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Event | 紀實, Fashion | 時尚

SHINE! 2016

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September 10, 2016

- Event | 紀實, Fashion | 時尚

SHINE! 2016 | The Essential Designer List


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

Take it away Dani ‘House of Barnes’! 


Tracy Cole // Volume Studio

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!!


Doris Granados // Salon Origins

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.


House Gallery Boutique // Brush

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.


Carolyn Bruce Designs – Steampunk Jewelry // Stratosphere

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.




Oculto Masks // Volume Studio

“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!




Faye Tality // High Fidelity

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!


Lindsey Kapitzke // Sugar Skull

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!


Beauty By Impairment // Queens

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.


Sunny’s Bridal // Sukis

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?


Shiverz // Head Space

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.


Nikki Rose // Craft

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!


Lace Embrace // The Lounge

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 // IN Salon

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!


Kappler // IS Salon

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.

Lead Stylist Notes / Commentary by Dani ‘House of Barnes’
Intro by Justin Voitic
Photography by Kuna Lu | Kuna Photography Group
Source from HUSH Magazine

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Event | 紀實

Diner en Blanc 2016

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August 18, 2016

- Event | 紀實

Diner en Blanc – Vancouver | 5th Anniversary


Vancouver’s Diner en Blanc celebrated its 5th anniversary in such a glamorous way. The largest one yet, totalling over 6000 people with 2000 more than previous years.
One-third of the stylish attendees were Le Diner en Blanc first time participants, joining the veterans as we all enjoyed a magical evening together!
I (Justin Voitic) attended with my fave photographer Kuna Photography Group and were impressed as always not only by the effort those had put into their elegant all-white looks but by the extravagance of the table displays created but attendees who set up their own tables, linens and decorations as they dine al fresco.
The Vancouver Circus School is always a stand out with their talented contortionists who showed off their gymnastic strength in these photos, sprayed in beautiful white and silver body paint and shimmery makeup artistry to suit the event.
The incomparable Dani Barnes / House Of Barnes styled Crystal Carson and myself this year in looks by Boo La La Costumes.
Crystal Carson the Style Director was a whimsical vision in white with a lace bustle, LED lights which took the dress day to night, an amazing fascinator and jewellery by the iconic Carolyn Bruce who creates incredible Steam-Punk jewellery.

Our friends at Moet & Chandon hooked me up with a limited edition fan, which I had fun flapping as I felt it went well with my white feather plumed top hat and pearls which Dani Barnes had picked out for me.
Thanks to Craig and the team inside the Media lounge for making our experience to entertaining, inside the Concord Pacific building which was air-conditioned and a nice breather to regroup as we sipped on delicious Rose before heading out again to continue our coverage.
The climax was the memorable tradition of lighting the night aglow with sparklers, as everyone soaked up the experience and celebrated with new and old friends while Juno nominated band The Lost Fingers serenaded us to cap off the 5th year of Le Diner en Blanc- Vancouver
We then head over to the after-party to continue to dance the night away, as always we couldn’t shake off the afterglow of a blissful and unforgettable evening. Shoutout to The Social Concierge & Camber Communications for inviting us and rocking the event increasingly every year! See you next time.

All Photography by Kuna Lu | Kuna Photography Group
Article by Justin Voitic
Source: HUSH Magazine

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Event | 紀實

Deighton Cup 2016

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August 4, 2016

- Event | 紀實

The 8th Annual Deighton Cup 2016 | Off to the Races!

 On Saturday, July 16th 2016 Kuna Photography & Justin Voitic covered the 8th annual Deighton Cup 2016 for HUSH Magazine.


We had a rousing time as all the hottest Vancouver fashionistas gathered at the Hastings Racetrack for a good old fashioned day at the races. The sweet smell of cigar smoke was in the air, you could hear the sound of champagne bottles popping amidst laughter and great conversations.


This event was filled with stylish and sexy individuals! The men were fine in their best dapper derby inspired looks. 


The women were also dressed to the nines, and I think I saw some of the largest and most ornate fascinators to date this year as everyone went all out on their looks!


We saw excited bidders waving their tickets and shouting for the horse they had placed their bets on as the horses raced around the tracks with impressive speed.


It’s always a pleasure to see the owner of The Optical Boutique (who recently fitted Kuna with some stylish new frames which I was coveting that day) Sue Randhawa – this woman is not only a dear friend and a sweet soul but she is a style icon who we are fortunate to have with us here in Vancouver. 


Sue was one of the judges of the Deighton Cup Style Stakes Awards, which we enjoyed watching this year. Stephanie Zen who attended with us and myself also self-nominated ourselves which was a new feature this year. Stephanie was rocking a baby blue number with a matching Hermes Kelly bag which gave me life! 


Kudos to Crystal Carson, the Style Director of the Deighton Cup who really did a fab job teaching everyone the fashion etiquette and history of the event with her fun posts and news appearances leading up to this year’s cup. It looks like everyone took note as the crowd was looking extra chic this year!

To make things fair, Crystal Carson pulled self-nominated fashionistas up on stage at random by drawing ballots. 


