Ego Closet sits at the edge of the neighbourhood. Owners, Jade & Amy, opened the doors in 2012, just a few years after moving to Vancouver from Korea. Since then, they’ve shifted both their aesthetic and their product lines, bringing focus this season to brands from their homeland.

“We currently carry five Korean brands, Andersson Bell, Lookast, Rocket X Lunch, Harderbrush and Among,” notes Jade. “These brands are unique in design, high in quality, and can only be found at Ego Closet.”

Andersson Bell (left) offers Scandinavian inspired street looks with a unisex feel

The duo have plans to increase the number of Korean brands they carry by the time the summer comes around. They’re appealing both to stylish locals who frequent Gastown and visitors looking to bring home more than just a picture of the Steam Clock.

“Korean styles are very trend forward and because Korea’s fashion is usually a season ahead of Canada,” she explains. “In general the styles we order from Korea are unique in details and construction with a fresh appeal, often uses textured fabrics to intrigue a customer.”

RocketLunch

Rocket X Lunch brings color and unique details together

Down the street, Nouvelle Nouvelle is also growing their line up of international brands. Sessun, comes out of Marseilles and it’s pretty tough to find anywhere else in Canada. Designed by Emma Francois, the collection offers feminine street wear with a subtle vintage sensibility. And the shop has recently added Copenhagen labes, Samsoe & Samsoe.

Samsoe

“Aesthetically it works for both Amy & I, and our customers,” noted Noah. “There’s also a similarity in climate that makes the pieces work in Vancouver.”

Beyond these, you’ll find a hint of Spain at Angel thanks to their partnership with Desigual, and lot of Japanese selvedge denim at NiftyDo, Haven, Roden Gray and dutil. La Differencia stocks predominantly European footwear and there’s always something Parisian at The Block. The offerings have been growing steadily, even among the newcomers.

Tracey Wikenheiser, the owner of LBV Lifestyle, might be new to the neighbourhood, but her shop already has a decade under its proverbial belt. She opened her first boutique in Kelowna and recently expanded to Gastown, bringing design and fashion from Australia, Great Britain and more.

For a complete listing of all the boutiques in Gastown, head to our site here