FEATURED FEATURED
WEARING WHIMSY. Story by Sheri Radford FLUEVOG’S FANTASTICAL FOOTWEAR.
John Fluevog’s favourite Gastown building is his own flagship store and design studio on Water Street. But there’s a catch. “Are you aware this is not a building?” he asks. “You’re in a space between two buildings.” That sweeping open space—technically an atrium—has a vast glass roof, allowing natural light to flood in. “I walk into the space every day and I go, ‘Thank you.’”
Throughout the store, asymmetrical wooden tables display Fluevog’s whimsical creations. They unite fashion and function, bringing to mind the aesthetics of Dr. Seuss, Willy Wonka, and Tim Burton. “Most of my customers have a creative side to them,” Fluevog says. “The shoes all have names in them. There’s poetry on them.” Through his designs, he says, customers can sense the company’s ethos, which he describes as being all about “emotions and feelings, making people feel wanted, loved, needed, special.”
Avid fans have been known to possess upwards of 200 pairs of Fluevog’s fantastical footwear, but the man behind the shoes estimates he owns perhaps six pairs. Sometimes he wears the designs that haven’t sold well—he feels bad for the overlooked styles: “They’re all my friends.”
Amoungst the millons of brand enthusiasts from around the world, celebrity icons that can be spotted rocking a pair of
Vogs include Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Alice Cooper. A few hundred fans will even gather in Vancouver from October 18 to 20 for Flummunity Fest, a 3-day extravaganza of all things Fluevog. Though Fluevog isn’t exactly sure how the festival began, he does know it started as a grassroots effort from a group of footwear aficionados. “It’s become this little community,” he says. “It’s a place of connection.”
Along with parties and swag bags, this year’s event features an impressive roster of guest speakers: musician Olivia Jean, writer Tara Moss, cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Heather Collins, and fashion designers Anna Sui and Zandra Rhodes. “They’re fans of the brand,” Fluevog says. “We’re just a bunch of weirdos, all getting together.”
Fluevog has had various stores in Gastown over the years, including one in the 1970s, and he appreciates how the area is changing, becoming more creative. His go-to shop is Bia Boro, for menswear, and his favourite food spots include Café Kitsuné, Di Beppe, Birds & The Beets, and Skewers. When it comes to footwear, Fluevog Shoes is in good company with Gravity Pope, Rowan Sky, OK Boot Corral and Australian Boot Company all nearby.
TIMBERTRAIN COFFEE ROASTERS. COFFEE IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.
Story Caitlin
Goff.
In the quiet ritual of brewing, coffee becomes more than just a drink—it’s a moment, a connection, a shared experience. Each cup tells a story, of distant lands where beans are nurtured, of hands that roast them with care, and of the simple pleasure found in every sip. Coffee is warmth on a cold morning, a pause in a busy day, and a gathering point for community. At Timbertrain Coffee Roasters, every pour is a reflection of this journey—a seamless blend of craft, passion, and the desire to bring people together over something as simple, yet profound, as a cup of coffee.
Founded in 2011 by childhood friends Jeff Shin and Peter Kim, Timbertrain Coffee Roasters has grown from a passion project into a cornerstone of Vancouver’s coffee scene. The duo’s vision was simple: to bring people together through artisan-grade, approachable coffee.
“At Timbertrain, approachability is key,” says Shin. “We love connecting with people, whether they’re seasoned coffee lovers or just starting out with specialty coffee. Our goal is to craft a balanced cup that’s easy to enjoy, with familiar and recognizable flavors.”
With three locations across Greater Vancouver—in Gastown, Grandview-Woodlands, and Port Moody—Timbertrain’s mission goes beyond serving coffee. The roaster focuses on building lasting relationships with both its customers and suppliers. From carefully sourcing beans to roasting them in-house, Timbertrain prides itself on transparency and collaboration. “As a locally owned and operated coffee roaster, we’re proud to showcase our own roasted coffee at our cafes,
COLOURBOX. Story by Sheri Radford A CUT ABOVE THE REST.
“It was a really funky little street,” Barb Whiteman says, explaining why she chose the 300-block of West Cordova Street as the perfect spot to open her hair salon back in 1985. Colourbox has remained in that location in Gastown ever since, making its own colourful mark on the eclectic scene described by Whiteman. “This little block stays about the same,” she says. “Lots of really cool little independent stores.” Colourbox is no different. You instantly feel lighter when you walk into the brightly decorated space, which is decked out with a large live plant wall, graffiti mural, and abstract Elvis Presley paintings hung throughout the salon. Everything about Colourbox and Whiteman screams “cool.”
Over the years, Whiteman has built long relationships with many of her clients. She mentions one who first came to her salon as a baby; now he’s a member of the Vancouver Police Department, and he still comes to Colourbox for his haircuts. “They grow up and they’re still clients,” she says. “It’s a family feeling.”
That sense of family extends to the neighbouring businesses. Whiteman frequents Revolver and Timbertrain—praising their “seriously amazing coffee”—as well as Nelson the Seagull and The Birds & The Beets. As for shopping, she can’t resist Neighbour for clothing or Gravity Pope, Rowan Sky, and Fluevog for footwear. She says, “Shoes are my therapy.”
