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DEAREST SETH: A LOVE LETTER TO ROGEN
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TWELVE TASTES OF VANCOUVER
$9.95 FREE IF YOU STEAL IT
Winter 2025/26 AWSM 1
PORTRAITS OF AWESOME
16 LOCALS ONLY: GIFT IDEAS
38 YOUR GUIDE TO THE WILD
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Vancouver’s Seth Rogen has become a style icon featured on the covers of GQ and Esquire – bringing distinctly Canadian fashion to the world. Most recently Seth was tapped by Roots to curate a special holiday collection, seen in part here. JACQ HARRIET PHOTO
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The Vancouver Look A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
T
here was a time when I would fly to New York and Paris looking for the next big thing. I would land, look around and raid boutiques to refresh my wardrobe in line with the latest trends. But lately, I see Vancouver wherever I go. Aritzia puffs on the streets of London. Arc’teryx Gore in Brooklyn. Lulus in every airport lounge. Even Seth Rogen, born and raised here, is turning Roots’ Canadian comfort into global cool (sorry Australia). Somewhere along the line, the world stopped setting the trends and started wearing ours. Maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s the attitude — but Vancouver fashion has this mix of function, confidence and gorpcore energy that people can’t get enough of. The magazine you’re holding is about that shift. We’re showing you the local shops leading the way, the restaurants feeding the scene and the people whose everyday style feels real. Welcome to the Winter Look Book.
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EDITOR Nick Laba EDITORIAL STAFF Brendan Kergin, Elana Shepert, Daniel Wagner, Lindsay William-Ross PHOTOGRAPHY Andy White, Jacq Harriet SALES DIRECTORS Michelle Bhatti, Manny Kang SALES
TWELVE TASTES Food for the holidays DEAREST SETH A love letter to Rogen
Wali Adel, Tammy Berry, David Chiew, Alison Clay, Brenda Coulbourn, Nayeli Garcia, Jasmine Goode, Arlene Grant, Nathalie Longo, Collin Neal, Randy Sangha, Sanjay Sharma
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PUBLISHER
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Matt Blair
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PROFILES OF AWESOME Fashion in the streets
16
LOCALS ONLY Our favourite shops
38
URBAN GUIDE: To the wilderness
41
BUSINESS PROFILES Sprinkled throughout the magazine are engaging, advertiser-supported profiles showcasing even more local gems.
303 W 5th Ave, Vancouver, B.C. hello@vancouverisawesome.com vancouverisawesome.com
Winter Winter 2025/26 2025/26 AWSM AWSM 5 5
TWELVE TASTES of Vancouver
F R O M C O C K TA I L S T O N O O D L E B O W L S , Y O U R U LT I M AT E F E S T I V E F O O D A N D D R I N K G U I D E
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THEMED HOLIDAY COCKTAILS AT H TASTING LOUNGE The creative cocktailians at H Tasting Lounge go hard with the festive fun, putting out a curated line-up of holiday sips (with non-alc alts) based on a theme. They’ve taken on Christmas dinner guests and classic holiday movies as inspiration before, and seem to outdo themselves year after year. htastinglounge.com
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JAPANESE SHARE PLATES AT PIZZA COMING SOON There’s no pizza, just playful Japaneseinspired izakaya dishes in a vibey, neonlit room in Chinatown. The chicken karaage is a must, especially as a cheeky nod to Japan’s love of fried chicken during the holidays. Bring your crew for a celebratory night out. pizzacomingsoon.com ❱❱
WORDS: LINDSAY WILLIAM-ROSS // IMAGES: CONTRIBUTED
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TWELVE TASTES
3 5
PANNETONE ETC: UN NATALE ITALIANO A proper Italian Christmas moment starts with panettone. Pick one up while grabbing a cosy lunch at Mercato di Luigi’s East Van grocer-café (12th & Carolina), or enjoy a post-dinner slice after pasta and wine at their Chinatown location’s intimate “cantina.” mercatodiluigi.com
SUSHI SPLURGE If no one is going to spoil you with sushi dinners, treat yo’self. Actually, even if someone else is picking up the tab, go for one of Vancouver’s four sushi bars that each have one Michelin star: Masayoshi, Okeya Kyujiro, Sushi Huyn, and Sushi Masuda. Even the rest of the Guide for the city is packed with sushi spots: Lobby Lounge and Raw Bar, Miku, Octopus Garden, Sushi Bar Maumi, Sushi Jiro, Tetsu Sushi Bar, Yuwa, and Sushi Hil. You’re worth it!
