Fundraising gala to aid work of Dress for Success

Dress for Success Vancouver, the registered charity that works to empower women entering the workforce by providing assets such as professional clothing, career development and more, is gearing up for its annual IMPACT 360 event taking place on May 9.

The fundraising event, which is slated for 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Regency Lexus (2288 Burrard St., Vancouver), will include a fashion show, spirit tastings, hors d’oeuvres, music, auctions and more. Tickets to the event are available for $175 each, with proceeds going toward helping the charity reach its goal of assisting 100 local women this year.

This year’s event will also celebrate the organization’s Client Ambassador Program, which sees alumni from the Dress for Success Vancouver program giving back with their time, advice and support to newcomers to the DFSV group.

“This year’s IMPACT event is going to be one to remember,” Jennifer Halinda, the executive director of Dress for Success Vancouver, said in a news release. “Having our Client Ambassadors as our guests and featuring them in this year’s fashion show is so exciting. We’re thrilled to be back at Regency Lexus and look forward to raising much-needed funds so we can expand our programs and support the next phase of these women’s journeys.” To learn more about the IMPACT 360 event, or to purchase a ticket, visit dfsvancouver.org/impact

British jewelry brand Links of London has set up shop in Vancouver’s Pacific Centre.

The new location will be the fourth standalone retail outpost for the international brand, which offers accessory options for men and women.

“We are thrilled to expand our brick-and-mortar presence in Canada and bring our free-standing retail concept to the West Coast,” Leela Petrakis, president of FF Group North America, the parent company of Links of London, said in a news release.

“With British heritage playing a greater role in Canadian society than ever before, we’re excited to introduce Vancouver’s CF Pacific Centre customers to this grand British experience along with personalization and storytelling elements at the core of the Links of London brand DNA.”

In addition to offering shoppers a range of styles from its iconic lines including Sweetie, the store will also feature a Made-To- Order bespoke service, which allows customization and personalization of select pieces through engraving and a selection of diamonds, gemstones, precious metals and more. The new Links of London location will also feature service highlights such as polishing and restringing. To learn more, visit linksoflondon.com

Local accessories brand TAIKAN has teamed up with Vancouver-based photographer Mescondi for its latest TAIKAN BY campaign, which sees the company highlight its products from a unique perspective entirely of the artist’s own creation.

The collaboration sees the 22-year-old talent photograph a few of the company’s latest backpack and tote bag designs from the Mesh Collection in a series of stylish shots featuring cool-girl and cool-guy models styled in a 2000s-era effect.

“A lot of my inspiration comes from cinema,” Mescondi said of the photographs in a news release. “Movies and the escape to an alternate reality they provided, was a huge part of my youth. The perspective comes from wanting to create that cinematic feel.

“Each subject or model I work with becomes a character in my mind, and I am shooting that character. Directors like Tarantino and Kubrick really made me fall in love with the beauty and emotion presented by use of colour, and the importance of details within each frame having importance.” To learn more about the latest TAIKAN BY collaboration, or to shop the latest collection, visit taikaneverything.com Silvia Paias Costa, above right, is one of Dress for Success Vancouver’s Ambassadors who give back with time, advice and support. RYAN BRODA