SHOP HOP NEWCOMERS
To get acquainted with the art of bespoke, a visit to Indochino is in order. The Vancouver-based online suiting company opened a new showroom in Gastown to deliver the made-to-measure experience in person. Interested in a custom suit? Drop by and chat with an in-store expert.
Next door to Indochino, Kit & Ace offers low maintenance luxury through their line of machine-washable cashmere. Ladies with an affinity for understated fashion will appreciate the stylish curation at Neighbour’s new woman’s location, which opened last month on 45 Powell Street.
Fitness & sports enthusiasts searching for an alternative should check out Strike MVMNT’s line of technical apparel. The concept retail space, located on Columbia Street, houses an in-store coffee bar with fresh brewed coffee, paleo meals and bottled juices from Juice Truck.
Thinking about updating your home for spring? Have a chat with designer Pierre Derreumaux at this boutique, espace d, for decorating tips and to browse through his collection of Scandinavian décor. If you’re looking for something new to hang on your wall, drop by Canada’s first LUMAS Gallery – located near the Steam Clock – for signed originals and rare prints of iconic photographs from a variety of renowned photographers, including a peek inside the American Vogue archives.
A MECCA OF MENSWEAR
Gastown has been recognized as a mecca of menswear shops, each carrying a cool array of casual and dapper attire. As usual, premium purveyors – including Roden Gray and Neighbour – will partake in this year’s festivities and are set to showcase the latest arrivals for the event.
Over on Cordova Street, Rowan Sky features a stylish shoe collection including sneaks from Onisuka Tiger and lace-ups from John Varvatos. For inexpensive business-friendly fashion, try on the tailored button ups from Motherland’s private label collection. Serious denimheads can feast their eyes on a dutil‘s library containing over 2,000 pairs of denim.
Speaking of denim, visit Niftydo for raw selvage jeans and quality leather accessories. Laid-back gents can hang with the fellas at FortKnight and get spruced up by their in-house barbers. Complete your grooming experience at Alfie Italia for a complimentary shoeshine, and peruse the shop’s collection of Italian menswear.
For limited edition streetwear, head over to Stussy’s Vancouver Chapter Store, and proceed to Menu Skateboard Shop for Lords of Gastown tees, Diamond Supply Co gear and Nike SB sneakers.
In celebration of their 45th anniversary, John Fluevog is partnering with Postmark Brewing to host a fashionable night involving the tasting of brews and trying on of shoes. If this sounds like your jam, RSVP here – beer-tasting festivities start at 7pm.
THE LATEST IN WOMEN’S FASHION
Gastown’s ladies fashion boutiques deliver a stylish spectrum of inexpensive and high-end contemporary fashion. Artemisia displays trendy frocks suited for a girls night out. If you’re a little more daring, Ego Closet carries sport luxe outerwear and edgy looks from UK and Korea. If you love a splash of colour, head to Mi Kemistry for L.A. streetwear and bold costume jewellery (that’s sure to turn heads).
Those chanelling the trendy 70s can find affordable threads at Community Thrifty & Vintage. Or, embrace your inner Dita Von Teese with a retro 1950s pinup dress at New World Designs.
For fashion that’s effortlessly cool, Nouvelle Nouvelle carries casual styles from up-and-coming brands. One of a Few’s curation favours European-chic designs from established brands like Rachel Comey and Karen Walker – along with locally made jewellery.
If you’re shopping for versatile clothing, browse through Oak & Fort‘s new spring collection – and make your way to m0851 for soft leather goods. The Block carries classic fashion from well-known global brands and local designers. For the latest in contemporary women’s fashion, keep an eye out for colourful PartySkirts, Canadian-made lingerie, and natural beauty products at LYNNSteven.
Shopping for new frames? Check out Baily Nelson’s affordable fashion specs and Bruce Eyewear‘s premium selection – or consult with Sara at Eyeland Framemakers to have unique pair made just for you.
WHEN IT’S TIME TO DINE…
Once you’ve completed your shopping rounds, wind down at one of Gastown’s finest establishments. After making a retail purchase, shoppers will receive food vouchers to satiate their appetite with dining specials.
Enjoy Bambudda’s dim sum plates or Blacktail’s Canadian haute bistro, or opt for a classic dining experience at Water Street Café. The new Tacofino flaship will join in on the festivities, along with Nicli’s Next Door and its sister establishment, Nicli Antica Pizzeria.
And, if you’re looking to wet your whistle, try a flight of wine at Salt Tasting Room, or head to The Irish Heather for an old fashioned Guinesss pint. For impeccably crafted cocktails, perch yourself on a barstool at Pourhouse, and then head over to Revel Room to play cocktail roulette and catch owner Dennis Brock on stage with The Revellers.
Don’t forget to share your #GastownShopHop moments on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can join in on all the Shop Hop festivities this Thursday April 16th, 5-9pm – and look out for the green balloons at the front entrance of each participating retailer.
