NICHE Fashion Magazine Vol 02 Issue 02 - Spring 2014

NICHE magazine

FASHION | BEAUTY | HOME | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE

SPRING 2014

TRAVEL to...

K AT H M A N D U & BERMUDA

CITRUS FA S H I O N T R E N D S

VOLUME 2 | NUMBER 2

ICON

M AT T H E W McCONAUGHEY

EDITOR’S PICKS objects of desire

NICHEmagazine.ca

COLOUR ISSUE SPRING ISSUE 2014

DISCOVER YOURS at NICHEmagazine.ca

indie and couture

Vancouver

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N I C H E inside

spring 2014 FEATURES 14

S H O O T ! | A Pop of Colour Spring is a wonderful time to embrace freshness, fun and joie de vivre.

This exclusive photo shoot takes a playful look at how to infuse your seasonal wardrobe with colour.

22

I C O N | Matthew McConaughey NICHE takes a closer look at the Acadamy Award winner’s incredible journey while filming Dallas Buyers Club, and his philosophy on family and life.

36

A R T S & F I N D S | René van den Berg An exclusive NICHE interview with world-renowned master shoe designer and artist René van den Berg.

42

G R A N D S T Y L E | The Perfect Closet Superstar designer Erica Gelman takes NICHE readers on a wonderful interior design journey of the best kind — the closet. Fabulous tips and inspiration to transform your closet into the focal point of your master (fashion) retreat.

62

T R AV E L W I T H N I C H E T O . . . | Kathmandu, Nepal Uncover the many natural splendours and rich history of Nepal as NICHE explores the country’s colourful capital city of Kathmandu and the valley that surrounds it.

FA C E B O O K . C O M / N I C H E O N L I N E

2

SPRING 2014

@NICHEONLINE

14

exclusive

A POP OF COLOUR

retail therapy

ROAD TRIP WITH

NICHE magazine

Don’t get left behind.

BECOME A NICHE INSIDER ONLINE @ NICHEmagazine.ca

N I C H E inside

spring 2014 32

NOTEWORTHY 8 10 12 28 68 96

E D I T O R ’ S M E S S A G E | Spring in the Fashion World

F A R & AW AY | The Islands of Bermuda E D I T O R ’ S P I C K S | Objects of Desire C O N T R A S T | Vancouver Fashion Week R E I N V E N T E D | Good Girl Reinvented C L O U D N I N E | Leila Hafzi

54

DEPARTMENTS FASHION & BEAUTY 14 32 34 40 46 52 60 78 80 82 90

S H O O T ! | A Pop of Colour H E L L O N H E E L S | Brian Atwood S T Y L E T H E R A P Y | So You’re Plus-Sized – So What?

B A C K & F O R T H | Chanel Tweed F A S H I O N L E G E N D | Carolina Herrera F A C E I T ! | Get in Line L O O K B O O K | Citrus Twist S T R E E T S T Y L E | NICHE Around the World G I R L TA L K | Spring Beauty F A S H I O N F O R W A R D | Black & White B E A U T Y [ r e ] M A R K S | Homespun Beauty

H O M E , T R AV E L & L I F E S T Y L E 22 36 42 54 58 72 74 84 88 93

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58

I C O N | Matthew McConaughey A R T S & F I N D S | René van den Berg G R A N D S T Y L E | Creating the Perfect Closet D E S I G N P E R S P E C T I V E S | Add Some Bling to Your Spring T R AV E L W I T H N I C H E T O . . . | Kathmandu, Nepal T R AV E L B I T E S | Prosecco D E S I G N E D F O R T H E W AY Y O U L I V E | Downsize to the Right Size H I D D E N G E M S | Alnwick Castle & Gardens D E A R J A N E | Falling in Love R E TA I L T H E R A P Y | Buyers Guide

SPRING 2014

60

BCBGMA X AZRIA | CLUB MONACO | GOODLIFE FITNESS GUESS? | JACOB | JUGO JUICE | L’OCCITANE MELANIE LYNE | MY FOOT REFLEXOLOGY | QUIKSILVER

PUBLISHER

STEVE DRAKE EDITOR IN CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR

TRACEY DRAKE

If you’re not in NICHE, where are you?

SR. MAGAZINE DESIGNER

GREG SZABO FASHION EDITOR

SARA ROSE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

CHELSEA FORMAN COPY EDITOR

KARI MAGNUSON JR. FASHION ASSISTANT

J O S I E S A L D AT PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

RACHEL MACK CONTRIBUTORS

E DI TOR IA L Erin Bradley, Stuart Brown, Jane Carstens, Sylvia Day, Elizabeth Dean, Tracey Drake, Chelsea Forman, Erica Gelman, Jill Lang, Amy Longsdorf, Sheila May, Colin McAllister, Glen Peloso, Sara Rose, Justin Ryan, Josie Saldat, Sharrie Williams, Mary Zilba C R E AT I V E Alecsa, Parker Birkett, Calvyn Cass, Leila Hafzi, Dillon Hayes, Celina Jade, Birger Løkeng, Andrea Salazar M, Sarah Tore Petterson, Fei Ren, Sara Rose, Jocelyn Whipple, Sandy Woolman PHOTOGRAPHY Erik Almas, Larry Arnal, ATGimages, Brandon Barre, S. Bukley, Helga Esteb, Cinema Festival, Foxx Foto, Ovidiu Hrubaru, Jamie Mann, Lucas David Morgan, Anton Oparin, PK Productions, Lev Radin, Josie Saldat, Emanuela Scanzani, Martien Schouten, Nata Sha, Debbie Steeper, AleksandarTodorovic ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

N E A L D R A K E , A L E X L AV R I N E N K O INTERNS

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A l l r i g ht s re s e r v e d . No p a r t of N IC H E m a g a z i n e m ay b e c opi e d , re pr i nt e d or re pro du c e d i n a ny f or m w it h out pr i or w r it t e n c on s e nt f rom t h e pu b l i s h e r. For p e r m i s s i on re q u e s t s , p l e a s e c a l l N IC H E m a g a z i n e at 1 . 8 5 5 . 5 9 5 . 7 8 7 0 .

NICHE magazine is proud to be 100% Canadian – produced, published and printed in Canada.

Canada Post Publication Agreement #42520516 C opyright ©NICHE magazine 2012-2014

N I C H E editor’s message

a note from the

A few of my favourite things in this issue…

EDITOR

28

I found I could say things

with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way —

THINGS I HAD NO WORDS FOR. -GEORGIA O’KEEFFE

I

have a print in my home from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1989.

Titled Red Poppy, it features a fantastically colourful oriental flower in full bloom. The original was painted in 1927 by the brilliant Georgia O’Keeffe. A few years ago, I was so inspired by the colours in this piece; I designed and decorated an entire room around it.

NICHE magazine was a title sponsor at Vancouver Fashion Week, and we witnessed exceptional Spring 2014 collections from talented emerging designers from around the globe.

[VFW — page 28]

That is the profound effect colour can have on us, and for me, this colour was the creative starting point, from which I curated this special issue of NICHE. The colour issue lets us say goodbye to the grey West Coast skies of winter, and welcome in a world of vibrancy, anticipation and life.

36

Don’t miss our exclusive photo shoot, A Pop of Colour [page 14], featuring stunning high fashion pieces from local retailers. Other bright features in this issue include Twist of Citrus [page 60], a colourful trip to Kathmandu inside Travel with NICHE to… Nepal [page 58] and of course Street Style [page 78].

Brimming with cheer, imagination and fun, I hope that this issue of NICHE magazine helps you discover your own colourful muse.

Tracey Drake, E D I T O R I N C H I E F publisher@NICHEmagazine.ca I would love to hear from you! Send me an email and tell me what you love best about NICHE and what you do each day to live your best life. You just might end up in the pages of NICHE magazine…

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SPRING 2014

It is hard to describe an immense talent like René van den Berg. NICHE was thrilled to catch up with this legendary shoe designer and his latest project – A Shoe Can Be… [Arts & Finds — page 36]

68 NICHE exclusive! Photo shoot with model, actor and martial arts expert Celina Jade, best known for her role as ‘Shado’ on the popular TV show Arrow.

[Good Girl Reinvented — page 68]

N I C H E travel

THE ISLANDS OF BERMUDA

&

AWAY

by Elizabeth Dean | travel columnist

S

peckling the Atlantic Ocean in a cozy 54 square kilometres is the gathering of 181 tiny islands known as the Islands of Bermuda. The eight largest islands are connected by bridges and causeways that create a meandering string of subtropical land that is undeniably exquisite. Crushed coral and sea shells make the sand a divine shade of pink that seamlessly fades into the colours of the sunset. Pastel houses with white roofs trickle down green hillsides, and colonial style resorts perch on cliffs over intimate inlets and coves.

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SPRING 2014

W H AT T O D O The warm blue waters of Bermuda are one of the greatest draws to this Atlantic paradise, and days can be spent doing any watersport you could possibly dream of. When you need a break from your bikini, spend an afternoon shopping in luxury boutiques in the city of Hamilton.

History buffs will delight in the many ancient fortresses and churches around the islands. Gardens for wandering are abundant and the islands are known for sweet smelling flowers. Be sure to take a tour of the Bermuda Perfumery, which opened in 1928 and bottles Bermuda’s many delicious scents.

W H AT ’ S I N A N A M E ?

In the early 1500’s, a Spanish explorer by the name of Juan de Bermúdez discovered the islands and they were thereafter named Bermuda. Little was documented about the original discovery of Bermuda, but the first citizens of the islands arrived in 1609 after their ship was wrecked on a reef near the sandy shores and the colonists aboard took up residence.

W H AT T O PA C K SNEAKERS Jimmy Choo demi canvas flowerprint laceless sneakers. saks.com

PA S S P O R T C O V E R WA L L E T Mulberry pink gloss. mulberry.com

NICHEmagazine.ca

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N I C H E lifestyle

EDITOR’S picks SP RIN G OB J E C TS O F D ES I R E

1

It a lways happ ens. Spr ing ar r ives and we want a f resh st ar t — br ig hter home dé cor accents, lig hter cosmet ics and, of cours e, w ardrob e ref reshers. Thes e six picks are on t he top of my spr ing pick-me-up shopping list.

3 2

1.

ANA PILLAR CANDLE

Bursting with sienna and peacock coloured stripes, virtually smokeless and drip-free, Ana Candles offers an easy way to add colour to your spring space.

FiveStripes.com ($20)

2.

