BEST OF VANCOUVER
from page 53 more feminine pieces like lightweight blouses, wrap dresses, and crushedvelvet tanks. They were right: so right, in fact, that, 15 years later, the company continues to attract fans in Vancouver and beyond.
“We’re really designing those go-to pieces in your closet that would make you feel great every day,” Carla tells the Straight by phone.
Now based in Mount Pleasant, where the entirety of Gentle Fawn’s operations is housed, Carla shares that the brand has certainly matured with its customers over the years, becoming more sophisticated and refined. However, many of the pieces that put Gentle Fawn on the map in the early aughts—flowing minidresses, cozy cardis, and wear-anywhere scoop-hem Ts—can still be found in its collections now. These easybreezy, transitional garments aren’t concerned with trends, but rather are crafted to ensure that the wearer feels comfortable and confident at all hours of the day.
“The clothing that we make for our customers is going to take her from the office to the work party in the afternoon to a date night,” notes Carla. “So it’s got to be versatile, it’s got to be effortless, and it’s got to be fashionable.”
Gentle Fawn is ringing in its 15th birthday with the introduction of sleepwear and a glam ’70s-inspired fall/winter 2018 line—one where jumpsuits, spaced-out florals, and textured off-the-shoulder sweaters are huge, shares Carla. The label I’m always able to find something from them.
BEST NEIGHBOURHOOD FOR SHOPPING
South Granville or Gastown are always my recommendations for shopping neighbourhoods—there is so much on offer in each!
BEST INDIE FASHION BOUTIQUE Woo to See You
1062 Mainland Street
3671 Main Street
Woo to See You is one of my favourite curated boutiques. I like that they try and pull in local brands as much as possible, and are particular about the items in store. Plug: Woo to See You carries Gentle Fawn!
BEST CHEAP THRILL
I’m all about the Healing Hands soothing hand lotion from Saje Natural Wellness. This cream is something I cannot live without, especially as we transition into colder weather.
BEST LOCAL FASHION DESIGNER OTHER THAN YOU
Beth Richards
Reigning Champ
There are some great designers coming out of Vancouver, and I love how the industry is continuing to bring in talent.
BEST LOCAL ACCESSORY DESIGNER
I recently came across Just B Smiling’s phone cases at [local consignment