tie waists, could be turned into a cape in a minute, skirts right now.
Head to toe couture. I was living my Indian princess fairy tale dream in their showroom but seeing the gowns live on their gorgeous models was the real spectacle. Some of their capes had to be lifted with both hands thanks to the meticulously hand-beaded fabrics. How do you pick a favourite colour from a glitter-covered rainbow?
DISCO MERMAID, FACE MIRROR CLAW, FLORAL MESH BUTTERFLY SHOULDER, LIGHT UP ROSE BUM. A runway collection does not get more elaborate than this. I knew I could count on Shiverz to serve us ‘never been seen before’ realness and inspire me to get farther outside the box with my own designs.
I want to ask Nikki Rose for an estimate of how many jewels she used to cover her entire collection and if she would turn me into the glittery ecstasy animal of my dreams for a show sometime. This one has a fiery passion for her creations, explosive perfection and haute couture combined to produce a line that continues to top itself!
A guru in her industry and a world-famous collector- Melanie’s creations for Lace Embrace make people’s dreams come true on a daily. It is fascinating to watch someone turn a classic corset into thousands of different designs, always something new, making sure you think ‘what is she going to do next?’ Movie star goddess magic was delivered this time!
Boo La La continues to command FUN everywhere they show up. It was a pleasure to style 10 gorgeous men from sexy to outrageous to technically perfect ballet dancers. Mantra at the Boo is ‘Life’s More Fun In Costume’ and I think each model embodied this perfectly on the Shine runway!
Jennifer is a perfectionist and you can see the culmination of her efforts in gowns worthy of Marie Antoinette and her companions. How did we manage with an 8-foot cage skirt backstage you will never know, but it’s seriously a blessing to watch someone with that level of dedication bringing forth a pastel rainbow of her soul in fabric form. And you gotta love a quick change! Off with the skirts, on with the shorty shorts, what a perfect grand finale to the SHINE fashion show.
RED – A Celebration of Colour, Couture, Community and Caring
On Friday night, I donned a red skirt and attended RED – A Celebration of Colour, Couture, Community and Caring at the Commodore Ballroom. RED was presented by The Positive Living Society of British Columbia and was a fabulous & fun event in support of people living with HIV.
As Western Canada’s largest AIDS service organization, Positive Living BC provides peer-based wellness programs to over 5,700 people living with HIV in British Columbia. With such a great turnout and a sold-out crowd, monies raised at RED will sustain programs that help foster health and well being.
April Peter’s designs were beautifully romantic and a definite highlight of the evening! Over 100 artists in the Vancouver arts community collaborated to bring us the shows we enjoyed Friday night at the event. There was a truly positive vibe in the air, and we all had a lot of fun as we showed our support. It was wonderful to see so many talented and familiar faces come out and show solidarity towards the Positive Living Society of BC.
I was dressed by the creative Dani Barnes of House of Barnes and Boo La La Costumes, who put me in a gender-bending RED number that fit perfectly with the event. She paired my look with an extreme Carolyn Bruce steampunk statement necklace which we lovingly nicknamed “Don’t Touch The Boobs” My makeup was done by the Dior team at Hudson’s Bay downtown. I was feeling myself like the emoji of the Spanish lady rocking the red dress. I was getting hit on by some handsome lesbians in dapper suits while having the time of my life!
After the VIP Reception which included complimentary bubbles and delicious doughnut bites passed around by the beautiful Ron Wear and Alexia Fairbrother, we mingled with some of Vancouver’s hottest fashionistas.
Kuna & I made the rounds and stopped by a raffle game which was presented by the always wonderful “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” including two of their newest “Postulants” who hope to be inducted into the sisterhood, which always gives back to the LGBT community.
Dean Thullner, the Event Producer did a fantastic job of the evening, which went off without a hitch. The host of the evening was Steven Schelling, and we were moved by Valerie Nicholson’s speech, the Chair of The Positive Living Society of BC who was met with a standing ovation.
After the Live Auction put on by David C. Jones, it was time to enjoy the theatrical fashion shows of the evening! The RED Runway show was underway, with a theme that shows us the experience of two people living with HIV interpreted through fashion, music and live performance.
The standout Fashion Shows that gave me life were “Male Trade & Female Trade” by Dani Barnes & Boo La La Costumes, which was a super fun romp through different styles of uniform and had the crowd clapping, laughing and smiling.
“CEOS” was local eco-fashion favourite Nicole Bridger‘s all business collection. “Corporate Ho’s” was also different styles of business attire beautifully tailored by local fashion designer Connally McDougall.
“Chicks” was S&M and bondage-inspired and was an edgy collection of the different seasons of designer Evan Clayton’s work.
Carlotta Gurl and Brent Ray Fraser made quite an impression on the crowd as they rocked every inch of the stage during the shows giving us the performance value.