4

PROENZA SCHOULER BAG

Just in time for go-anywhere styling, this PS1 leather clutch is in the Pantone 2014 colour of the year. 8"x 5.75" with 60" removable shoulder chain.

Hudson’s Bay ($785)

3.

5

NUXE DRY OIL

Get a jumpstart on summer! Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse treats facial skin, nourishes the body and makes hair shine with six precious plant oils.

Shoppers Drug Mart ($40)

4.

SHOE STORAGE BOXES

5.

LIFESTYLE GUIDE BOOK

What an amazing way to protect your investment, keep your closet organized and see what’s inside the box on those mornings when you’re running late!

HomeSense ($60) Based on Emily Schuman’s amazing lifestyle blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere is a must-have guide for those looking to establish their own sense of style.

Indigo/Chapters Books ($17)

6.

JIMMY CHOO FRAGRANCE

White floral with a character that is effervescent and provocative, FLASH is encased in a crystal bottle that resembles a paparazzi flash bulb.

Shoppers Drug Mart (100 ml - $99)

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SPRING 2014

6

sPrIng tAKes FlIgHt Sterling silver charms from $29

IntroducIng PAndorA’s sPrIng 2014 collectIon.

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N I C H E fashion

A POP OF 14

SPRING 2014

CO

Shoot Producer SARA ROSE

Photographer JAMIE MANN

Models ALECSA – KEY MODEL MANAGEMENT /

OLOUR

F E I R E N – R I C H A R D S I N T E R N AT I O N A L MODEL MANAGEMENT

Hair Stylist C A LV Y N C A S S

Stylist SARA ROSE

Stylist Assistant D I L L O N H AY E S

*see buyers guide for full details [page 93]

N I C H E fashion

THE LOOKS

( P R E V I O U S PA G E ) YELLOW:

Trout Humboldt yellow rain coat and Alice & Olivia Trina bow back tunic dress, Holt Renfrew. Misty gold necklace, Tatum gold bracelet, Cuchara.

PURPLE:

RVN sheath dress and Tom Ford Alix leather padlock and zip shoulder bag, Holt Renfrew. Cleo gold necklace, Cuchara.

WHITE:

A-line dress, Madame Moje. Chloe Marcie small round cross-body bag, Holt Renfrew.

Elektra gold necklace, Vixen gold bracelet, Cuchara.

THE LOOK Alexander McQueen cropped suede biker jacket, Stella McCartney orange shift dress, Holt Renfrew. Elsa Peretti snake ring, lacquer bangle (in red and black) and diamond hoop earrings, Tiffany & Co. 16

SPRING 2014

THE LOOK Acne Studios Bree t-shirt dress, Holt Renfrew. Tiffany 1837 interlocking circles necklace, ultra-wide cuff in RUBEDO metal, and hoop earrings, Tiffany & Co.

NICHEmagazine.ca

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N I C H E fashion

THE LOOK Wing tipped collar blouse, Madame Moje.

Donna Karan white trousers, Holt Renfrew.

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SPRING 2014

THE LOOK Red lace trench, Madame Moje. Kotur Espey snakeskin with cut glass clasp, Holt Renfrew. Honey gold necklace, Cuchara.

NICHEmagazine.ca

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N I C H E fashion

THE LOOK Oscar de la Renta wool-crepe dress, Balenciaga handbag, Holt Renfrew. Elsa Peretti mesh scarf earrings and necklace, Cabochon ring, Tiffany & Co.

20

SPRING 2014

THE LOOK Alexander Wang pink leather taffy top, Holt Renfrew.

Mermaid skirt, Zara.

Zephyr gold necklace, Vixen bracelet, Tatum bracelet, Cuchara.

NICHEmagazine.ca

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N I C H E lifestyle

ICON 22

SPRING 2014

M AT T H E W M c CONAUGHEY

Alright Alright Alright...

A

by Amy Longsdorf | celebrity columnist

fter swearing off romantic comedies and action movies, including a big-screen transfer of Magnum P.I. that would have reportedly earned him a $15 million payday, the Texas-born actor has reinvented himself as a hardworking indie icon.

His winning streak began in 2011 when he played an unscrupulous attorney in The Lincoln Lawyer. Next came the supporting role of a sheriff in buddy Richard Linklater’s Bernie. Then he switched gears to portray a depraved hitman in William Friedkin’s Killer Joe, a gay reporter in Lee Daniels’ The Paperboy and a stripper in Steven Soderbergh’s Magic Mike.

N I C H E lifestyle

Earlier this year, McConaughey gave a terrific performance as a lovestruck fugitive in Mud, a small movie that wound up scoring big with audiences. While his recent turns have netted him plenty of positive reviews, McConaughey has yet to earn an Oscar nomination. That all changed when Academy members got a chance to review the actor’s work in Dallas Buyers Club.

Based on a true story, the movie spins the saga of Ron Woodroof, a bigoted Texas electrician who in 1985 was diagnosed with AIDS and told he had 30 days to live. “I ain’t no faggot!” is Ron’s initial reaction to the horrible news. Desperate to survive, Woodroof initially used the drug AZT, but after learning of its ineffectiveness he began researching alternative treatments.

Soon, he was travelling to Mexico and scoring non-FDAapproved meds for himself and other AIDS sufferers. He dubbed his business the Dallas Buyers Club and was able to stay alive another six years before perishing from the disease.

“Here’s a guy with a seventh-grade education and he became a damn scientist of HIV,” says McConaughey. “He studied it more than a lot of the doctors did. He went and [conducted] his own research. And this was a time when nobody really knew, even doctors didn’t know, what the hell was going on [with HIV].”

McConaughey was just 16 when he recalls hearing the word “AIDS” for the first time.

“I was freaked out and I remember when I went to see a doctor for a physical that year, I didn’t let him get away with a quick handshake,” says the actor, who turned 44 last November.

“I remember talking to different doctors and they would all give you a different answer about HIV. I was asking as a heterosexual man who was not being overly loose with my intimacy. I remember going, ‘I want some percentages.’”

There’s two sorts of fear:

one you embrace and one you should listen to and

TURN THE OTHER WAY. - M AT T H E W M c C O N A U G H E Y

24

SPRING 2014

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N I C H E lifestyle

If you check out Dallas Buyers Club, you might be shocked by McConaughey’s appearance. In the months leading up to filming, the actor ate little besides fresh fish and vegetables. Normally 182 pounds, he went down to 135 pounds for the length of the film’s month-long shoot.

McConaughey insists the weight loss, which makes him look like a walking cadaver, wasn’t a stunt but necessary to allow him to slip inside Woodroof ’s skin.

“It’s saying, ‘For six months, I’m not going to act like this guy, I’m going to be this guy,’” explains the actor.

Kids will remind you

that, even though you’ve gone down a road 100 times, it’s brand new for them —

AND THAT’S HEALTHY. - M AT T H E W M c C O N A U G H E Y

Since Dallas Buyers Club was shot on the cheap, McConaughey didn’t have the luxury of shooting the film in sequence, gradually losing weight as he went along.

“This wasn’t a studio film like Castaway [where Tom Hanks shed his weight over the course of a few months]. There was talk about having Ron put on weight at the end [when he’s recovering] but we didn’t have time.

“We had to shoot it all in 27 days. Basically through the whole film I was 135 pounds. When Ron was sick, we didn’t put any colour on my face. When I was more healthy, we put plumpers on my backside and I loaded up my cheeks with colour so I looked healthier. We’d shoot the healthy Ron in the morning and that afternoon, we’d shoot the emaciated Ron.” One of the reasons McConaughey was drawn to the movie was director Jean-Marc Valle’s determination to keep sentimentality at bay. As the actor sees it, Woodroof undergoes no big changes over the course of the movie. Woodroof does realize he has more in common with ostracized gay men suffering from AIDS than he does with his former friends.

But, in other ways, he’s still the same dude he was before his diagnosis.

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SPRING 2014

“We don’t have Ron go, ‘I’m sorry. I can do good now,’” says McConaughey, who also had a cameo role opposite Leonardo DeCaprio, in Martin Scorsese’s Wolf of Wall Street.

“We never have that moment. The story is ripe for that moment. We’ve all seen it in the movies. The guy who goes, ‘Who was I and what have I become?’ No, it would have been false. It would have been bullshit.

“I really wanted us to stay with the anarchy of this guy, the bigoted bastard, the guy who’s out for self-preservation, the businessman, the guy wants to be Scarface. I felt as if the cause and the crusader and the activist would be revealed if we stuck to that guy. You can’t ever have him be conscious of the fact that he’s leading the cause.”

While Woodroof remains a me-first kind of individual, he does have a change of heart about Rayon (Oscar-worthy Jared Leto), a drugusing transvestite who, at the beginning of the movie, shares the same hospital room as Ron. “When Ron becomes an outcast, he connects with Rayon, who is already an outcast,” says McConaughey. “They’re kind of stuck together so they have to make it work, first on a business level and then on a more human level, when they discover they give a damn about each other.”

McConaughey only had a few weeks off between shooting Magic Mike, Mud and Dallas Buyers Club but he’s not complaining about his workload.

In fact, he’s happy to be toiling on movies he’s passionate about.

“This is a really healthy time in my career,” he says. “I’m enjoying and loving acting more than I ever have and I’m getting so many great experiences from my work.”

“They remind you that you’re not really acting, you’re behaving and you’re having fun and it is fun. Even the hard work is fun. Going down 47 pounds was fun. I had to have a singular focus and it gave me something to grab onto [when I played the role].”

McConaughey, who is married to Camila Alves with whom he has three kids, credits his family with helping him run his life, and career, so smoothly.

“I’ve got a really great support system in my family. Where I go to work, they allow me to put the blinders on. And if I don’t have them on, they crack the whip.

“I’ve got a wife who allows me to not look in the rear-view mirror. And I’m still getting time with my family.”

As far as McConaughey is concerned, his family is also key to his growth as an actor.

“Kids sure help the job I do,” he says. “They remind you that you’re playing make-believe so let’s make ’em believe. They remind you to be goofy as hell, which frees up the instrument.

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N I C H E fashion

OUR FAVOURITE MOMENTS FROM

SPRING 2014 COLLECTIONS SEPTEMBER 16-21, 2013 C H I N E S E C U LT U R A L C E N T R E , V A N C O U V E R , B C

E

merging and established fashion designers from 15 countries and 4 continents descended on the city of Vancouver in September 2013, to show at the 22nd season of Vancouver Fashion Week. It was a sixday fashion extravaganza in which we witnessed exceptional talent, unexpected delights and a bright glimpse into the future of several promising young designers.