One of our lovely friends Dominique Hanke was called up on stage, and I was obsessing over her hat which she crafted beautifully. The legendary Liz Bell did the final judging and the best-dressed man and woman were awarded each $500 for the Style Stakes Awards. 


I pulled my outfit together last minute out of my closet using clothes I had purchased with my personal shopper who you should all go visit at Topman, Mr Nano Clow. I was rocking accessories pulled from the company I work for, LXR&CO also located in Hudson’s Bay. Specializing in vintage luxury we just moved our location upstairs to the Main Floor in handbags. From LXR&CO at this event I was wearing Tom Ford glasses, a damier ebene Louis Vuitton briefcase, and a Balenciaga clutch wallet. You can purchase all three for under $2000 which is an excellent value. I always love to rock eco-fashion looks so I paired my pre-loved LXR&CO luxury swag with a vintage fox fur that I had thrifted. 


After the winners were announced, the music kicked back in and the party really started to pick up as the sun came out and we made our way to enjoy the complimentary meals, which were delicious! 


Extra thanks to our friends at Veuve Clicquot for having us in your private booth and popping some of your delicious bubbles with us!


With over 4000 attendees this year, The Deighton Cup is just getting bigger and more amazing each year, also more fierce as everyone really does go all out which is nice to see in Vancouver! Props to Camber Communications for doing a fabulous job, and it was so great to see everyone. See you all next at Diner en Blanc, Vancouver!!!





Writting by Justin Voitic
Photography by Kuna Photography
Source from HUSH Magazine

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Event | 紀實, Fashion | 時尚

RED

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February 20, 2016

- Event | 紀實, Fashion | 時尚

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.

Dani Barnes of House of Barnes & Boo La La Costumes was looking FLAWLESS!


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.


Writing by  Justin Voitic 
Photography by  Kuna Lu | Kuna Photography Group 
Source from HUSH Magazine

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Event | 紀實

THECloset YVR Launches

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September 25, 2015

- Event | 紀實

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 Miu
Ritchie’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.

Helen & Vlassis



Writing by Helen Siwak | THECloset YVR
Photography by Kuna Lu | Kuna Photography Group
Source: THECloset YVR

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Event | 紀實

Luxury & Supercar Weekend

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September 13, 2015

- Event | 紀實

Luxury & Supercar Weekend 2015

Luxury & Supercar Weekend rolled into the beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden on September 12 and 13 to stage $200M+ of rare classics and modern supercars.


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!




Writing by Justin Voitic
Photography by Kuna Photography Group
Source from HUSH Magazine

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Event | 紀實

Diner en Blanc

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August 25, 2015

- Event | 紀實

Diner en Blanc 2015 Vancouver
#DEBVAN & Justin Voitic


My partner in Fashion, (rather than crime) the talented photographer Kuna Lu & I attended the 4th annual Diner en Blanc – Vancouver on Tuesday, Aug 25th, which was held this year at Canada Place and was well attended by 4500 guests!


Everyone was decked out in their best all-white-on-blanc looks (and sometimes off-white or even cream in some cases.)  Many were whimsical, and a few were even wonderfully creative art installations!


Contortionists doing their thang and getting all bendy with it from the Vancouver Circus School.


As we signed in we saw many familiar faces and met some new friends as well! Shout out to Steven Schelling and his fabulous team at Camber Communications for our invites to Diner en Blanc – Vancouver this year as well as the last event we covered together, The Deighton Cup! After checking in, we were entertained by the talented contortionists and circus performers from the Vancouver Circus School.


Our friend Jigme Nehring, owner of Mine & Yours dazzled in her all-white creation. We love you!


We made our way upstairs to the media area where we enjoyed some bubbly sponsored byCharton-Hobbs and delicious canapés provided by the excellent Hawksworth Restaurant.


Our bartender had real flair and was quite the classy gent
We nibbled on delicious canapes catered by The Hawksworth.


After bumping into several familiar faces and colleagues in the media such as Christie Lohr the creator of StyleNineToFive, we headed back down and took in some of the creative ways that the attendees set up their tables to dine in Blanc al fresco.


Bikki & his friends had fun posing with me at the booth by Photobooth Vancouver against a floral wall by The Flower Factory, Bikki is a fabulous Men’s suit designer who is sporting a white pair of suspenders designed by local talent JJ Suspenders.


Enjoying a glass of champagne with Christie Lohr, creator of the successful StyleNinetoFive.com


The sun began to set and the stylish attendees enjoyed their meals and wine, either brought with them from home or catered by several different restaurants. This is how it all began in Paris, and is now recreated around the world in many different cities annually.


Guests enjoy their meals either catered or brought from home. They all brought their own tables and chairs, too.

I stopped to have a moment of fun with the Marie Antoinette ladies in white from Zynth & co.


4 Marie Antoinette’s from Zynth & Co flapped their fans and stopped for a photo with me.


Kuna and I were pleasantly surprised by the life and first ever real wedding that took place at Diner en Blanc Vancouver, as Rachel & Sam Merrell got married to all of us as their guests witnessing this beautiful moment of love.


You may now kiss the bride!