After the show which was musically produced by one of my faves DJ Skylar Love, we rocked out to a set by the hunky DJ Adam Dreaddy who also never disappoints!
All in all, fun was had and money was raised for an excellent cause. From the looks on everyone’s faces, we all had a wonderful evening. Thanks again for having us! Until next time.
BTS: THECloset YVR Launches with Thanks to VIPs & Friends
On Friday night (August 21st) Vlassis and I proudly opened the door and many bottles of wine, to a small gathering of our VIPs. ‘Very Important People‘ who helped us either emotionally, financially or physically along our journey of opening Vancouver’s first eco-luxury lifestyle boutique (possibly Canada’s?). It was an intimate evening of hugs and smiles followed by a second party Saturday afternoon to which we invited all our fashion industry friends. The concept of opening a niche retail boutique that sells only curated luxury at an affordable price point – be it new or vintage – alongside BC artisan pieces with a strong focus on value-added customer service, was met with a lot of skepticism and trepidation. But we did it anyway!
BC Artisan vendor products: Reclaimed Print Co and our exclusive nautical screened pieces, Basic Design, Me&YouBody vegan personal grooming products, and an array of Gianfranco Ferre vintage ties. We want to first thank Vancity Credit Union‘s Hormus Karat (Branch #4 Manager) and Josh Ludgate from Small Business BC for taking a chance on us. The process was months long but together we pulled it off and Hormus and his lovely wife Berndette joined us and it really made our evening! Our mentor Craig Patterson of Retail-Insider and Winston Collective was travelling and unable to make the VIP party but we know how proud he is. We cannot express how valuable lawyer Ritchie Po is to our business. Not only is he a fantastic friend but his Knotwerk By Ritchie Po is gaining momentum and the highest read content on our FB and website! Conceptualizing and shooting the weekly style column is always so much fun.
THECloset YVR: Style Writer Ritchie Po of #KnotwerkByRitchiePo (Lanvin tie, Varvatos vest & Fluevog shoes), co-founders Vlassis Xanthopoulos (PhatFarm shirt) and Helen Siwak (Armani dress and Bulgari pendant fromModaselle).L: Collectible vintage Mary Quant and soft blue gemstone Cartier scarf. R: La Cigale: Senteurs Provencales shaving and gift boxes, Tracey Tomtene custom necklaces that say“Like a Boss, Girl Boss, Do Epic Shit, EcoLuxLuv”.
Even though I have known Dominique Hanke and Joshua Langston for a long time, it is only recently that we have really come together as close friends. Both have been incredibly supportive over the past year and always have a ‘chin up’ approach to any of the seemingly unsolvable and/or insane situations we find ourselves in.
Left to Right: The Triumvirate: Helen Siwak, with Lead In-House Stylist Dominique Hanke of HankeStyle in Graeme Black gown, Joshua Langston of The Social Life wearing head to toe thrifted! This is how you do it: shirt by Religion, bag by Alexander Wang, belt by Versace Jeans Couture, pants by DSquared2 & footwear by Louis Vuitton.
Jaralin Detienne is a new friend and supporter. I met a woman in the puppy park late one night and she took my card for a friend of a friend who wanted to do consignment. Jaralin came into the boutique with the most beautiful runway collection consignment and literally never went home! She offered to help immediately with the set-up of the boutique, the party, everything we needed until the party was over and we closed the doors. Amazing! She is a singer – click her name for her youtube channel. Dr. Jeff Matthews is a physicist turned animal rights activist and President of Sea Shepherd Canada. As proud he is of us, we are equally as proud of him. His encouragement and availability as a sounding board for our ecofriendly business strategies was invaluable. THECloset YVR is honoured to be named the exclusive distributor of Sea Shepherd Canada merchandise. Await the announcement and come visit for t-shirts and beanies in a month or so. Orianna Lacey of TheMarketingSmith was our hostess and lent her shining personality to welcoming everyone. She is hitting Vancouver like a hurricane with her vibrant force. THECloset YVR provided her a two piece Gianni Versace Couture vintage set to stand-out in her important role.
Left to Right: Singer Songwriter Jaralin Detienne (Alexander McQueen dress), Sea Shepherd’s Jeff Matthews / Hostess Orianna Lacey of TheMarketingSmith, Edmond Lee of Jo Malone & Estee Lauder in amazing Miu MiuRitchie’s guests: Wesley Yuen of Artistrun Collective holding DSquared2 Top Banana belt with husband Patrick Prinster.Ritchie’s friend Amanda Harris snapping pics and chatting about knotty things.Left to Right: Rebecca Rachel of Serendipity Boutique (Chanel bag & Valentino rockstuds), Helen Siwak and her former intern, stylist & dancer Jason Pillay.Matthew Saunders of Holt Renfrew, Edmond Lee, Aaron Thul VP of EMOL / Jason and Rebecca.Aaron, Ritchie and Matt O’Grady of BC Business looking cool in casual chic.Clockwise: Rebecca, Model Nyalem Wan / Nyalem, Helen Siwak & Vlassis Xanthopoulos / Wesley and Orianna.Clockwise: Helen’s decolletage, fancy footwear including Josh’s vintage Louis Vuitton two-tones, Edmond’s Miu Miu and style blogger Tahmina of Alouve.com and her Hermes handbag.