Here are the designers we remember most of all‌

Theresa Chen | Canada

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SPRING 2014

Ralph Rucci Dandilion Wind Opaine | Canada

Liliming | China

Lilla Csefalvay | Hungary

Noe Bernacelli | Peru NICHEmagazine.ca

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N I C H E fashion

Elferr Castro | Peru

Amanda Designs | UK

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SPRING 2014

We were promised six days of visual awe; spring 2014 collection shows by talented established and promising emerging fashion designers from around the globe. These young talents did not disappoint.

-TRACEY DRAKE E D I T O R I N C H I E F, N I C H E M A G A Z I N E

Kaye Morales | Philippines

2HB | Singapore

Noe Bernacelli | Peru

N I C H E fashion

HELL HEELS

B R I A N AT WO O D R E S O RT C O L L E C T I O N 2 0 1 4

Brian Atwood’s education in art and architecture are showcased in his Resort 2014 collection. This sought after fashion designer brought fun, frolic and colour to his current collection. Amazing lines and sublime heels are just part of this success story. The effective marriage of whimsical shapes and vibrant colours create a modern, wearable, seasonally appropriate collection.

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SPRING 2014

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N I C H E lifestyle

so what?

So you are

PLUS-SIZED...

Sensible tips to look fabulous and own those curves

by Erin Bradley | style columnist

T

his is a shout out to all those extra curvy women out there. I want to share with you my top tips for dressing your fabulous shape. It’s all about fit, defining your waist and creating balance.

The most important rules of dressing for a plus-sized gal are to never buy a jacket that you can’t close, be fitted for and invest in a good bra, and stop camouflaging your curves with shapeless, baggy clothing! I also can’t stress enough how important it is to have a great tailor.

Read on to learn how structure, colour, proper fit and balance can help you feel fabulous in your clothes!

STRUCTURE: • Tops, dresses and jackets should emphasize the narrowest part of your torso.

• Look for structured tops in a stiffer stretch material and consider small shoulder pads to help balance a larger chest and/or tummy.

• Find a one- or two-button fitted jacket with darting, pleating under the bust, or down-angled pockets to create an hourglass shape.

• Choose sweaters with a fine knit and loose weave that don’t cling.

COLOUR: • Dark colours are slimming but that doesn’t mean you need to dress all in black. Try navy, dark khaki, brown, charcoal and red.

• Wear lighter colours on your upper body to frame your face and attract attention.

THE PROPER FIT:

BALANCE:

• The shoulder seam of shirts and jackets should land on the edge of your shoulder. If it goes past, the shirt is too big and will add volume to your upper body.

• To create a strong vertical line, look for straight leg or trouser pants that have a flat front, a wider waist and a crease — avoid skinny pants and skirts that taper at the knee.

• Buy the size that properly fits your larger parts and have a tailor take in the rest.

• Emphasize your waistline by wearing a dark, solid top (V-necks will frame your face) and a textured bottom.

• Choose narrow sleeves for tops (not skin tight) to create a sleeker silhouette.

• Choose a tapered heel or wedge shoes with an almond-shaped toe to balance your curves — stay away from square, chunky styles or exaggerated pointy shoes.

• Avoid big, square t-shirts, pleated waists and batwing sleeves.

Now go get dressed, have fun and stay curvy!

E R I N B R A D L E Y is a sought-after makeup artist and stylist who uses her passion to help people embrace their own approach to style and feel great about presenting themselves to the world. ErinBradley.ca

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SPRING 2014

N I C H E lifestyle

A shoe can be… a work of art, a Dutch design, an addiction, exclusive, a label, a dream, unique, tailor made, better than sex, inherited, love, a story, exposed, authentic, one of a kind, a friend for life, timeless, craftsmanship, yours…

- R E N É VA N D E N B E R G & K A R I N J A N S S E N A SHOE CAN BE...

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ARTS & FINDS

Rene van den Berg

BALANCING ON THE EDGE OF WHAT’S FEASIBLE

RENÉ VAN DEN BERG EXPLORES THE TENSION BETWEEN FORM AND FUNCTION IN FOOTWEAR

N I C H E lifestyle

S

by Jill Lang | arts columnist

hoe guru René van den Berg specializes in designing and manufacturing tailor-made shoes, carrying on a family tradition of shoemaking that dates back to 1902. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather were all cobblers who repaired shoes, while van den Berg is fourth in line and the first shoe designer of the family.

Building on his thorough background as an orthopedic shoe technician, van den Berg opened his workshop for tailor-made shoes in 1992. Among others, van den Berg has collaborated with haute couture and fashion designers like Thierry Mugler, Ilja Visser and Klavers van Engelen, with his creations reaching celebrities like Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, Fergie and Beyoncé. Van den Berg also works as a teacher in traditional shoemaking at the Dutch Shoe Academy in the Utrecht centre of excellence for craftsmanship.

In 2003, creative entrepreneur/designer Karin Janssen attended a course on artisan shoemaking at the Dutch Shoe Academy, and 10 years later founded A SHOE CAN BE… in collaboration with van den Berg to explore new frontiers in shoemaking. In 2013, A Shoe Can Be... revealed their latest sculpture, “Coral,” inspired by the deep ocean reefs. It is decorated with 5,000 handmade leather beads in 400 colours and over 7,500 Swarovski crystals.

René is the best kept secret of the Netherlands.

-LIZA SNOOK

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The ODE futuristic platforms might seem at first frivolous and daunting, that is until you notice the layers of intricate detailing, bold colours and delicate mastery. How many designers can say they’ve had five pairs of shoes commissioned for a futuristic club in Heineken?

Outlandish footwear and a damn good party, you say?

I was more tickled about Usher’s performance at Super Bowl 2011, but Fergie is still fun to look at in the Luminex boots crafted in collaboration with Anouk Wipprecht. I can’t help but be taken with the metallic heels in Hind, and the Art of Vanity gives van den Berg’s genius away with its nose turned up and everything. Then the penetrating wisdom of the artist is revealed by the subtle and not-so-subtle hearts of Vickey and Heart Heel, respectively. Of course the artist pays homage to his Dutch heritage with Black and Beige (among others), and van den Berg is even so thoughtful that he made pumps for ballerinas with the Red Shoe. How can you not, at the very least, want to try them? And of course, every woman needs a Mary Jane! Universe, I’ll take a 6.5 in black, please!

To the future, to primitive times, to the witches’ den, to the heart of a delicate soul — nobody is forgotten in this collection. Clearly van den Berg is a man who can do whatever the hell he wants and get away with it, I think, mainly, because he cares.

the art of

DON BASTIAN Art is no longer just for the walls. donbastian.com 250.514.5030

Carved Apple and Pie in Maple Butcher Block 18” x 25” x 35”

N I C H E fashion

&

H T R O F B A C K ADVERB :

MOVING FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER AND BACK AGAIN

2008 – BACK

FORTH – 2014

CHANEL THEN

CHANEL NOW

2008 saw darkness fall on Chanel tweed, and an intentional return to the traditional, structured twopiece suit that felt more like 1995 than 2008.

This year, Chanel has clearly reinterpreted the classic tweed suit, bringing playful colours and youthful accoutrements to the mix.

C

hanel is constantly changing — continually reinventing the fashion landscape, and yet never forgetting its couture roots. The iconic Chanel tweed is the perfect example from this legendary design house that understands the importance of reinventing a classic, without disrupting its past.

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N I C H E home

GRAND STYLE Creating the perfect closet is half as FUN

as DRESSING in it E R I C A G E L M A N , Principal of House of Design by Erica Gelman, specializes

in

both

large-

and

small-scale full-service residential design projects. Erica contributes regularly to, and has been profiled in, many local and national lifestyle publications.

She

combines

her

formal training with an impeccable sense of colour and flawless taste to

create

truly

EricaGelman.com

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unique

spaces.

A

!

by Erica Gelman | design columnist

s little girls, nothing excited us more than walking in Mom’s heels, layering on her jewelry and prancing around as if we were our own dress-up doll. Yet, that feeling of playing dress-up as an adult rarely goes away, and those little girls become women who love nothing more than a closet full of high fashion and lux pieces.

I was once asked if the same principles applied to designing your closet as they do to the rest of your home. What’s interesting is that there are no rules when cultivating your own personal space; however, there are some simple design philosophies you can follow to ensure your space is unique and perfectly tailored to you and your home.

Where to start? As most of us are tight on storage space, why waste valuable real estate? When it comes to a closet, one word comes to mind – purge. You may ask, why would your first step in design be a purge? Well, the truth is you can’t start any project without a plan, and this is ultimately your beginning step to creating that fabulous foundation that will soon become the perfect dressing space.

N I C H E home

There are so many of us with overstuffed, neglected closets that are just begging for a good cleanout. You may recognize these closets where price tags are still attached, pre-pregnancy jeans are still hung (in hopes of one day being able to get back into them) and, of course, there’s the assortment of clothing being kept around “just in case” — we’ve all been there. Did you know that cleaning out your closets could actually save you money? It allows us to know what we have and, perhaps, what we have too much of. Like any good design project, make an inventory list and proceed from there.

Just over a year ago, while our firm was working with clients on their home remodel, we came across unused space that was meant to be recycled into a spare bedroom for the occasional overnight guest. After much consideration we made the decision to transform the vacant bedroom into the dressing room of any woman’s or man’s dreams. This was a quick alteration and easy enough to turn back if the homeowners were ever required to do so. The concept of turning a bedroom or any unused space into something more functional does not need to be considered a luxury; it should be thought of as a necessity. We decided that it would be a better use of space as an everyday utility rather than occupied sporadically.

If transforming a whole room is not possible, you should still consider non-customary closet options. Along with a professional — your designer, your closet organizer or your contractor — measure the dimensions of your space for either modular storage systems that can be customconfigured or for an actual custom closet. Many of these

TIPS • Cleaning out your closet can be an emotional task; typically we have some kind of connection to a piece of clothing that justifies us keeping it around. My suggestion is bringing a trustworthy friend over to assist with your purge, one who’s non-judgmental and someone you trust.

• Try separating your clothes into seasons if you intend to keep some in storage. Otherwise, colour blocking your wardrobe is ideal and it will benefit you everyday to know exactly where everything is.

• Always opt for drawers over doors for easy access and visibility. Much more of your wardrobe can be folded instead of being hung — you never want to limit yourself.

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We recently had

an extension built to house a closet. It’s like the Tardis. I go in there and

NEVER COME OUT.

- C AT H E R I N E Z E TA - J O N E S

systems are adjustable and can be easily modified in the future if your needs ever change. The options are endless — decide what you desire and how you wish to use your space.