We continued rounds as the event this year was split up into several different zones as Kuna snapped pictures of several guests with their friends at their gorgeously decorated tables. At 9pm, after the sunset we all celebrated with a memorable moment of unity as we lit our sparklers and rejoiced in wonderful company.


Sparklers were lit at 9pm as we all enjoyed this moment in time together.
I love this group shot! Can you spot me?


After the sparklers died down, I enjoyed bumping into my friend Jessica Luxe & her man and making some new friends along the way as we headed through the crowds’ en blanc ending up at the main stage.


Jessica Luxe was looking extra cute in bunny ears with her new violet ‘do!


The party began as the music played on the main stage. I even had time to squeeze in a dance on the floor and a fist pump after checking out talented artist Johnny Taylor who was painting his abstract canvases live in front of the guests.


Johnny Taylor creating beautiful art in front of us, I now have a piece by him on my wish list!
We were getting Turnt en Blanc in Vancouver to end Summer 2015 with a bang!


We had a blast and it was so awesome seeing all of you in your beautiful outfits. I leave you all with some of my favourite peeps as well as my top picks for the best looks of the evening. Thanks for having us and see you next year!


Style Director Crystal Carson looked beautiful in her friend’s wedding dress re-purposed with the addition of an art installation headpiece which looked amazing on her!
Soul couple Mandy Carnahan looking lovely with her husband!
I am hoping to see these girls come shop with me at LXR&CO in HBC as their luxury handbag game was snatched!
The creative Sarah Mae treated me to one of her yummy white swirl lollies!


See you soon!

Yours Truly.

Writing by Justin Voitic
Photography by Kuna Photography Group
Source from HUSH Magazine

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Event | 紀實

The Deighton Cup 2015

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July 25, 2015

- Event | 紀實

The Deighton Cup 2015 | Lucky Number 7


Despite a rainy day prior, we enjoyed the perfect amount of heat to keep all of our fascinators & fedoras in place for the lucky number seven edition (7th annual year) of The Deighton Cup 2015 presented by The Social Concierge, MMG Group, Camber Communications & more.

A day at the Races! The Deighton Cup – Lucky Number 7 was a ton of fun



Kuna Lu & I skipped the insanely long line and headed straight for the Media check-in to get our wristbands, admiring many adorned headpieces, gorgeous floral sundresses, and dapper gents on our way down.

Really enjoyed this creative newspaper fascinator!
Loved that Peacock Fascinator!


We first checked out the Veuve Clicqout VIP lounge for some bubbles & snapped some stylish guys & dolls sporting their best “Day at the Races” inspired looks.

Michael, Jonathan & Guests had their own table reserved in the VIP Veuve Clicquot lounge.
Crystal Carson (Style Director of The Deighton Cup) & I gushing over our beloved mutual friend GT (Ginelle Taylor) who is now the President of Archeology of BC!
The band preparing for their next rousing number.


The sweet smell of cigar smoke filled the air and the jazz band played as we were transported into another time & place with the glamour. Could this really be Vancouver, or were my eyes playing tricks on me? There was not a yoga pant in sight! ?

Having fun with Jacqueline Ryan & friends!


I entered the Style Stakes-Best Dressed Awards, presented by Market One Media Group Inc. hosted by SHAW TV’s Fiona Forbes, where the best-dressed “Belle Du Jour & Gallant Sartorialist” win $500 each at The Deighton Cup. The prize was well deserved and won by couple Lucy Orellana-Lopez & her man Michael Boulet who both embodied the alternative/pin-up/indie version of this award. Michael helped Lucy with the construction of her beautiful hat, both are such a creative couple!

The beautiful couple winning the Style Stakes Awards!
Interview with Fiona Forbes on the Red Carpet during the Style Stakes Best Dressed Awards


Horses sped by with jockeys riding like the wind during gallops my friend Michelle & her man had their money ($500 each) on #5. 

Horses racing like the wind!


Dominique Hanke looking adorable sporting her newest creation (loved this fascinator!) and enjoying some delicious organic cotton candy by Petite Puf! Dom is wearing a beautiful red dress designed by Connally McDougall!

Dominique Hanke


I had fun checking out the Luxury Cars – my fave was the orange Mclaren that Nicki Minaj owns.

Once again my talented Stylist, Raul Manriquez knocked my look out of the park derby style, with a polka dot pant, neck jewels from Holt Renfew, a black blazer and a chrome clutch paired with my newly purchased style specs shades and Moschino timepiece/bracelet by Jeremy Scott both picked up at Mine & Yours on Hornby. Check Raul’s style blog here: http://theraulyycblog.tumblr.com


Whimsical hat!


Overall I met some cool peeps, shared some laughs, saw some old friends & enjoyed this event very much! Thanks for having us!!

It was great catching up with Mary Zilba from The Real Housewives of Vancouver who I met through my cousin Christina Kiesel who was her castmate for Season 1 of RHOV.


Fierce. Fresh. Fleek! This gal has got the 3 F’s mastered.


See you next at Diner en Blanc Vancouver!


Writing by Justin Voitic
Photography by Kuna Photography Group
Source from HUSH Magazine

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