Before photographer Kuna Lu arrived some of our invitees stopped by and we were so excited that we forgot to get pictures – apologies to Sue Randhawa, Britta Bisig,Myriam Laroche, and Randa Salloum. Our La Biosthetique gal, Michelle Phaneuf was on a well-deserved cruise and did not attend but we made sure everyone received a sponsored gift bag complete with La Bios products and other goodies from our sponsors and vendors.
Gift bags sponsored by La Biosthetique.
We dined on Plantbase Food & Natural Products vegan appetizers that blew everyone away! Thank you chef David Isbister for the amazing food, incredible pricing and convenient delivery.
Documenting the deliciousness: 1. Chocolate-enrobed Paleo Cookie Dough Truffle, 2. BBQ “Pork” Style Jackfruit with Arugula and crisped onion, 3. Cashew Cheddar, Sweet Pickled Beet Root on a raw flax seed/tomato/onion cracker – topped with a pinch of raw probiotic cultured cabbage, 4. Fried Chinese Eggplant strip with fresh Coconut Sesame Slaw. Thank you to everyone! We’ve got a great group of people supporting us and we are grateful.
As much as we hate to admit that Summer 2015 may have left us until next year, we got to cling onto that sweet summer glow with a heavy helping of luxury as we experienced some out-of-this-world vehicles, fabulous fall fashion shows, over a million dollars in jewels, bubbles, & caviar topped canapés at the Luxury & Supercar Weekend on Sunday.
Two Felino models posing in front of the 2014 Felino CB7 – one of only 3 prototypes in the World, in matte grey, with only 10 in pre-production. Thanks to Antoine Bessette, the President of Felino Cars for meeting with us and sharing your vision.
Billed as the annual luxury event showcases the crème de la crème in automotive design, yachts, fall fashion, jewellery, music, gourmet food, fine wine and premium spirits – The Luxury & Supercar Weekend did not disappoint.
As always, Kuna Photography blew us all away with his vibrant, spectacular images which captured the opulence of all of his subjects. Kuna really knows how to capture a moment which makes us want to dive into the rich details.
We admired as we listened to some amazing restoration stories, some of these luxury supercars were just a shell and a basket and were restored over a decade with all the original parts, sometimes hunted down and sourced from all over the world. Thanks to Stephen from Autoform for all of his info on a 1962 Red Maserati which won our hearts.
I was dressed in a statement necklace & poncho by my stylist Raul Manriquez, an up and coming Fashion Designer from Calgary who has some exciting collections coming out in the near future- I will be interviewing him soon.
This just has sexy written all over it! Felino’s 2014 CB7 is giving me Bat-mobile realness.
We moved from the luxury hospitality tent for VIP attendees & media to the Catwalk to enjoy 3 different fashion shows put together by Oakridge & featuring shows by DKNY, Judith & Charles & Max Mara.
The 70’s themed shows were fun with songs played by Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, I was coveting the looks I saw which featured black feathers, leather fringe ripped – patched and distressed denim, DKNY faux fur vests, Doc Marten boots, Fall browns, greys, blacks paired with long flowing mermaid hair.
It must be the Season of the Witch as everything was getting kinda Groovy! PS – We loved the Johnny Depp-esque male model who did his thing on the runway.
Lady in Red – wasn’t this look everything? The Luxury & Supercar Weekend is also known for showcasing Canada’s largest display of fine jewellery.
We passed two armed guards strapped with machine guns and handguns to enter a tent that contained millions of dollars worth of diamonds and fine jewellery in “The Vault” hosted by Luxury Promotions Inc.
We were so inspired by Sophie Mizrahi-Rubel, the President of John Rubel – this jewellery company has a beautiful history and the company has been passed down to her through generations.
She has reincorporated some of the classic John Rubel designs and upgraded them with a 2015 twist and was kind enough to take some of these pieces, priced at $700,000 each out of the glass cases for us as she told us more about John Rubel.
She has reincorporated some of the classic John Rubel designs and upgraded them with a 2015 twist and was kind enough to take some of these pieces, priced at $700,000 each out of the glass cases for us as she told us more about John Rubel.