We opted against the standard built-in uniform of closed storage and went for a more open feeling, similar to a small boutique shop where you can see the entire inventory at once. The most popular everyday storage solutions will include drawers designed to fit within a larger double-rod configuration, hanging organizers for multi-length dresses or suits, separate displays for shoes or purses, and even adjustable pull-out drawers for jewelry and accessories. If you do have the option of incorporating personal belongings, like our clients did, then find the room for photo albums, memorable photography, even furniture like a seating area with decorative pillows, a blanket and maybe even space for a makeup vanity — this is the ultimate in closet luxury.

The real pleasure behind a good cleaning and organizing is the transformation. Don’t ever feel obligated to use the onerod hanging system most homes are accustomed to. By the same token, just because something is custom-made does not mean it comes with a high price tag. Similar to designing the more public spaces in your home, explore your options, get creative and interpret your own style into everyday living.

You use your closet everyday; you owe it to yourself, and your wardrobe, to invest in a great organizational system.

Roy Sandsmark invites you to visit his new showroom

444 William St, Victoria

250.920.2003

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N I C H E fashion

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FASHION

CAROLINA HERRERA L

ong before Carolina Herrera’s days of impeccable designing were her days of immaculate dressing. In Caracas, Venezuela, Herrera grew up surrounded by luxury designer items. Her mother and grandmother regularly travelled to Paris for designer couture created by Lanvin and Balenciaga, so at a young age Herrera developed a fashion eye for sophisticated feminism.

After a trip to Paris with her socialite grandmother, Herrera found herself immersed into the world of fashion. In Paris, Herrera witnessed a Cristobal Balenciaga couture show, which inspired Herrera to join the fashion industry.

After a quick marriage at 18 years old, Herrera was soon divorced and dedicated her time to her new career as a publicist for Italian designer Emilio Pucci.

N I C H E fashion

CAROLINA HERRERA

HISTORICAL TIMELINE

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1939

1972

1981

1986

1988

2000

2001

Born in Caracas, Venezuela

First appearance on International Best Dressed list

Shows first collection at Metropolitan Club in New York

Designs Caroline Kennedy’s wedding gown

Launches first fragrance and bridal collections

Opens first flagship boutique on Madison Avenue

Introduces diffusion line, CH Carolina Herrera, with ready-to-wear for men, women and children

Herrera was first spotted on the International Best Dressed list in 1972 and was soon elected into its Hall of Fame. Friend and Editor in Chief of Vogue at the time, Diana Vreeland, advised modest Herrera to embrace her juxtaposition of classicism and modernism and create her own signature design label. Thanks to endorsements from Vreeland, in 1981 Herrera showed her first collection at the Metropolitan Club in New York. Her first collection was extremely well received by the city’s elite, which led to the beginning of her fashion dynasty and the opening of her New York in-house atelier.

By building a team of highly skilled craftsmen, Herrera was able to complete the process of sketches through to finished products within the walls of her atelier. Herrera launched her bridal line in 1987, which greatly appealed to the luxuryloving socialites of New York. Herrera’s eye for sensible femininity is undeniable. Some of the world’s most notable fashionistas have donned Herrera’s garments including First Ladies Jacqueline Onassis and Michelle Obama, as well as several A-list actresses like Renée Zellweger.

HERRERA DESIGNED THE RENOWNED WEDDING GOWN WORN BY KRISTEN STEWART’S CHARACTER, BELLA SWAN, IN THE 2011 BLOCKBUSTER HIT, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1.

2004

2006

2008

2010

2011

2012

2013

Receives CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year award

Opens boutique on Melrose Place in Los Angeles

Honoured by CFDA with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award

Receives title of ‘Mercedes-Benz Presents’ for her Spring 2011 collection

Launches eyewear and sunglass collection

Receives Doctorate of Fine Arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York

Honoured with Fashion Group International’s Superstar award

NICHEmagazine.ca

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N I C H E fashion

Eveningwear and red carpet design are among Herrera’s fortes. The distinguished label includes touches of Herrera’s favourite pieces — crisp blouses, flattering pencil skirts, cocktail gowns and glamorous eveningwear, which have kept Herrera at the top of New York’s fashion houses for many decades.

With a specialty for classic silhouettes, Herrera stays true to her brand identity, which has brought her such success over her years in the fashion industry. At 75, the design icon has three wildly successful labels: Carolina Herrera New York, Carolina Herrera Bridal and CH Carolina Herrera.

The diffusion line includes fragrance, menswear, handbags and shoes.

Herrera’s billion dollar global empire stays consistently strong due to relevant designs that are timelessly elegant for the modern day woman.

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LAST WORD:

CAROLINA HERRERA

…on the topic of

STYLE

I prefer clothes that are simple, well-cut, but with one major extravagance. Something with the sleeves, with the skirt, but nothing too fussy, too flashy. I love white shirts because they feel like a security blanket. You can wear them with anything. It’s the person and the way that they wear it that makes it different. I have been designing white shirts forever, but I don’t get tired of it. Sometimes the simplest things are the most profound.

N I C H E beauty

FACE it!

-GET IN LINEby Sara Rose | beauty columnist

T

he land of eyeliner is filled with a variety of choices that can sometimes be overwhelming. Pencil, liquid, powder? What to choose and why? Here are some fantastic choices to make your lining life a little less complicated and a lot more glam.

TIP FROM THE PROS: To create the perfect “cat eye,” softly line the upper and lower eye. Extend the lines beyond the outer corner of the eye and connect them in an upwards point. Fill in the space at the corner of the eye.

lady ARDENCY INN: PUNKER – WORLD’S BADDEST EYELINER

This oversized felt tip applicator glides with ease. No matter what line you might be wishing to create, this tip is worthy of doing so. Soft sophistication or bold-eyed beauty, the choice is yours.

Sephora ($22)

your bottom NARS: LARGER THAN LIFE LONG WEAR EYELINER – R U E B O N A PA R T E

If ever there’s a morning when coffee just isn’t brightening up your morning eyes, apply this pencil along your waterline. This beige beauty helps to contrast from the red in your tired eyes.

Holt Renfrew ($28 )

Pamella Roland

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everyday top lash line WATERPROOF EYE PENCIL – CLARINS

For those wanting quick and easy, use this pencil on your lashline. Lightly pull the lid taught and etch along gently. If your line isn’t as straight or smooth as you’d like, make use of a lining brush to direct the colour correctly. Black can be bold, while brown is great if the office days call for a more subdued look. Pair this line with or without eyeshadow but always follow with mascara.

Hudson’s Bay ($26)

drama perfection

POWER EYE PENCIL – MAC KOHL

This isn’t for the light-handed. Apply this liner on both bottom and top eyeline. Smudge out the liner with a brush to bring a beautiful blended effect or smokey eye.

MAC ($19)

LONG WEAR GEL EYELINER – BOBBI BROWN

For the artist in all of us, use Bobbi Brown’s gel liner with a brush.

Softly twist the brush in the pod and paint on the lid in the desired thickness length.

Michelle and Lesniak Franklin Holt Renfrew ($27)

designHouseSalon.com

@ The Hudson

778-433-4393

N I C H E home

Bling Spring Add some

to your

C O L I N M C A L L I S T E R A N D J U S T I N R YA N , hosts of HGTV’s Colin & Justin’s Home Heist, are two of the most respected interior design authorities in Canada. Regular guests on Cityline, they have a new range of “Colin and Justin Home” patio furniture now available at HomeSense, Winners, and Marshalls.

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COLIN & JUSTIN’S DESIGN PERSPECTIVES

S

by Colin McAllister & Justin Ryan | design columnists

o the mercury’s vertiginous ascent is finally happening. Yup, we can feel it in our bones; summer 2014 is going to be a scorcher — climatically joyous times lie ahead. Of that we’re certain! And who can blame us for feeling excited after the hell on earth winter we’ve just experienced in Canada? But panic not; all that is changing. Mother Nature’s icy fingers, thank God, are losing their grip and longer days are finally upon us. Hallelujah!

N I C H E home

Aye, spring has well and truly sprung, and not a moment too soon. As such, we long to drag our shorter pants from hibernation and roll up our shirt sleeves. We’re desperate to ditch our stout winter wellies and squeeze, Cinderella style, into pastel toned suede desert boots. Like gamboling lambs, we intend on bleating through the fields and reclining in the warming sun as this season of new life, growth and development envelops us in promise. Oh, and we intend to do a spot of redecorating…

Just as spring cleaning is on the cards for many Canadians, so too is “spring dreaming” our modus operandi in Ryan McAllister Towers. Was there ever a better time to examine potential? The perfect diary date to take your home out of the dark and deliver it towards brighter and eminently more stylish times.

Imagine, if you will (before going shopping), that you’re putting together a “spring/summer” collection for your home. Before so much as flexing your credit card, think “fashion-forward” design. Prioritize requirements. Be methodical. As we oft’ opine: “To fail to plan is to plan to fail.” It really is a no-brainer.

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S E A S O N T O TA S T E Imagine that spring is the first course in a delicious menu of seasons — its purpose to awaken the senses, tickle the tongue and get you fired up for delicious course after course. Now imagine your home as a blank canvas (a clean plate, if you like) ready for a riot of taste and colour. The perfect kick-start for the year ahead. We always advocate painting out the past to exorcise the “bad taste” demon. If you’re unsure about where to start (and if budget and time permit), paint your entire room white to clear negativity; this will allow you to truly appreciate your space without distraction. Be ruthless with furnishings, accessories and clutter — if it’s not practical, beautiful or justifiably sentimental, then get rid!

BE BOLD Just as the days are getting longer, the sky bluer and the sun warmer, so too should rooms become brighter at this time of year. This in mind, spin out your paint fan chart and get with the colour-blocking trend of “bold brights,” as a surefire way to add warmth, excitement and drama. In the living room featured here (masterfully “corrected,” if we say so ourselves), the dull beige was swapped for crisp polar white and zingy yellow. Vive la différence! Top tip — if you plan on using a strong tone like yellow, consider providing decorative balance by employing (as we did) some white panelling. Panelling adds grandeur and pedigree and, on a simple level, means there’s only half the amount of yellow so you won’t need sunglasses indoors. Alternatively, if you just can’t muster up the courage to lavish your walls in a really bright tone, use accessories or artwork to add vibrancy instead.