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THE ULTIMATE COSY DATE NIGHT – TASTING MENU AT FOLKE Plant-based, intimate, and impossibly charming, Kitsilano’s acclaimed Folke nails the romantic dinner vibe. Their tasting menu is a slow, thoughtful procession of beautiful bites, perfect for lingering over with someone special on a rainy December night. folkerestaurant.com
guide.michelin.com
7
6 A BUCHE DE NOEL FROM THIERRY
SEASONAL SCOOPS AT LA GLACE This luxe westside ice cream parlour always turns things up for the holidays, and as the year draws to a close, expect to find flavours like Eggnog & Rum, Peppermint Bark, and Gingerbread. You can’t slip their elegant ceramic pint jars full of cool joy under the tree, but a sweet treat stop while you’re doing your shopping is always advisable. laglace.ca
This elegant, cream-filled sponge cake coated in rich chocolate ganache is a beloved French holiday tradition and a highlight at Chef Thierry Busset’s Vancouver bakeries year after year. While the classic chestnut flavour is a fan favourite, Chef Busset and the Thierry team create special seasonal variations, making these festive Yule Logs one of the city’s most sought-after holiday treats. thierrychocolates.com ❱❱
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TWELVE TASTES
8 10
HOLIDAY BEERS FROM STORM BREWING
Leave it to the brewing elves at East Van’s boundary-pushing Storm to put out some wildly fun pours come festive season. They always have a few limitededition beers available on tap in their tasting room; past releases include Turkey Dinner IPA, Apple Pie Ale, and Eggnog Latte Stout. stormbrewing.org
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TOURTIERE FROM THE PIE HOLE Vancouver might not have a Christmas food tradition, but we can certainly borrow one from our neighbours in Quebec. Fewer dishes from La Belle Province represent the holidays like a traditional Tourtiere, and you can order a classic rendition of the savoury beef and pork pie from The Pie Hole, complete with their decadent double butter crust. thepiehole.com
AN INCREDIBLE BOWL OF OKINAWAN SOBA FROM TATCHAN NOODLE
It’s dark earlier and never not grey and damp. Dive into a hot bowl of noodle soup with tender pork at this tiny Japanese noodle shop (or find their adorable food cart). instagram.com/tatchannoodle
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BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH AT ARC
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TASTE YOUR WAY THROUGH THE SHIPYARDS CHRISTMAS MARKET
Now in its second year, this festive gathering is a SeaBus ride away from downtown Vancouver and has free entry to boot. Vendor stalls include plenty of comforting eats and treats, from mulled wine and hot chocolate to traditional fare like the authentic German meats of Haxen Haus who will be crossing the inlet for the first time this year. shipyardschristmasmarket.com
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It’s not the holidays without at least one brunch that turns into a whole afternoon. ARC’s popular weekend Bottomless Brunch serves up endless small plates, with dishes like Smoked Salmon Rosti, Avocado Croissant, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and mimosa flights. The Fairmont Waterfront hotel restaurant often adds seasonal specials and festive touches for the holidays, too. arcdining.com
celebrating 25 years
italian classic
C
C
Celebrate the season with our holiday lunch! Beginning Monday, December 8 through Tuesday, December 23, join us Monday through Friday from 12–2pm to enjoy a menu designed for festive gatherings with colleagues, family, or friends. Proudly Ocean Wise–certified, Blue Water Cafe continues its 25-year legacy of sustainable, elevated dining in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. ❚
Guests can also enjoy the view from CinCin’s heated and covered terrace overlooking Robson Street, the perfect setting for a festive afternoon. Recipient of the 2025 DiRōNA Award of Excellence and Gold Award for Wine Program Excellence, CinCin remains a Vancouver classic. ❚
elebrating 25 years in the heart of historic Yaletown, Blue Water Cafe remains Vancouver’s premier destination for seafood lovers. Executive Chef Frank Pabst crafts West Coast– inspired dishes that highlight the finest seasonal ingredients and global influences, served alongside the restaurant’s signature energy from the open kitchen, buzzing Japanese Raw Bar, and inviting heated patio.
