Coach + Rodarte mash up classic bags
McArthurglen event will offer tips on ‘upcycling’ denim with patches, crystals and more
East Coast heritage meets West Coast cool in a new designer collaboration between Coach and Rodarte.
The iconic leather goods brand has teamed up with the duo behind Rodarte, sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy, to create a collection that blends Coach’s “unprecious luxury” with Rodarte’s “fanciful demi-couture.”
“Rodarte’s conceptual approach to American style was the perfect lens to reimagine nostalgic Coach pieces,” Stuart Vevers, creative director of Coach, said in a news release. “The mash-up of influences resulted in a romantic, cool collection that feels right for both houses.”
The collection includes readyto-wear and handbags crafted in Coach’s signature glove-tanned leather, many featuring embellishments applied with Rodarte’s signature appliqué technique.
Pieces from the collection will range in price from $295-$1,900 US.
The Coach & Rodarte collection launched on Coach.com on April 12 and is expected to arrive in select international boutiques April 14.
Body builder-approved fashion at Kit and Ace
Vancouver-based clothing company Kit and Ace recently launched its KA Test Lab — a space that is dedicated to product testing and development of its technical clothing.
But rather than fit models, the company says it will be testing its products on body builders.
“We make technical apparel for people living busy, full-contact lives, and we feel that body builders live that lifestyle to the fullest extent,” Jill Chatwood, vice-president of design at Kit and Ace, said in a news release.
“At the KA Test Lab, our test subjects put our apparel through gruelling tests to ensure best-in-class performance.”
The brand is also inviting the public to apply to become product testers. Interested applicants can sign up at Testlab.kitandace.com.
L’Occitane aims to reduce beauty waste
French skin care brand L’Occitane en Provence is aiming to enhance its green status in advance of Earth Day (April 22) with several new initiatives.
The company recently announced it is striving for sustainability and “the least possible environmental impact with its changes, which include product refill pouches, using plant oils in products rather than mineral oil, nixing phthalates from its fragrances, and more.”
L’Occitane reps say the company has four main targets with its green practices: reducing, recycling, reusing and controlling.
Its Eco-Refills feature 80-per-cent less plastic than a product bottle. To learn more, visit Ca.loccitane.com.
n L’Occitane isn’t the only brand gearing up for Earth Day.
Saje Natural Wellness is hoping Canadian shoppers put down their phones and pick up a conversation with friends and family — and they’re releasing a kit to help get the talking started.
“Whether you’re with family, new friends or old, Saje invites you to cosy up with their brand-new limited edition Unplug to Connect Candlelight Game & Diffuser Set,” says a news release.
The gift set, which is packaged in a recyclable box, includes a #Nofilter card game developed by the brand, an Unearthed Cement Stone Candle Diffuser, 100 per cent soy wax tea lights, a Liquid Sunshine Cheerful Diffuser Blend and a Tranquility Relaxing Diffuser Blend
The limited-edition gift set will be available in Saje stores from April 14 to 30 and retails for $30 with a $30 purchase.
McArthurglen event on denim upcycling
Looking to give your old blue jeans a bit of new life? You may want to attend the Denim Forever: DIY Upcycling 101 event at McArthurGlen outlets on April 15.
The ticketed event will be hosted by Vancouver-based fashion design instructor Wen-Chee Liu and will provide attendees with tips and tricks to upcycle their denim — including adding patches, crystals, distressing, and more.
Attendees will also receive a Levi’s goody bag, exclusive shopping discounts and light refreshments during the event.
Tickets are $10, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to benefit B.C. Children’s Hospital for Jeans Day on May 4.
To purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.ca/e/denim-forever-upcycling-101-tickets-33240324706.
Le Vie en Rose bunny benefits breast cancer
This year, the Easter Bunny is benefiting breast cancer research thanks to a release by La Vie en Rose.
The Canadian lingerie and swimwear brand has released a plush bunny toy that will see partial proceeds from each $15.95 sale go to the Roses of Hope Foundation.
“Since the foundation was created, La Vie en Rose has donated close to $1 million to breast cancer research and support to women who have had breast cancer,” according to a news release.
The La Vie en Rose Easter Bunny is available in stores and online at Lavieenrose.com.
J.Crew brings back bee-T collection
The plight of honey bees has been making headlines recently thanks to a certain cereal brand, but some brands have had the issues facing the planet’s pollinators on their radar for far longer.
J.Crew is back with another collection for its Save the Bees campaign, started in 2014. The latest release sees the American brand debut a women’s T-shirt design and men’s pocket square, each featuring handsketched floral designs by artist Julie Houts.
Fifty per cent of the proceeds from each item sold will be donated to the U.K.-based charity, Buglife, according to a news release.
The Save the Bees tee ($52.50) and pocket square ($60) will be available in select J.Crew stores as well as online at Jcrew.com on April 17.