Vancouver shoe designer John Fluevog announced the production of The Porter Shoe, being designed this spring, exclusively for Opus Hotel properties in Vancouver and Montreal.

“It was an idea that originated a couple of years ago, and as time went on it was more of a question of ‘why haven’t we done this yet,'” says John Fluevog.

Made with Italian Analine leathers and branded with OPUS Hotels inside, the black patent shoe features a pop of pink leather that matches the colour scheme at Opus Hotels.

The Porter Shoes ($329) will be showcased in the hotel lobbies and worn by valets and male guest service associates at Opus Hotels. And if you really love the shoes, they will be featured on the hotel mini bar menu and in limited numbers at all ten North American Fluevog Shoe Stores and online at www.fluevog.com.

Few would deny that designer Jason Matlo has been making his mark on the Vancouver fashion industry, venturing away from the eco-casual lines that dominate local boutiques.

“When I started my business in 2004 there was next to no fashion industry in Vancouver,” says Jason. “There is a small industry for fashion in Canada and Vancouver was late to catch on. In the last few years I feel the industry has begun to find a voice.”

Jason Matlo is known for his sultry dresses with impeccable fit. “I like clothes with ease,” says Jason. “There is nothing more powerful and sexy than a strong woman in tailored clothes and good heels.”

In addition to the Jason Matlo collection, a new sister-line of cocktail and evening gowns called Babe was recently launched. “Babe was born out of a need in the marketplace for great sexy dresses for price savvy fashionistas.”

But what will our Olympic visitors think of the Vancouver fashion industry? “Well they are definitely not going to think it is directional or forward thinking. People are coming from Europe and the United States, China, and Japan. All these locals are infinitely more fashion forward than Vancouver,” says Jason. “I’m sure I will be taken into Robson Square and stoned alive for saying so. But that is the reality. I’m not implying that there is no style to Vancouver but it is not as prevalent as other countries.”

But with no shortage of Olympic parties on the agenda, GLOSS is sure you will need a Jason Matlo dress, so don’t forget to check out Vancouver’s pride and joy at jasonmatlo.com.

Credit: Angela Fama (angelafama.com)

Su-Hui Chu is the young Vancouver designer on everyone’s radar right now. Leaving university in Montreal after her first year, Su-Hui set out to do some backpacking overseas. Returning to Canada with a renewed sense of purpose, Su-Hui enrolled in two years of haute couture training in Ottawa and another year of fashion school in Vancouver to get a sense of the “ready to wear” industry.

“I started out just last September when I entered my first Spring 2010 collection into Generation NEXT, a local competition for up-and-coming designers,” says Su-Hui. “I won, so I think I might be off to a good start.”

Inspired by textiles, Su-Hui was drawn to floral patterns and vintage looks, all created from natural fabrics like cotton and cotton silk blends. Try on the Button Dress or the Button Blouse, high-waisted Button Pants, and Summer Blazer. Be a bit more daring with the Woven Onesie, Harem Pants, or Harem Onesie.

As for the name Ella Peru, Su-Hui laughs, “Honestly, they are names I will one day name my children if I ever have any! Ella for a girl and Peru for a boy.”

The Spring 2010 collection is available in Vancouver at Hum Clothing, Planet Claire, and Ingenue, in Toronto at Charlie Boutique and Model Citizen, in Montreal at Boutique Unicorn on St. Laurent, and in Ottawa at Victoire Victoire. Check out more of the collection online at www.ellaperu.com.

A runaway isn’t scared to break the rules.  Vancouver designer Jude Feller certainly isn’t!  Lily + Jae launched in the spring of 2007 and, three short years later, the line has received great accolades and is rapidly expanding across the globe.

This spring, the collections fuse femininity with edginess. Unleash the rebel and let out the attitude with bold prints, contrasting textures and 90’s silhouettes. Try on the Bell Bomber or wear the Sway Skirt with The Valley Vest, a GLOSS favourite.

Shop online at www.lilyandjae.com.

Click to see Lily + Jae’s Spring 2010 video.

After a long, hot and much needed two-month summer, winter comes to visit the Canadian populous for a notoriously long and trying ten month stretch. And while we West Coasters are lucky enough to dodge snow falls and sub-zero temperatures, the amount of rain we see is enough to make even Londoners wish for blue skies.

One advantage we have, however, is the ability to leave the house without an added ten-pounds of winter protection. Replace this with light-weight gear fit to repel damp days and block gusting winds. Some of our West Coast winter favourites? Our always-loveable, Vancouver-based designer Dace offers the stylish yet practical Duce Rain Jacket with silver buttons, drawstring hood and yoke detail. For appropriate footwear we can’t forget the ever-popular (and royalty approved!) Hunter Wellies. Those tired of the traditional green gum-boot should browse the plethora of colours offered online including my personal fave, pink!

Find the Duce Rain Jacket (among a selection of other goodies!) at www.dace.ca and the ubiquitous Hunter Wellies at www.hunter-boot.com.

Photos courtesy of Modish.

“Unique,” “hip,” “fashion-forward” and “born in Canada” are just a few ways to describe Modish, the Vancouver-based, online jewelry boutique set out to find that “missing piece” for the urban fashionista.

After storming the scene two years ago, Modish has been gaining momentum both locally and internationally for their eclectic and bold designs.  Originality is the name of the game with a new collection launched each season, and the necklaces, earrings and bracelets are made from semi-precious stones and the highest-quality metals.

The pieces are affordable, and styles range from a unique take on classic pearls to multi-layered chain motifs and exotic summer-ready chunky stones. Or check out Modish’s made-to-order couture line. There’s guaranteed to be something to fit each and every mood.  So, if you’re in the market for a dramatic accessory to update your wardrobe, visit www.modish.ca. Their sample sale is happening now with up to 80% off selected items and prices starting at only $15.00.

Check out next month’s issue for an interview with the creator of Modish.

Credit: Emilie-Anne Paul

Shelley Klassen takes fun, flirty and feminine to a new level with her creations for Blushing Designs.  After studying haute couture and fashion design at Richard Robinson Academy of Design in Ottawa, Shelly Klassen launched Blushing Designs in Vancouver in 1999.  Through this line, Klassen was able to pursue her passion for crafting beautifully detailed and sophisticated pieces for the multi-faceted women.

Blushing began as a contemporary line of dresses, tops and skirts.  It quickly gained a following with women who craved its sensuous cuts and classic, easy to wear designs. In 2005, Klassen introduced a fall line of contemporary coordinates, catering to the Blushing woman who desires greater versatility for her busy lifestyle.  Blushing Designs eventually expanded and is currently available in over 60 boutiques across Canada and the United States.

With the opening of the Blushing Boutique this past spring, Vancouver locals have been able to experience the Blushing vision in person. The storefront decor illustrates the Blushing philosophy of femininity with its curvaceous mannequins and girly atmosphere.  Klassen can often be spotted in her studio at the back, meticulously making her passion come to life.

Whether it is for the luxurious fabric, stunning craftsmanship, or feminine styling, Blushing devotees covet the line for many reasons.  Anyone who sets eyes on a Blushing woman understands how irresistible she is.  As Klassen says, “It’s not a question of the woman who’s wearing the dress blushing, it’s more about the people who are caught looking at her.”

Pick up the stunning dresses worn by GLOSS models from the Blushing Designs FALL collection when it becomes available in late August.

Blushing Designs Boutique: 579 Richards Street, Vancouver (blushingdesigns.com)

photography by Emilie-Anne Paul; hair & make-up by Coby Palfy models: Pamela Trant and Lauren Elbe stylist: Nicole Stewart; assistant stylist: Michelle Wong