Even after four decades, Whiteman still loves the area. “I always feel like I’m walking through Europe,” she says of Gastown. “I like the vibe here.”
RODEN GRAY.Story by Caitlin Goff. AN AESTHETIC EXPRESSION STYLE.
When it comes to streetwear, no one quite does it like Roden Gray. Gastown’s coveted neighbourhood boutique offers a meticulously curated selection of designer pieces displayed like works in a gallery. Roden Gray transforms shopping into an immersive journey—from the sculptures and furniture to the table displays, Roden Gray offers a fusion of style and artistry.
With over a decade of experience, the boutique remains committed to offering a collection that celebrates diversity and exceptional craftsmanship, with attention to both form and function. “I would describe Roden Gray as a unique space that showcases some of the most innovative designers working today,” says Geordan Andrew, Lead Buyer and Fashion Director. “We try to provide an educational experience to each and every person who walks into the space.”
Roden Gray carries celebrated brands such as Marni, Jil Sander, Acne Studios, Dries Van Noten, Our Legacy, and more. Driven by a desire to deepen the connection between guests and their fashion choices, Roden Gray encourages its community to engage with the rich stories behind each brand. “I would always spend my off days coming down to Roden Gray as it was the place in the city that carried all of my favorite designers under one roof,” says Andrew. There’s so much to discover and that’s part of the allure. It’s more than just picking out clothes— it’s about connecting with the creative vision behind them.
“Gastown is the perfect place for Roden Gray,” Andrew shares, “I have always viewed Gastown as the most vibrant
and lively part of Vancouver and I think that’s what Roden Gray embodies with our curation of designers.” The boutique fits seamlessly amongst its local counterparts such as Inform Interiors and Filson, embracing downtown nuances and making a home of the eclectic neighbourhood. What are some pieces you should pick up this season? Andrew suggests
offering customers a chance to fully experience the Timbertrain brand,” Shin explains. “Our Gastown location, which opened in 2014, reflects the essence of who we are. The rustic, vintage aesthetic with exposed brick and warm lighting mirrors the space’s original charm. We designed the interior to evoke a sense of intimacy, using a train-inspired cabin structure that creates a welcoming, organic atmosphere.”
Timbertrain’s rotational pour-over menu is a highlight, featuring seasonal coffees from around the world, brewed fresh to order. “Our pour-overs offer an exceptional sensory experience, allowing people to explore and compare different coffees and roasts,” says Shin. “And for those who love espresso drinks, our cappuccinos and lattes are a customer favorite, often paired with our house-baked vegan rye cookies or popcorn marshmallow cookies.”
As a flagship location, Gastown plays a special role in Timbertrain’s history. “Gastown’s industrial charm and vibrant, creative energy made it the perfect place for our first cafe. We wanted to create a cafe that feels like a gallery—a space where people can immerse themselves in the Timbertrain experience,” Shin notes.
With over a decade of expertise behind them, Timbertrain remains true to its roots. “We’ve been fortunate to receive tremendous support and love from the local community,” Shin says. “Ultimately, our goal is to foster a sense of belonging for every customer, offering them an experience that leaves them with a positive, feel-good vibe.”
neighbourhood
Tucked behind a bright-red door on Cordova, Colourbox is one of the two dozen salons and barbershops in Gastown that make the area a creative hub for hairstyling. Other spots to find some of the city’s best stylists and barbers include Brush Salon, Flowstate, FortKnight, and Victory Barber.
ART IN THE ALLEY.
BRINGING IMMERSIVE INDIGENOUS STORYTELLING TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. Story Caitlin Goff.
Multi-disciplinary Indigenous artist and founder of Slow Studies Creative, Joshua Conrad has partnered with Vancouver Mural Festival and Gastown BIA to breathe new life into an unassuming laneway in Gastown: Le Magasin Alley “VMF reached out to me to help bring our lens into an alleyway— reinventing the space into an innovative digital AR experience,” Conrad shares. “The concept that a whole gallery, or immersive experience, can be publicly available for all to see, free of charge, shows how we can transform underused or quiet spaces into vibrant living works of art, digitally. This overcomes many obstacles when it comes to public placemaking.”
The tucked away passage was chosen to be the canvas for a vibrant display of - cultural storytelling—Augmented Reality (AR) serving as the vessel to spotlight various Indigenous artist’s works. “The art was a memorable and meaningful collaboration between [Slow Studies] (creating the AR), TsleilWaututh nation artist and designer, Olivia George, and her piece, Blessings and Prayer, Musqeum Nation artist, Diamond Point, and her work, Interconnected, and Nlaka’pamux / Sto:lo Nation artist, Ovila Mailhot, and his work, With the Swiftness,” Conrad says. “These three beautiful pieces each tell a story from the lens of each artist and are unified by the Coast Salish Le Magasin Alley.
shapes and elements which each of our nations share.” Conrad’s goal with his work is to link Indigenous creators together; to share and celebrate their culture through collaboration, woven together by threads of tradition, while bringing new possibilities to tell their story using immersive technologies. “My job is to share collectively with the artists and to the world that we are progressive, modern—current people doing modern things. Our culture always comes with us wherever we go,” Conrad says. Gastown, being a culturally-rich neighbourhood full of diversity, untold stories, and ever-present liveliness, made it a
using immersive technologies, especially when they are sharing in this with Indigenous voices to lead the way into a new chapter of public art experiences,” Conrad expresses, “We rarely, if ever, will publicly see BIPOC folks carving pathways like this.”
