Some of B.C.’s most avant-garde and Earth-conscious designers are showcasing their spring lines at EPIC.
Here’s a sneak preview of our editors’ picks.
Rich in Fibre
If your closet needs a good spring cleanup, the Salt Spring Island-based Nixxi clothing collection, with its nod to Mother Nature, will refresh your wardrobe. Don the eco-sexy Butterfly shirt and Petal pant, and you’ll be ready for gallivanting in the countryside or forest. If you’re in a bolder mood, go for the bell-bottomed Wilder pant or the cowl-neck Cleopatra dress. The fabrics are created with organic and sustainable fibres such as bamboo, organic cotton, and hemp—naturally. Available at Shop Cocoon (3345 Cambie St.), Twigg & Hottie (3671 Main St.), Granville Island Organix (1812 Boatlift Lane), HTnaturals (1307 Venables St.); nixxi.ca. —Isabelle Groc
Right as Rain
When Rio Raine Trotzuk was born, her dad (Mark Trotzuk, owner of Eco Apparel) was so chuffed he decided to create a brand of men’s and women’s clothing in her name. The just-out Rio Rain line, which includes fashion forward hoodies, tank tops, and simple-butgorgeous wraparound dresses, is made with natural, sustainable, and recycled fibres. Check out the brand-spanking-new Rio Rain store at Park Royal (West Vancouver), built using sustainable wood and incorporating energy-efficient lighting. To clinch the deal, an on-site personal shopper and stylist is standing by to help you make the agonizing choice between that silk screened midi-skirt and those fetching culottes. Info: riorain.com—Erica Gehrke
Nurture Your Soles
Ever pause and wonder how your footwear affects the planet? The geniuses behind Po-Zu did (“po-zu” means “pause” in Japanese) so they dreamed up the ultimate line of Earth-loving shoes. Constructed of natural materials, the design of these sandals, slip-ons, and boots is based on a “coir” (coconut fibre) and latex foot mattress that moulds to the shape of your foot. The cool factor goes way beyond the fact that these shoes are 99 per cent biodegradable and chemical-free: Po-Zu’s compostable coconut packaging doubles as a tray for growing sunflowers—seeds included! Step up at Gravity Pope (2205 W. Fourth Ave.) or Holt Renfrew (Pacific Centre). Info: po-zu.com —EG
Natural Reaction
Certain apparel companies out there sell their stuff with ads featuring sullen, half-naked hipsters. But some, like Vancouver-based HTnaturals, keep it simple, producing a quality product without baring all that ennui. Now don’t be fooled: these wardrobe basics like T-shirts, tank tops, and hoodies in bamboo, soy, hemp, and organic cotton feature flattering cuts that are undeniably sexy. We’re fans of the lightweight white jacquard cardigan and the date-friendly, ruffled peasant-style top. You’ll look so good in these, you’ll put a smile on anyone’s face—even those who refuse to wear much besides irony. Available at HTnaturals (1307 Venables St.), Granville Island Organix (1812 Boatlift Lane), and htnaturals.com . —Jennifer Croll
Beanie Babies
Your little bundle of joy deserves to be bundled in fabrics that echo her happy vibe (and help soothe her when her vibe is less than agreeable). And what better than soft, snuggly, organic cotton to do the swathing? You got it with Green Bean Baby’s selection of adorable bath products, bedding, clothing, and accessories. These “beans” are locally made and the line is almost entirely sourced from sustainably produced cotton. For your best friend’s newborn, pick up the super-cute hat: the perfect beanie for a baby destined to live green. Available at Crocodile Baby (2156 W. Fourth Ave.), Granville Island Organix (1812 Boatlift Lane), and greenbeanbaby.ca .
—JC
Go to the Devil
If you were Satan, what would you wear? We were going to ask Bill O’Reilly’s stylist, but decided to go to Steph Ostler—the brains behind boutique-slash-fashion line Devil May Wear—instead. Steph’s devilish designs include pretty and sustainable items like bamboo tights, soy panties, and ruffled knickers. The tiny store off Main Street launched a year ago; we plan on scoring the shiny gold necklace with an old-fashioned key charm and the short-and-sassy reclaimed-cotton dress. With any luck, we’ll make some new friends with idle hands. Available at Devil May Wear (198 E. 21st Ave.), Dream (311 E. Cordova St.), Tutta Mia (1302 Victoria Dr.), and devil-may-wear.com . —JC
Hide-y Ho!
We love going out with a soft leather purse slung jauntily over a shoulder—but we love our furry friends more. How fortunate that we can carry a stylish satchel without hurting a thing: fresh onto the scene of recycled leather bags, Randi Obenauer allows us to indulge our skin fetish in a guilt-free way. Her locally made Ora bags are fashioned from leather reclaimed from furniture manufacturers and cast-off vintage duds. Because every scrap of salvaged leather is uniquely worn, each bag is one of a kind. Available at Twigg & Hottie (3671 Main St.), The Velvet Room (2248 W. 41st Ave.), and Nouvelle Nouvelle (209 Abbott St.). Visit oraearth.com —JC
Fruitful Fashion
Barbara Boswell developed her passion for sustainable fashion while studying in Hawaii. Fitting, then, that she named her line of clothing, accessories, and textiles “Lilikoi,” the Hawaiian word for passion fruit. With a name like that, we’re not surprised to discover the line boasts some pretty sweet items. We’re all over the silkscreened kimonos (ideal for lounging on lazy weekend mornings) and can’t wait to slip on one of the comfy-sexy spring dresses (perfect for hitting the town at night). And best of all, everything by Lilikoi is handcrafted in Vancouver from sustainable fabrics, so we know there’s no sugar-coating on these island-style threads. See lilikoiclothing.com —JC