Sophie even allowed me to wear one of her most precious pieces – a multi-faceted ring with sapphires, which is a 2015 take on the multi-coloured diamond cuff shown below, which is an original John Rubel piece of history and was breathtaking!
Hi my name is Justin Voitic & here is my Red Carpet Fashion Review of The Leo Awards 2015! The Leo was held at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, and my friend Kuna Lu | Kuna Photography joined me in covering all the Red Carpet Fashion for the 2015 Winners, Nominees & Presenters for HUSH. I was Red Carpet ready thanks to the iconic Sue Randhawa owner of The Optical Boutique, who sponsored two high fashion pieces of Theo Eye Wear for this occasion!
The stars were out in full effect dazzling the room with their talent, charm, quick wit, good humour – and what we came here for – to gag on the Eleganza of their Red Carpet Fashion!
Time to take a look at my top picks of the best looks of the evening & their style stories when it came to bringing their look together!
Dressed as a Grecian Goddess in H&M (Styled by Dominique Hanke), Sarah Deakins who was nominated for the film Greece nailed this themed look! I love Dom’s choice of gold jewellery & accessories that complement the white dress which has a high slit, so if you want to have an Angelina moment on the Red Carpet you can by strutting your sexy leg out!
I loved hearing Kristin Lehman from the TV Series Motive’s style Story behind her bright floral dress – “I originally bought it as a high-necked, Ill Fitting Mu Mu at a thrift shop in Kenzington Market in Toronto” – Kristin Lehmen She then took the Mu Mu to a top Industry Seamstress who re-imagined it into this gorgeous dress which flattering cuts. Talk about taking your Eco Chic skills to the next level, Kristin!
Brooke Nevin slayed in a Cobalt Blue gown which was done by the Costello Stello featuring not only an elegant train but a sensual cut out in the front of the design which showed off her gorgeous silhouette!
“DO YOU LIKE MY BEAUTIFUL GOWN?” -Zach Lipovsky, Director of On The Lot fame (who is in town to Direct a film & did not pack a suit but still looked amazing) I was loving the quick-witted comedy from some of the Men, not only did the funny moment above with Zach have me giggling; I also want to tip my hat off to another good sport – Actor Woody Jeffreys even took his own shoe off on the Red Carpet for me to reveal the name of the Italian Leather designer – All in the name of FASHION I tell ya! Thanks for having fun with me, gentlemen!
I loved when Jennifer Copping (star of Bed Bugs: A Musical Love Story), pictured above right with Shauna Johannesen) told me her inspiration behind the bold floral Reformation jumpsuit she chose to rock on the Red Carpet. “It’s something bright, strong & fun that my character would wear”! – Jennifer Copping – Eco Fashion was a big theme this year on the Red Carpet & it makes me happy!
Powerhouse Michael Eklund displayed pure confidence in a Dolce & Gabbanna suit paired with fresh Nike kicks. Michael has a wonderful personality & is a truly talented actor who inspires me!
Talk about double trouble! It was a pleasure meeting Joyce & Jacqueline Robbins who rocked the Red Carpet of the 2015 Leo Awards wearing both Michael Kors & amazing attitudes. You shine bright, sisters!
If they were handing out an award for the Most Gorgeous Couple of the Evening, I think these two would have snatched the trophy. Anja Savčić pictured left in a stunning Ellebay Bridalgown & was Styled by the designer herself, Merly Bayona. Anja was nominated for Strange Empire & is pictured above with her boyfriend Jeremy Laurie.
While the Stars mingled with Champagne outside the Ballroom, the staff inside were busy setting the tables & preparing for the 3rd & final Leo Awards 2015 Ceremony to begin. Kuna & I made our way over to the Eco Fashion Week Gift Lounge to connect with some familiar friends!
Myriam Laroche & Ashleigh Said of Eco Fashion Week hosted the beautiful Eco Fashion Week Gift Lounge – was great to both catches up and explore the Local, Organic, Healthy, Craft choices from the amazing sponsors that put together a gift bag that was both West Coast & Eco Friendly. Thank you for spoiling us!
That’s a wrap! Until next year! Big thanks to Kuna Photography, Helen Yagi & the whole Leo Awards team, all the wonderful Nominees, Winners & Presenters and everyone else I got to meet and chat with! We had a great time – this astrological Leo is signing out!
Vancouver Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 is start today at beautiful VanCity. Today, all gorgeous fashionable people gather and celebrate fashion. Let’s check out those stunning skilful crafts brought by talented fashion designers.
Let the show begin!
Feel free to check out designers’ fashion showcase round 1 – Read More
Vancouver Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 is start today at beautiful VanCity. Today, all gorgeous fashionable people gather and celebrate fashion. Let’s check out those stunning skilful crafts brought by talented fashion designers.
Let the show begin!
Feel free to check out designers’ fashion showcase round 2 – Read More
