Fashion East and West

The store news that has been on everyone’s lips, at least in the West, is Swedish retailer H&M’s first location in British Columbia. The Coquitlam Centre store opened at noon on August 23. Lineups of giggling girls (and guys), anyone?

Another West Coast success story this month is Peel, designed by the Vancouver-based Megan Berks. The small label hit the jackpot when she received a phone call from global retailer Urban Outfitters inquiring about her collection for its new initiative of more Canadian-designed content in its stores. Peel’s Fall 2007 collection is inspired by preppy sophistication, classic beauty, and romance. Six pieces will be available soon at Urban Outfitters locations in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Urban Direct-Online.

Last but not least, Leigh Thompson, owner of Paper-Doll.com, has been recognized for her online boutique’s wide selection of clothing and accessories from Canadian designers. This fall, she ups the ante with a bevy of new designers to the site, including Montreal’s Soia and Kyo, Vancouver’s Elroy, and Toronto’s Tryd and True. Other Canadian highlights on the website include soft cardigans, sweaterdresses, plaid jackets, and tea dresses from Allison Wonderland, Dace, Anastasia Lomonova, House of fSpy, Juma, Lily&Jae, OK47, Valerie Dumaine, Perplex and Lola, and 88 Queen.