USE ESCAPIST COLOUR SCHEMES The fresh combo of blue and white (used here on blinds and on the coffee table) instantly conjures up images of the sea and sky — perfect to elicit an outdoor spring feel. Lattice patterns, inspired as they are by the garden, are perfect; anything you can do to bring the outdoors in will really enhance your springtime style. White on white — seen here via our choice of mantelpiece accessories — adds a minimalist feel that’s visually expansive. If you employ a little of this thinking, and keep clutter to a pared- down minimum, your rooms will soon take on a wonderfully uplifting feel.

A D D F E E L - G O O D FA C T O R Rush matting, sea grass, coir and sisal all work wonders when placed on polished timber floors and will soften the overall look while introducing a beachy texture and sandy hue to get you in the mood for warmer months. Adding rope covered lamp bases, natural placemats, hessian cuffed cushions, wicker chairs, or even a natural linen covered sofa will ramp up this “sun-dried” style to no end.

NICHEmagazine.ca

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N I C H E home

During a visit, some time ago, to The Tides Hotel, Miami, and a subsequent chat with its American interior designer Kelly Wearstler, we reinforced our own belief that décor is about much more than simply carpets and curtains. As Wearstler quipped back then, “It’s a way of life.” And so, as huge purveyors of the adage “let your lifestyle dictate your home style,” we’ll tell you, right here in the hallowed pages of NICHE magazine, that a change of décor will have a positive effect on your psyche. And that a little order will go a long way on the path to home happiness.

Other ways TO ADD B L I NG TO YO U R S PRI NG

• Metallic vases, mirrors and glassware will bounce light and add sparkle, so hit the stores for a selection of new pieces to bring your project alive.

• Revamp a dark old favourite (like a black pendent light) by masking off the workings and spraying it white. Add small white fabric shades to candle bulbs to finish off a look such as this.

• Add floral patterns via fabrics and wallcoverings, or with vase upon vase of the real thing, to bring your springtime room alive.

• Swap heavy drapes for diaphanous white cotton, or palest linen, alternatives and allow them to billow gently in the breeze for a super “summer’s just around the corner” feel.

• Tidy up your bookshelves and pepper them with bright figurines and curios for a Miami feel. Think Jonathan Adler and get funky with accessories and objets d’art.

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N I C H E fashion

THE LOOK Tangerine alligator jacket and tote with tangerine and sky blue abstract print dress, Dennis Basso Spring 2014 collection.

Citrus Twist

SPRING with a

Colours are the smiles of

NATURE. -LEIGH HUNT BRITISH AUTHOR

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B A

A. EDIE PARKER Flavia “Happy” yellow clutch & Jean orange slices clutch B. LULU FROST enamel painted lightray earrings in lemon yellow C. BENEFIT COSMETICS Lemon-Aid eyelid correcting cream D. LELE SADOUGHI stone column slider bracelet in canary yellow E. LACOSTE ladies Rio watch in tangerine F. NASTY GAL faux leather pink grapefruit-inspired bag G. SARA BATTAGLIA Lady Me large tote in yellow sunflower H. GIVENCHY Gelée D’Interdit smoothing gloss in sheer neon orange

H

C

D

E

G

F

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NICHE to...

O

by Chelsea Forman | travel columnist

ftentimes when hearing the word Nepal, our minds immediately jump to dramatic, life threatening treks up into the mighty arms of Mt. Everest. It’s natural that we conjure up these thoughts — the mountain is incredibly famous. It’s like a guy playing hard to get, one of those few places that we just can’t control, and whether we admit it or not we all love what we can’t have. So, as I tell my girlfriends who are occasionally given the run around by some man, “let’s move on!”

It’s time to expand our knowledge and appreciation for the other parts of Nepal.

The South Asian country has endless sights to explore. Chitwan National Park is home to some of the world’s few remaining Bengal tigers and welcomes guests for tours through the steamy jungle brush. Lumbinī is the Buddhist pilgrimage site where Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who founded Buddhism. Ancient temples and stupas can be explored to bring you and your spiritual side a little closer. There are of course numerous treks into the wild to participate in, but if backpacks and dirty socks aren’t your thing, no problem, luxury travel is also on the climb in the country.

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N E PA L

Travel with

Kathmandu

N I C H E travel

We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the globe whose riches are differently dispersed. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again — to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more.

-PICO IYER

N I C H E travel

THE MALLA PERIOD was a golden age stretching over 550 years.

The first of the Malla kings came to power in the Kathmandu Valley in 1200.

So, in your mind’s eye, take off your snowsuit, put on a DVF romper (heck, make it a Chanel gown if you want), slip down the side of that dangerous and divine Everest peak and wander the 160 kilometres over ancient soil to the capital and economic centre of Nepal, Kathmandu.

This is the best place to give you a real feel for the many different components of the country. Kathmandu is also a great starting point for travellers looking to explore beyond big-city borders. There are unlimited tours and treks departing daily that will fulfil any whim for the super-adventurous or the cautious, flip-flop wearing sightseer.

The city is located in the Kathmandu Valley. Legend has it that the valley was once a beautiful lake enclosed by mountains and inhabited by enormous serpents. One glorious day the Bodhisattva Sri Manjushree raised his powerful sword and slashed open the side of the mountain at a place called Chobar. All of the water and the serpents rushed out, leaving behind a lush and fertile land. Today, the Kathmandu Valley is a patchwork of fields, ancient temples and sacred sites. The area is filled with thriving historic towns that showcase the spectacular work of artisans and architects from centuries past. There are two Himalayan viewpoints along the rim of the valley and two explorative roads leading to Tibet.

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Kathmandu is a colourful riot of activity and excitement. Your senses will without a doubt hit overdrive as they try to make sense of the many sights and smells. Old-world charm and ancient traditions intertwine with modern-day trends and technology. Despite the tremendous growth of the city over the past decade, the people remain incredibly gracious, friendly and devoted to their religious beliefs — primarily those of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Begin your time in Kathmandu at the famed Durbar Square in the heart of the old city. Considered the social centre of Kathmandu, it’s literally filled with splendid palaces, temples and courtyards from the Malla period in the 17th and 18th centuries. Impossible to miss is the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace (the historic seat of the royalty), and the glorious Taleju Temple. The temple is a famed Hindu and Jain religious site, and the first three-tiered temple to be built with more than two roofs. Legend reads that the temple was built on the advice of the Taleju Goddess and that she appeared to the King at the dedication ceremony disguised as a bee.

N I C H E travel

Possibly the most fascinating part of the square is that a Living Goddess, named Kumari Devi, resides here. The structure she lives in was built in 1757, and is called the Kumari Bahal. The Living Goddess is believed to be a reincarnation of the Hindu Goddess Durga. A young girl between the ages of two and four is selected from the community by the high priests based on her horoscope, health and physical characteristics — for instance, having eyelashes like a cow. The chosen girl is then put through a series of tests, some of which would scare the daylights out of Stephen King himself. If she shows no fear she is believed to be the incarnation of Durga.

Once the Goddess passes the test, she and her family move into the Kumari Bahal and she only comes out for ceremonial purposes. Kumari receives devotees in her chambers from a gilded lion throne; they worship her for protection and believe her blessings can cure sickness.

The Living Goddess remains in her position until she either loses a substantial amount of blood from injury or has her first period, at which time she reverts back to mortal. You may catch sight of her in a window, or if you plan your trip right, on a ceremonial outing.

After you’re totally exhausted by the chaos in Dunbar Square, head into the back streets of the old city for some quieter but equally spectacular sights. The back streets are a maze-like tour of shrines and temples. Keep an eye open for the sculptures along the way — they are thousands of years old and would most certainly sell for a pretty penny in the Western world.

Shopping in Kathmandu can be overwhelming, but there are excellent finds.

You just have to be careful that what you’re buying is real. Designer finds are common, but they are generally knock-offs from China. The shops at Thamel have pretty much everything you could ever want to purchase in Nepal, but beware, it can be a seriously stressful endeavour. When you need a break, head up to one of the rooftop garden restaurants for a good, strong drink and a piece of cake. There are plenty of sculptures, carvings, Tibetan carpets and other colourful trinkets to choose from. A number of bookshops sell literature written and sold only in Nepal. Away from the Thamel shops is one place that every fashionista must hit: the Cashmere Outlet. Really, this is a place that exists beyond your dreams. The outlet is supplied by the largest cashmere and pashmina knitting factory in Nepal. It’s all genuine, superb quality and extremely well priced.

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She’s the ONE!

If you find that all of your time in Nepal quickly disappears in the ever entertaining streets of Kathmandu and days out trekking the wilderness are not possible, plan a simple but unforgettable day trip to the Unesco World Heritage Site, Swayambhunath. You can walk to the site (you may pass a few street-side cows along the way) or take a cab. This Buddhist stupa sits on a lofty mountain with expansive views of Kathmandu Valley below. Swayambhunath is commonly referred to as Monkey Temple by westerners because it is home to a gaggle of resident monkeys — not to worry, they’re friendly; just don’t pull out any food or you’ll have about 200 new friends following you around.

Everywhere around you there will be religious practices taking place.

On the outside of Swayambhunath is a painting of Buddha’s eyes, which look over the valley and are an iconic symbol in Nepal.

Before you make the long trip home, spend a few hours in the Garden of Dreams. Walking through the entrance provides an instant escape from the chaotic city beyond. You can take a moment to catch your breath in the blissful quiet and try to absorb the spectacular, astounding adventure you’ve just had in Kathmandu.

This slim, sexy and athletic early 50’s woman loves nothing more than a round of golf or running her powerboat full throttle and being on the open ocean. She’s equally at home hosting a dinner for friends or catching the latest play. An avid music fan, she enjoys the symphony and jazz, but you’ll also find her at BC Place rocking out to Pink. She’s looking for a fit, active, established and easy-going gentleman 50-60 for new adventures.

If you think you’re the perfect complement for this once in a lifetime catch, or know someone who is

contact me: jane@matchmakerforhire.com There are NO FEES to be introduced to this client.

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N I C H E fashion

GOOD GIRL

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SPRING 2014

SHARP AS AN ARROW

NICHE magazine met designer Sara Roka, and actress Celina Jade, at Vancouver Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2014 show. Roka is a native Canadian but now designs from her atelier in Italy.

It was Roka’s goal to create a collection around a foundational wardrobe piece she has always cherished, the men’s button-down shirt. Esthetically, Roka’s designs and Celina Jade are the perfect match.

The naturally striking and down to earth actress is also renowned for her singing and is a highly skilled martial artist. Jade is most recognized for her role as ‘Shado’ on the hit TV series Arrow.

N I C H E fashion

THE LOOK (BELOW) Sara Roka Karlina white shirtdress with green/blue grosgrain strips on the bottom. Prada multi-coloured canvas handbag, Timeline Boutique.