To engage with the artwork and shared stories, be sure to check out the Le Magasin Alley AR gallery (located in the laneway that connects Cordova and Cambie St). Turn it into a day of gallery hopping with Coastal Peoples rotating exhibition, CICA Gallery, Artspeak, and Choboter Fine Art.
Story by Caitlin Goff.
ESSENCE OF TAKUMI.
305 W Cordova St
PROENZA SCHOULER /WHITE LABEL dress from THE BLOCK. TRIPPEN shoes from GRAVITY POPE BENSEN TORII CHAIR from INFORM INTERIORS
Photographed somewhere in GASTOWN.
NICHOLSON & NICHOLSON coat from OUT &ABOUT FILIPPA K dress and REIKE shoes from THE BLOCK. HERMINA ATHENS earrings from OUT & ABOUT
Photographed at MAPLE TREE SQUARE in front of the EUROPE HOTEL commissioned by hotelier Angelo Calori and built in 1908-1909 by Parr and Fee Architects.
OAMC shirt from RODEN GRAY MY BROTHAS CLOSET wool overall from BIA BORO CLAUDIA SCHULZ knitted toque. DANNER boots from ROWAN SKY
Photographed at CHARLES VAN SANDWYK & CO Discover the beautiful handmade books filled with Charles van Sandwyk’s fantastical writing, poetry, paintings, and illustrations.
FILSON.
ROWAN SKY. 334 W Cordova St. Naila Flat. Spanish brand Bibi Lou, the Naila ballet flat is perfect for those fall functions. It features a leather upper with studded rhinestones for more bling.
SÖMN HOME. 28 Water St. District Brown Linen Bathrobe. Perfect for unwinding after a long day or indulging in a cozy morning routine. Fusing comfort and timeless styling, this luxurious robe is crafted from sumptuous natural thick linen.
OLD FAITHFUL. 320 W Cordova St. Yudasuki Knot. Yudasuki Knot by Takubo symbolizes prosperity and new beginnings, crafted from rice straw using traditional Japanese Warazaiku techniques. Made in Japan.
THE NEST CLINIC. 55 Water St. Jade Glow Gua Tool. Gua Sha, one of the oldest forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Stones are used to rub different parts of the body to promote healing.
CHARLES VAN SANDWYK & CO. 315 Cambie St. Affairs of the Heart. Metallic bronze cover with tipped-on, full colour plate and foiled border. Cream and coloured thick stock. Hand stitched binding. Calligraphic text.
SHOP MAKERS. 38 Water St. Ceramic Vessel Candle. Blackbird Studio’s Ceramic Vessel candles are so versatile that they can’t help but stand out from the crowd. Formulated using a coconut soy wax base.
INFORM INTERIORS. 50 Water St. Pebble Table Light. Designer: Lukas Peet. Two resting river rocks are balanced upon one another—a smooth rounded organic glass form illuminates atop a cast concrete base.
BIRDS & THE BEETS. 55 Powell St. Oatmeal Jam Cookie. Sometimes referred to as the “thumbprint or birds’ nest cookie”. Made with seasonal jams.
SADACCI CAFE. 8 E Cordova St. Espresso Tonic. Espresso tonics come in two flavours, blood orange and blueberry. With espresso, tonic water, choice of blueberry or blood orange syrup. Very refreshing!
NETTLE’S TALE. 306
closure.
ANGEL. 2 Powell St. Desigual Oversized Padded Coat. Designed by Christian Lacroix. Fall-Winter 2024 Collection.
MILANO. 36 Powell St. Black Beauty. Cocoa | Burnt Sugar Toffee. A futuristic blend of carefully selected Arabicas from India, Africa, Indonesia, Central and South America. Rich, syrupy and sweet. The dream is real. NEIGHBOUR WOMAN. 93 W Cordova St. Cawley Suede Back Curly Seam Out Hat. A vintage-inspired style comes back to us better than ever! Constructed from a soft brown suede and
BASKETCASE sweater from RODEN GRAY. POLYPLOID pants from NEIGHBOUR MAN MOMA shoes from GRAVITY POPE
Photographed at REVOLVER - try their rotating beans in a pour over - sip it on the benches outside in a sunny spot this winter.
JOFAMA shearling jacket from NIKA CLAUDIA SCHULZ silk tie. CSXTE pants by TONE EDITION. THINKING MU top from THE BLOCK GRAVITY POPE shoes.
Photographed in LE MAGASIN ALLEY GASTOWN.
HENRIK VIBSKOV coat from THE BLOCK. YUKO IMANISHI shoes from ROWAN SKY
Photographed at Trevor’s favourite wall in GASTOWN.