Address: 1095 Hamilton St, Vancouver Phone: 604 688 8078 Website: bluewatercafe.ca
elebrating 35 years on Robson Street, CinCin continues to define Vancouver’s modern Italian dining scene. Known for handmade pastas, wood-fired meats, and seafood cooked over open flame, each dish reflects the heart of Italian hospitality. Celebrate the season with our holiday lunch! From Wednesday, December 3 through Friday, December 19, join us Wednesday to Friday between 12–2pm for a memorable lunch with colleagues or loved ones.
Address: 1154 Robson St, Vancouver Phone: 604 688 7338 Website: cincin.net
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classic steakhouse reimagined
experience home
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Join us beginning Wednesday, December 3, available Wednesday through Friday until December 19 from 12–2pm. Honoured as Restaurant of the Year by Vancouver Magazine and ranked among the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants, Elisa is guided by 2025 Michelin Guide Vancouver Sommelier of the Year Franco Michienzi, whose pairings bring every dish to life. ❚
Combining tradition, flavour, and convenience, these holiday feasts capture the warmth of the season with all the craft and quality of a restaurant meal—made to enjoy at home. Pre-order by Friday, December 19 at 7pm, with pick-up available December 20–24, 12–7pm. ❚
Address: 1109 Hamilton St, Vancouver Phone: 604 362 5443 Website: elisasteak.com
Address: 1102 Mainland St, Vancouver Website: luigiandsons.ca
estled in the heart of Yaletown, Elisa reimagines the classic steakhouse through the warmth of its wood-fired Grillworks Infierno and an unwavering commitment to craft. This season, celebrate with Elisa’s holiday lunch, a menu by Executive Chef Andrew Richardson designed for festive gatherings with colleagues or loved ones — where every plate reflects precision, flavour, and hospitality.
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his holiday season, bring the Luigi & Sons experience home with chef-prepared dinners that make entertaining effortless. Featuring recipes by Executive Chef Andrew Richardson, each kit comes ready to roast, heat, and serve with ease. Choose between Brined Turkey or Prime Rib Roast Dinner, both paired with festive sides and Elisa’s Pastry Chef Rosalynn Vu’s Chestnut Mousse Cake.
an all-day cafe
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n the heart of Kitsilano, Provisions is a neighbourhood café where good food and good company come together. This holiday season, gather with friends and family over a smash burger made with Luigi & Sons’ signature grind of beef, freshly baked cruffins, and comforting seasonal features made to enjoy in the moment. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and focus on simple, honest cooking, Provisions is a place to slow down and connect— whether over lunch, coffee, or something sweet to share. Celebrate the season surrounded by community and flavour, where every visit feels like catching up with an old friend.❚
Address: 1864 West 4th Ave, Vancouver Website: provisionscafe.com
more than dessert
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elebrate the season with Thierry’s handcrafted holiday collection, a showcase of Chef Thierry Busset’s artistry and timeless French tradition. This year’s iconic Bûche de Noël cakes—available for pick-up on December 23 and 24—feature festive flavours including Chestnut, Hazelnut Praline, Cassis, and Passion Fruit, each beautifully layered with fine mousses, ganaches, and seasonal accents. The beloved Kugelhopf, rich with candied orange peel, raisins, and almonds, makes a thoughtful gift or morning indulgence. Chocolate lovers can savour Chocolate Mendiants in dark, milk, or white varieties, alongside Gingerbread Macarons, Mince Tarts, and the Christmas Pastry Box, a curated selection of house-made favourites—perfect for sharing or gifting with elegance. ❚
1059 Alberni St. 604 608 6870 | 265 East 10th Ave. 604 336 8689 1343 Bellevue Ave. 604 912 0700 | thierrychocolates.com
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DEAREST SETH
Vancouver’s Seth Rogen brings his curated picks from Roots’ winter collection to the attention of the world. JACQ HARRIET PHOTO
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A Love Letter FROM VANCOUVER