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THE LOOK (ABOVE)

THE LOOK (RIGHT)

Sara Roka Alanis stretch cotton poplin long shirt-dress with draped open back. YSL yellow Mombassa handbag, Timeline Boutique.

Sara Roka Naima washed délave linen cold shoulder mini dress. Thierry Lasry “Adultry” glasses, The Optical Boutique.

SPRING 2014

THE LOOK Rae blouse, Oak & Fort.

Point skirt, Loft 82.

Linda Farrow for Agent Provocateur Stroke Me sunglasses, The Optical Boutique.

NICHEmagazine.ca

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N I C H E travel

TRAVEL BITES

T

by Stuart Brown | wine columnist

he enjoyment of sparkling wine has grown dramatically worldwide, and Prosecco is an increasingly popular example of sparkling wine. Bubbles are “chill” (poor attempt at humour), so more and more often, we are quaffing this engagingly soft and less expensive sparkling from Italy’s Veneto region. Prosecco has come a long way, in just a short time.

The crowd-pleasing versatility of Prosecco is a big contributor to its success; it can vary from dry to sweet and from slightly sparkling (Frizzante) to full sparkling (Spumante). Overall, though, Prosecco’s acid levels are lower; it has lower alcohol levels, which lends itself to being more accessible on Sunday afternoons; the wine is fruitier; and the frothy mousse of bubbles are light and soft in your mouth — it is delightful in every way!

Unlike Champagne, most Proseccos are made with a grape named Glera (now synonymous with Prosecco) and are made in the Charmat Method (also known as Tank Method, or Metodo Martiniotti, as the Italians say). The Charmat Method has the second bubble-inducing fermentation taking place in a stainless steel tank, rather than in individual bottles. The result is a fruitier, fresh flavour, which is easier to produce and, therefore, produced at a lower expense than Champagne. Don’t confuse your Prosecco with your Champagne, and keep your expectations realistic — you won’t get the yeasty, complex, and developing qualities found in the best Champagnes from your Prosecco, but you will find high fruit, fresh flavour and a fantastic sparkling wine. Remember that Prosecco and Champagne are two different monsters… both with their own merit.

Don’t confuse

Prosecco with Champagne, and keep expectations

REALISTIC.

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SPRING 2014

Prosecco production has also become quite prestigious; in 2009 Prosecco made in the Conegliano and Valdobbiadene region in Veneto, Italy, reached DOCG status (highest Italian law). We are seeing “more serious” Proseccos that are drier, and made with higher acidity and finer bubbles. These elevated Proseccos can pair nicely with more serious, intense and finer cuisine. Although most Proseccos are made to be consumed when they are young and fresh, some of these finer Proseccos can be aged and will improve over a few years in the cellar.

We used to think of sparkling wine only during celebratory events and holidays, but these days North Americans are turning toward sparkling wine for more sophisticated dishes, as our food and wine world has evolved. Because it is fresh and lively, Prosecco can be enjoyed in so many ways: from a light drink at a patio or pool party, with hors d’oeuvres at a reception (one of my favourite pairings is melon wrapped in prosciutto, served with Prosecco when your guests arrive), to a pairing with seafood dishes and lighter, creamy sauces.

Prosecco is also a fantastic addition to Asian spiced cuisine (another favourite is Thai spiced mussels), and fish tacos… the list is extensive.

As our search for better food and finer wine evolves, we will continue to see Prosecco lead a charge. We must encourage ourselves to look for and create more opportunities to try out this vivacious bubble. When thinking of what to serve at receptions, patios, dinner parties, and picnics, remember to include Prosecco — it is always a crowd pleaser that will not let you down.

Open a bottle and start a party!

STUART BROWN is a sought-after certified Sommelier who also serves as Vice Council Gastronomique for the Victoria Bailliage of La Chaine des Rotisseurs. Formerly the Sommelier at Bear Mountain Resort, Stuart now represents the wines of People, Place & Time with The Trialto Wine Group, and is an instructor for the International Sommelier Guild on Vancouver Island.

N I C H E home

DESIGNED for the

WAYYOU LIVE

THE DOWNSIZE TO THE RIGHT SIZE G L E N P E L O S O is the Principal of Peloso Alexander Interiors and a design expert on the Marilyn Denis Show, weekdays on CTV. As a design journalist, he contributes regularly, and has been profiled or featured in many national magazines and newspapers, as well as other international

design

publications.

PelosoAlexanderInteriors.com

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SPRING 2014

by Glen Peloso | design columnist

Everyone has a different sense of what “small” means. I’ve been in some pretty large homes where the occupants seem to be struggling with storage space, and I’ve been in extremely small spaces that appear to have all kinds of extra space. It’s what you are accustomed to that makes the difference to the space.

When we first came to look at this space it seemed apparent that we were going to have to amalgamate three smaller rooms on the main floor into one larger space, to keep these principal rooms feeling larger than they actually were. We realized it was going to be a bit of a challenge when we went to visit the very large home our clients were leaving to move into this smaller space. The kids were off to school or work and the large house wasn’t necessary; however there were lots of elements they wanted to bring with them.

The wall that separated the small kitchen from the dining room and the living room made the space feel cramped, and the kitchen was too isolated. It also made the main floor visually smaller.

That was further exasperated by the lack of storage the kitchen provided. Our client loved to cook and the function of the kitchen was very important to her. Storage was clearly needing to be addressed in this area. They also had a book collection they loved and while I suggested the favourites could be electronically accessed, many were going to stay.

AMPLE STORAGE MAKES SMALL S PA C E S L E S S CLUTTERED.

N I C H E home

FIND MORE SQUARE F O O TA G E B Y USING YOUR

In any small open concept space, you have to create areas that will act as specific rooms. The WA L L back of the sofa, in this case, creates the illusion of a walkway that leads you from the front door to the kitchen and stairs going to the second floor of the space. The central fixture of the dining room indicates the location of the dining table, as does the furniture that sits in that space. The kitchen peninsula separates the dining area from the kitchen; however, each one is open to the next. In planning this kind of space you have to determine what the traffic patterns are going to be to get around the space. No one is comfortable walking through the middle of a seating area to get to the kitchen, so they will search for a way around it. The furniture and carpets are the objects that indicate the rooms and walkways, and hence the traffic patterns. If they are placed poorly, the room will always feel awkward.

One of the ways to create cohesion in an open-concept and smaller space is to repeat an element from one section of the room in other sections of the room. In order to create more storage in the kitchen, we extended the kitchen cabinets into the dining room using the same finish that was used on the original kitchen cabinets. We implied a sideboard in the centre of the dining cabinets where we placed a large framed mirror to reflect the room and give the illusion of something larger. Behind the mirror we painted the wall in the same colour as the fireplace wall opposite it. Effectively we pulled the kitchen into the dining room, the dining room into the kitchen, the living into the dining and vice versa. The cohesion between all the rooms creates a visual balance and lets each space visually borrow real estate from the 76

SPRING 2014

S PA C E .

other.

In the living room, we created a seating or conversation circle that is centred on the fireplace.

The fireplace wasn’t perfectly centred on the wall, so to deal with that issue as well as create storage for the books and other items, we flanked the fireplace with cabinets and shelves. The bookshelves are of various sizes and different levels to create further visual interest on that wall and to differentiate them from the kitchen cabinets. The size differences also mask the off-side fireplace. The lower sections of the shelves are closed cabinets with no handles, to maintain a clean look. They provide storage for the kitchen and the dining room as well as a variety of other items required on the main floor. Effectively the books and art objects provide the accessories for that space. The sofa and chairs that flank the fireplace create a living room, and what remains are three distinctive rooms that each overlap slightly into the next. Incorporating the storage into the room decor, and making use of the height of the walls, is the best way to deal with it. The wall space provides you with far more square footage than the floor does, and there is only one floor surface, but four walls!

Their pared-down life now fits very well into their new space, and they are far freer to travel without worrying about their home. To many people in other countries, this “small� space would be considered quiet large, and they would be daunted by having to clean and care for it. Fortunately for our homeowners, this move has left them with much less to worry about!

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N I C H E fashion

AROUND THE WORLD

STYLE

NEW YORK Contributor: C ANADIA N FASH IO N D E S IG NE R CA S S AND R A H O B B IN S

VICTORIA Contributor: FA SHI O N BLOG GER M A DE LE I N E K EM P

LONDON Contributor: C A N A D I A N FA S HI O N D E S I GN E R C O N N A LLY MC D O UGA LL co n n al l ym cdo u gal l . wo rdpress.co m

Contributor: FASHION BLO GGER DANICA COX bydan i ca . b l ogs p ot. c om

Street Vibe: A unique blend of styles that are different from one person to the next. The fashion vibe Victoria exudes is “explore all sources of style and then make it your own.”

Jacket: B L K D E N L E AT HER

Street Vibe: Mixing modern, vintage, High Street and designer is the norm on London streets. Spring is finally here, and Londoners are slowly shedding their winter layers.

Street Vibe: The downtown public library is the perfect place to frolic in spring attire and take in the historic surroundings. One of the best parts of living in Vancouver – how modern lives with vintage so effortlessly.

Model: M A DELEI N E KE MP

Model: R A C HE L P E TE R S

Model: DANICA CO X

Sweater: C O S

Jumper: ZA R A

Jeans: A C N E

Dress: TOPSHO P

Pants: VINTAG E O R A N GE

Top: ZA R A

Top: HO BBS

Prop: 3 5 MM PENTAX FILM

Leggings: A M ELI A LE E

Handbag: P R A D A

C A ME R A

c a ssa n d r ah o b b in s .c o m

Street Vibe: Casual weekends in NYC call for go-to style that looks great with a camera and a beanie.

Model: C AS S AND R A HOBBINS

TAB LE VIS

Boots: MAR TIN MARGIELA Bag: A C NE TO TE

high-t . c a

BOUT IQUE

Boots: T OP SH OP

Anorak: R E D C R O S S C HA R I TY S HO P

Necklace: T OP SHO P

Necklace: S P I TA LF I E LD S

Hat: T OP SHOP

MA R KE T

Ankle Boots: D UN E Hat: V I N TA GE 78

VANCOUVER

SPRING 2014

Location: O U T SIDE T HE VA N C O U VER PU BLIC LI BR A RY DOWNT O WN

: D E R U T A FE MILAN Contributor: I TA LI A N FA S HI O N BLO G G ER V I R GI N I A VA R I N E LLI u gl ytru th o f v.co m

Street Vibe: In Milan, in springtime, especially for the Italian fashionista, all roads lead to Fashion Week. This is the look I wore to the Roberto Cavalli and Jimmy Choo fashion shows. This is quite different from the usual outfits that I wear, but the great thing about fashion is that we can change and indulge in being who we want... on that day, at that moment.

