Plus, chic new après-ski attire.
Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week is back
After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the goal for Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week’s (VIFW) return was not only to showcase beautiful designs, but to recognize Indigenous communities as triumphant. “For the Indigenous community, the last two years [have] been marked by grief,” explains Joleen Mitton, founder and co-producer of VIFW. “We lost many cherished elders and the gruesome legacy of residential schools saturated everything, so we decided to focus this year’s VIFW on joy and celebration.” The shows ran from November 28 through to December 2, and talented designers like Heather Bouchier, Debra Sparrow, Catherine Blackburn and Melanie LeBlanc staged cutting-edge runway shows.
Uniqlo and Marni launch a second collection
Uniqlo and Marni have teamed up on a second collection, and it looks like a lucid daydream. Uniqlo’s staple Heattech fabrics rae reimagined with Marni’s psychedelic prints and heaps of colour (think tangerine, saffron, and teal). From funky socks to the cocoon-like coziness of the balaclavas, consider this capsule your ticket to escaping your winter woes.
Pucci and Fusalp create vibrant skiwear
The French alpines are brought to life in an extraordinary collaboration between Pucci and Fusalp. To celebrate its 70th anniversary, Fusalp tapped Pucci to impose vibrant prints on its most iconic skiwear sets. Also featured in the collection are padded ponchos, après-ski knits and a slew of accessories.
COS collaborates with Mati Ventrillon on knitwear
Cozy season just got better, thanks to COS’s collaboration with Fair Isle knitwear designer Mati Ventrillon. Featuring three jumpers and a hat, the sustainably made pieces offer a minimalist take on traditional patterns while celebrating U.K. heritage. “It was nice that COS took the time to find someone from Fair Isle to work on this project. Supporting smaller brands, our community and spreading awareness that we still exist is truly wonderful,” remarks Ventrillon, who is one of the few remaining knitters still producing product on the tiny Scottish island.
A fine jewellery brand — and its in-house piercing studio — arrives in downtown Toronto
Mark your calendars: The Blumz will be opening its flagship store on Toronto’s King Street West early next year. The retailer will offer its house jewellery brand Anna Blum, as well as several global fine jewellery labels, all within a beautifully designed space. What’s more, services like permanent bracelet welding, on-the-spot piercings, piercing stylists and custom ear curation make for a unique shopping experience.