Model: V I R GI N I A VA R I N E LLI Cape: P E R S UN MA LL Suit: R I V E R I S LA N D Belt: HE R ME S Shoes: LE S I LLA Bracelet: V I R I D I Sunglasses: WE BE Y E WE A R iPhone case: JUS T C AVA LLI Bag: BI R KI N

NICHEmagazine.ca

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N I C H E lifestyle

girl

TA L K

M A R Y Z I L B A is a singer, songwriter, television personality, activist and mother of three boys. She starred in the hit reality TV series The Real Housewives of Vancouver and recently debuted her Buff Beauty cosmetic line on The Shopping Channel.

S

by Mary Zilba | celebrity columnist

pring is my favourite time of year. It represents a time of rebirth when, once again, the world comes alive. Flowers and trees blossom, the days warm up and I always feel much more energetic. As much as I love fall and winter fashion, it’s also refreshing to finally shed the extra bulky layers of clothing and show a little skin, but as we do so, it’s also time to pay attention to the effects of winter on our birthday suits.

The truth is that when springtime comes, everyone, including Mother Nature, is out to look their best.

So, it’s time to wake up our dull winter skin. The months spent braving our winter elements outside, sitting too close to artificial heat inside, snuggling by open fires and enjoying lazy evenings of red wine and good company were amazing, but our skin does pay the price! It becomes lifeless and flaky, dingy and dull — yikes! So, what do we do about it?

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Well, here is an MZ insider tip. Let me introduce all of you to the Vancouver based go-to “Skin Girl,” and my personal and highly qualified Skincare Specialist, Lisa Marie Blaire. My skin and I have been committed to Lisa for over a year now and there is no doubt I can see the difference. According to Lisa, one of the most important things we can do to rejuvenate our winter-worn skin is to EXFOLIATE and REPLENISH. I like to look at it like refinishing a wooden table, just without the sandpaper. My customized skincare plan includes a monthly diamondtip microdermabrasion and an oxygen facial. I’m a huge proponent of what I like to call my “miracle workers” — Retinol and Vitamin C serum, both of which I have used for 15 years and counting. I find it is really important to try and stick to a routine, whether it be with your facialist or using at-home products. Just remember to be consistent and you will see results.

Spring is also a great time to detox the body as well.

Lisa and her team, which includes Dr. Jonas LaForge, a homeopathic doctor, stress the importance of hormonal balance and whole body rejuvenation, not just outer appearance. They have also taught me the importance of allergy testing and diet. Remember, glowing from the inside out is the most important!

Happy Spring everyone — go out and show some skin!

One of the most important things we can do to rejuvenate our winter-worn skin is to EXFOLIATE and REPLENISH!

574Johnson St | 250 383 8128 www.dalycoboutique.com

N I C H E fashion

FASHI ON F O R WA R D

A STUDY IN

BLACK & WHITE

by Tracey Drake

Diane von Furstenberg

Y

es, it’s our colour issue and so it may seem odd that we chose to dedicate our Fashion Forward feature to black and white. The better question is… how could we not?

For as much as spring 2014 runways are bursting with vibrant colours, saturated hues and brilliant fabrics, many of the world’s most iconic designers also chose to inject their collections with a healthy dose of graphical temperance.

Ralph Lauren started his show with a series of graphic, black and white, 1960’s inspired looks, featuring amazing separates, wonderful lines and playful fabrics. Fun aside, the exceptional tailoring and the obvious ode to menswear gave this collection an exciting twist on old-style conservative black and white.

Oscar de la Renta

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Designers Dennis Basso, Oscar de la Renta and Diane Von Furstenberg stuck to more classic use of black and white, but brought a definitive feminine, flirty flair to spring 2014 runways. The use of flouncy skirts, Dior-esque jackets, voluminous fabrics, and feminine details did not go unappreciated, most especially the womanly take on the gentleman’s summer suit. Watch for interpretations of these very wearable looks to work their way down into local retailers.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Dennis Basso

NICHEmagazine.ca

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N I C H E travel

hidden

gems

by Chelsea Forman

A historical treasure trove and home to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

D

ating back to about 600 AD, in north Northumberland England, is the quaint and charming market village of Alnwick. The character of the village has changed little since its humble beginnings centuries ago. At its heart, majestic and proud as ever, stands Alnwick Castle, which was home to the most powerful northern barons, the Earls of Northumberland.

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N I C H E travel

Today, visitors come from far and wide to explore the castle and its medieval enchantment. The landmark has gained tremendous popularity in the past decade due to its role as the mighty Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter movie series. Travellers hoping to slip into the wizarding world can stroll across the grounds where Harry learned to fly a broomstick and wander corridors in search of the Gryffindor common room.

The castle has plenty of exhibits and three distinct museums to provide you with a glimpse into the bygone medieval era. There are also numerous interactive events that are great for inspiring the imagination. The Harry Potter devotee can enjoy charmed performances, tours and even broomstick flying classes — and Muggles less curious about magic can participate in historical activities like a Knight Quest or making medieval crafts.

T H E T R E E H O U S E ’ S R E S TA U R A N T I S O N E O F T H E M O S T U N I Q U E R E S TA U R A N T S IN THE WORLD. HIGH UP IN THE TOP O F T H E F O R E S T, I T F E AT U R E S A N ENORMOUS ROARING FIRE AND TREES GROWING THROUGH THE FLOOR.

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THINGS TO DO • Take in a hair-raising performance under the castle in The Lost Cellars, where grisly tales of terrible fates and folklore are told.

• Dress up in costume and join the bustle of medieval life, as you mingle with characters playing parts from the 12th century.

• Explore magnificent staterooms filled with original art and furniture.

• Discover how a Duchess in the Middle Ages shopped by looking over the private collection of Elizabeth, First Duchess of Northumberland.

• Delve into the life of Harry Hotspur, Alnwick’s most famed son, in the exhibition created to display his life.

• Join the resident wizarding professors for an afternoon broomstick flying lesson.

• Explore the gigantic Treehouse in Alnwick Garden, and dine in its delectable restaurant surrounded by budding trees and handcrafted furniture.

Once you’ve enjoyed the many wonders of the castle, prepare yourself for the atmospheric Alnwick Garden, which is famous in its own right and for good reason. The garden is filled with sub-regions ensuring there is something to dazzle every taste — whether it be the quiet of the Woodland Stroll, the soft shades blooming in the Rose Garden, the danger awaiting in the Poison Garden or the joyful waters dancing down the Grand Cascade, each are magical in their own way. Alnwick Garden has also partnered with celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver, whose food program, Ministry of Food, teaches basic cooking skills, as well as promotes learning about food in an unforgettable environment.

Regardless of what draws you to Alnwick Castle and its glorious sprawling gardens, you are certain to feel a bit of magic in the air. It may just be the history of the grounds, but most likely it’s more than that. And to all of the non-believers, keep an eye open, you might just catch sight of a train arriving from Platform 9¾.

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N I C H E lifestyle

Jane,

Dear

Is it really

easier to fall in love in SPRING?

J A N E C A R S T E N S is matchmaker to the stars, and as founder of Matchmaker for Hire, Jane is a sought-after dating and relationship expert who also managed the candidate search for The Bachelor Canada.

Does this mean spring is an easy time to date successfully?

The short answer: NO. Interest may be high, but, on the flip side, commitment levels are significantly lower. Breakups spike after the winter holidays as unhappy couples who held on through the New Year often go in search of something to make their hearts sing again. There are so many new and attractive distractions and it’s easy to get carried away. A dalliance can be fun and rewarding, but if you’re serious about finding a lasting partner, there are some pitfalls you should avoid: DON’T SETTLE — I don’t mean you should refuse to compromise or ignore the men already in your life, but if you want someone educated, then wait for someone who has a college degree, or two. If you are a vegan and abhor the idea of eating meat, don’t pursue someone on the Paleo diet. Research shows that the fear of being single compels people (especially women) to settle. In the end, this could lead to disaster.

by Jane Carstens | relationship columnist Cherry blossoms, sunshine, patios and new love — just a few things that pop up after a long winter’s nap. The poet Alfred Lord Tennyson had it right when he penned:

“In the spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.”

Scientifically speaking, the return of warmer and sunnier weather increases Vitamin D and decreases melatonin production in the body.

This leads to an increase in energy, vitality and optimism. Plus, you are being compelled to couple-up by your not-so-subtle DNA and are helped along the primrose path by lighter, more revealing clothing options.

Don’t let your hind brain dictate your love life — use that fancy cerebral cortex of yours to make logical and rational choices. And it’s true what they say, patience really is a virtue.

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS HAVE NO BENEFITS — If you have a friend who is smart, funny, emotionally intelligent with the face of a Greek god and Channing Tatum’s body, then maybe you should look at rezoning him. He may be more suitable as a boyfriend than just an amigo. That being said, don’t jeopardize the friendship by engaging in a “Friends With Benefits” (FWB) arrangement. Studies reveal that people in committed relationships who began with a FWB arrangement have lower levels of partnership satisfaction. The takeaway: Fold your hand or go all in.

Would you like to see Dear Jane cover a specific topic about dating and relationships?

Do you have a question for Jane? Email dearjane@NICHEmagazine.ca.

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N I C H E beauty

B E AU T Y [ re] MAR KS

Homespun Beauty How to make your skin glow

AT HOME

by Sara Rose | beauty columnist As natural health and wellness become more prevalent in our society, people are being more cautious about what they’re putting into their bodies.

What about skincare and beauty products? Anything we put on our skin is absorbed into the body through our pores, causing problems down the road. As women and men alike demand more control, many home remedies and essential oils are a successful way to begin the transition from synthetic chemical products to nourishing live product applications.

Entering the world of natural ingredients can be scary. Essential oils and products found at the grocery store are a good place to start.

it’s in the GROCERY AISLE!

If you want a natural way to care for your skin, here are a few examples of grocery store products that contain vitamins, lactic acid and/or humectant to provide meaningful results:

Coconut oil – Mother nature’s perfect moisturizer Honey – Organic or raw is best for a fast, effective face mask Avocado – Antioxidant-rich face wash that cleanses and prevents wrinkles Baking soda – Mix with a little water for a great natural facial scrub Lavender – Amazing stress relieving properties and great for blemishes Buttermilk – Mix with honey as a facial mask, use in bath with essential oils to ease tired muscles, or use with orange peel to treat dark spots

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ESSENTIAL OILS are your friends The highly concentrated essences extracted from aromatic plants are called essential oils, which can be used alone or in different combinations to achieve the desired results. Essential oils are extremely effective — only a few drops are required and can be used in a variety of ways including baths, massage, perfume, room fragrance, hair and scalp care, facial and skincare.

Many cosmetic and skincare companies have recognized the potential damage of synthetic chemicals and have created professionally developed, “au natural” beauty products. Always be label conscious; read and review ingredients in all beauty products, especially if you have sensitivities or allergies.

Products boasting natural ingredients are oftentimes just as useful as many of the expensive, commercial varieties — sometimes even more so. Here’s one example: Have you ever used a moisturizer that promises “extreme moisture,” only to find that your skin feels thickly coated and tight after application? This is the result of a chemically over-enhanced product that has created a barrier over your skin. Add a layer of makeup and you’ll have yourself a facial traffic jam. Clogged pores galore! Your moisturizer should provide one thing: moisture.

Whether you shop in the cosmetics department or the grocery aisle — remember one simple rule:

Don’t over-complicate the system!

Check out NICHEmagazine.ca for Homespun Beauty Recipes you can try at home.

NICHE’s favourite essential oils

Almond oil – Treats dry hair and brittle nails Apricot kernel oil – Treats dry or aging facial skin Avocado oil – Treats dry and sensitive skin Evening primrose oil – Treats psoriasis and eczema Grapeseed oil – Treats sebaceous oily skin Jojoba oil – Treats dry scalp, dandruff, and acne Wheat germ oil – Firms skin and minimizes blemishes

N I C H E lifestyle

IT’S SUNGLASS SEASON

I S YO U R H U N T F O R T H E P E R F E C T PA I R TA K I N G S H A P E ?

S U E R A N D H A W A is a licensed optician and owner of The Optical Boutique.

She loves to generate a buzz by incorporating fashion into everything she does. Since 1979, The Optical Boutique has been Vancouver’s premier optical destination for luxury eyewear. Located in the heart of Kerrisdale, The Optical Boutique has brought high-end eyewear to the forefront and introduced Vancouver to independently designed brands like Lafont, Anne et Valentin, Theo, l. a. Eyeworks and Thierry Lasry. www.theopticalboutique.com

by Sue Randhawa pring in the air, and the long-awaited summer season is just around the corner. If there’s one ultimate sunny-day accessory that is worth investing in, it’s a great pair of sunglasses. If you’re looking to buy, why not get a pair that’s bang on trend?

S

The good news? This year, the runways were full of looks that included sunglasses; catwalks overflowed with a multitude of styles.

We saw a reemergence of the 50’s and 60’s cat-eyes frames, as well as the oversized look of the 70s and 80s.

So how do we make sense of all of this?

Just like finding the perfect pair of jeans, the right pair of sunglasses should show off your best features. When choosing the right pair, always keep proportion and balance in mind.

What do I mean? Not only is the shape important but also the size of the shape. As a general rule, choose sunglasses that are the opposite of your face shape.

The three basic and most common face shapes are square, round and oval. I say basic because some people have a combination of these shapes, which results in the less-common face shapes like heart, triangle or diamond.

The Olsen twins are a perfect example of the square face shape. For this shape, the goal is to soften the angles of the face. The rounder the shape, the nicer it’s going to look. The twins wear this shape the best and are most often photographed in their round sunnies.

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SPRING 2014

If your face is round, do the exact opposite: choose frames that add definition and structure to your features. Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas is a great example of this. A round face usually means fuller cheeks. The aim here is to make the face look longer and thinner, so any sunglasses that are angular will work really well. A square shape or an upswept cat eye always look stunning on this face shape.

If you have an oval-shaped face, lucky you! The oval face shape is often the most desired because of its balanced proportions, which wears any shape or style well. With so many sunglasses to choose from, the oval has endless possibilities. Kim Kardashian illustrates this so well with her endless wardrobe of sunglasses. She’s photographed wearing everything from cat eyes and oversized Jackie Os to classic aviators.

With all of the possibilities available, always remember to protect your eyes from UV radiation. Excessive exposure to UV rays can cause eye issues like cataracts, burns and even cancer. You want to be sure that

not just the eye is protected, but the very delicate skin around the eye as well. Speak to a licensed optician about important features like polarization and anti-reflective coatings. Always make sure that your sunglasses have been properly fitted; a proper fit should be where the sunglasses sit on the bridge of your nose and not on your cheeks.

With summer on its way, let’s get going. Happy sunglasses hunting!

With an oval shaped face, Kim can wear a multitude of shapes.

Ashley Olsen rocks the round sunglass on her square face.

Fergie wearing a cateye so perfectly! The rounder face does well with a fuller frame that has either lift or angles.

retail therapy BUYERS GUIDE F A R & A W A Y P A G E 1 0 Jimmy Choo Demi canvas flower-print laceless

sneakers, saks.com, $575. Mulberry passport cover, mulberry.com, $280.

S P R I N G S H O O T P A G E 1 4 Trout Humboldt yellow rain coat, Holt Renfrew, $535. Alice & Olivia Trina bow back tunic dress, Holt Renfrew, $255.

Misty gold necklace, Cuchara, $149. Tatum gold bracelet, Cuchara, $49. RVN sheath dress, Holt Renfrew, $410. Tom Ford Alix leather padlock and zip shoulder bag, Holt Renfrew, $1,750. Cleo gold necklace, Cuchara, $154. Red lace trench, Madame Moje, $530. Kotur Espey snakeskin with cut glass clasp, Holt Renfrew, $595. Honey gold necklace, Cuchara, $49. P A G E 1 5 Oscar de la Renta wool-crepe dress, Hotl Renfrew, $1,995. Balenciaga handbag, Holt Renfrew, $1,945. Elsa Peretti mesh scarf earrings, Tiffany & Co., $2,150. Elsa Peretti mesh scarf necklace, $13,600. Elsa Peretti, Cabochon ring, Tiffany & Co, $3,350. A-line dress, Madame Moje, $280. Chloe Marcie small round cross body bag, Holt Renfrew, $775. Elektra gold necklace, Cuchara, $129. Vixen gold bracelet, Cuchara, $62. P A G E 1 6 Alexander McQueen cropped suede biker jacket, Holt Renfrew, $4,295. Stella McCartney orange shift dress, Holt Renfrew, $1,225. Elsa Peretti snake ring, Tiffany & Co., $1,450. Elsa Peretti lacquer bangle (in red and black), Tiffany & Co., $550. Elsa Peretti, diamond hoop earrings, Tiffany & Co., $2,050. P A G E 1 7 Acne Studios Bree t-shirt dress, Holt Renfrew, $160. Tiffany 1837 interlocking circles necklace, Tiffany & Co., $8,800. Tiffany 1837 ultra-wide cuff in Rubedo metal, Tiffany & Co., $8,250. Tiffany 1837 hoop earrings, Tiffany & Co, $1,400. P A G E 1 8 Wing tipped collar blouse, Madame Moje, $150. Donna Karan white trousers, Holt Renfrew, $835. P A G E 2 1 Alexander Wang pink leather taffy top, Holt Renfrew, $2,200. Mermaid skirt, Zara, $80. Zephyr gold necklace, Cuchara, $109. Vixen bracelet, Cuchara, $62. Tatum bracelet, Cuchara, $49. H E L L O N H E E L S P A G E 3 2 Brian Atwood, Karin, brianatwood.com, $1695. Brian Atwood, Cleta, brianatwood.com, $1595. Brian Atwood, Stellah, brianatwood. com, $995. Brian Atwood, Hegemone, brianatwood.com, $1695. Atwood, Sommer, brianatwood.com, $1695. L O O K B O O K P A G E 6 1 Edie Parker Jean slices clutch, edie-parker.com, $1,495usd. Edie Parker Flavia happy clutch,

edie-parker.com, $1,495usd. Lulu Frost Lightray earring, modaoperandi.com, $200usd. Benefit Cosmetics Lemon-Aid correcting cream, Sephora, $26. Lele Sadoughi stone column slider bracelet in canary yellow, lelesadoughi.com, $295. LACOSTE Rio watch, Hudson’s Bay, $150. Nasty Gal sweet grapefruit bag, nastygal.com, $45.00. Sara Battaglia Lady Me large tote in yellow sunflower, sarabattaglia.com, $1,120. Givenchy Gelée D’interdit smoothing gloss balm crystal shine. Sephora, $31. R E I N V E N T E D P A G E 6 9 Sara Roka Eva washed cotton chambray cold shoulder shirt-dress, sararoka.com, $495. P A G E 7 0 Sara Roka Alanis stretch cotton poplin long shirt dress with draped open back, sararoka.com, $925. YSL yellow Mombassa handbag, Timeline Boutique, $495. Sara Roka Karalina white shirtdress with green/ blue grosgrain strips on the bottom, sararoka.com $695. Prada bag, Timeline Boutique. Sara Roka Naima washed délave linen cold shoulder mini dress, sararoka.com, $565. Thierry Lasry glasses, The Optical Boutique, $519. P A G E 7 0 Rae blouse, Oak & Fort, $128. Point skirt, Loft 82, $68. Linda Farrow for Agent Provocateur Stroke Me sunglasses, The Optical Boutique, $499.

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NINE Leila Hafzi’s bridal range Royaye Sefid (Bright Dreams) is a line of innovative bridal dresses and evening gowns for a grand entrance. Her fourth collection, Royaye Sefid IV Resham Firiri, means “Flying Silk” in Nepalese.

The inspiration for the Flying Silk collection comes from the mystical geometry and ornate texture of flowers — the epitome of love and grace. The gowns have emerged as part of an adventure through dramatic and dreamlike landscapes, the very landscapes that originally inspired Leila Hafzi when she first visited Nepal 16 years ago and decided to merge local craft with high-end fashion.

View the entire magical collection online at leilahafzi.com.

Flying silk... bright dreams Producer: JO C E LYN WHIPPLE

Designer: LEILA HAFZI

Photographer: ERIK ALMAS

Model: S A R A H PA R KE R BI RK ET T / NEXT MO DEL AG ENCY

Makeup Artist: TO R E P E TTE R S O N / THE BODY SHOP NO RG E

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VOLUME 2 | NUMBER 2

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M AT T H E W McCONAUGHEY

EDITOR’S PICKS objects of desire

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COLOUR ISSUE SPRING ISSUE 2014

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