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eth Rogen, hats off to you. The guy who once had me doubled over in laughter on screen has quietly become a style icon. You’re a comedian, producer, designer, tastemaker — and somehow a cultural force. “Move over, George Clooney.” Words I never thought I’d hear myself say. You’ve always carried your Vancouver roots with pride. Even as your career has exploded globally, you’ve stayed connected locally: lending your voice to public transit announcements, reminding us in your unmistakable growl that you’re still very much a part of this city. That duality — Hollywood influence and hometown loyalty — is part of your charm. Your evolution has been remarkable. From Superbad to Pineapple Express, you helped me laugh at the void. But off-screen, you’ve been curating your own cachet. Vintage-inspired sweats, heritage staples, thoughtful home accents, magazine features in GQ, Esquire and Sharp, collaborations with brands like Roots, regular nods to Vancouver’s cannabis culture — those all become extensions of your personality. You’ve sculpted ashtrays for weed that feel like style objects, turning the mundane into conversation starters and interior design. Vancouver suits you perfectly — equal parts laid-back and a little weird, hoodie on, coffee in hand, laughing at something no one else heard. You’re basically the city in human form: kind, chill and secretly stylish. Seth, thanks for making it OK to laugh, to care and to wear sweatpants in public with pride. Seth, thanks for keeping it real. You don’t just belong here — you’re a part of this place. (Run for mayor, seriously.)
WORDS: MATT BLAIR
Winter 2025/26 AWSM 15
Spotted in Yaletown, Kenny looks like he just stepped off stage and into the street — a frontman in full control of the chaos. See his full look and portrait on page 20. ANDY WHITE PHOTO
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V
ancouver has its own kind of style. It’s quiet, layered, shaped by the rain and the mountains that surround it. The city moves at its own pace — calm, confident, never in a rush to impress. You see it in the bike messengers flying down Burrard, the urban cowboy grabbing coffee in Yaletown, and visitors from the Bible Belt showcasing their Sunday best in front of the art gallery. Portraits of Awesome brings those moments into focus. More than a dozen people, photographed across the city, each revealing what style looks like when it’s grounded in real life. Some wear their travels, carrying pieces collected from faraway places back home to Vancouver’s streets. Others find expression in the everyday — a jacket that fits just right, or a thrifted gem that tells a story. Portraits of Awesome — a look at Vancouver, one face and one outfit at a time. ❱❱
WORDS: MATT BLAIR // IMAGES: ANDY WHITE
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tenessee
yaletown
ANDY WHITE PHOTOS
S
potted in Yaletown, Tenessee looks like he just walked off a dusty highway and into a city of glass. He says he’s from Vancouver, but his look tells a different story — Wranglers, Moonshine Spirit boots, and an Italian shirt, topped with a jacket he won’t say much about. “It’s from Santa Fe,” he grins. A polished western belt buckle catches the afternoon light as he leans on a wooden cane that’s clearly seen more miles than the
average city block. In his ears, Apple headphones hum quietly — a modern rhythm cutting through his old-world silhouette. And on his lapel, a small red maple leaf pin grounds the whole look, a nod to where he really calls home. He is a walking contradiction — part cowboy, part cosmopolitan — and somehow, it works. In a city dominated by Arc’ shells and Lulus, he’s proof that character still matters. That a little grit, worn right, can feel downright elegant.
threads BOOTS
oonshine Spirit M by Brad Paisley
JACKET
“ I ain’t tellin’ ya… It’s from Santa Fe”
JEANS
Wranglers
SHIRT
Italian
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harry
railtown
ANDY WHITE PHOTOS
H
arry moves through Railtown with quiet intention, his look speaking before he does. Vancouver-born, he blends global finds into something distinctly his own — a scarf thrifted in Korea, jeans from Celine, and shoes by Cole Haan. His shirt, brought home from France, sits just right under a Maverick Studio jacket, tailored enough to mean business but relaxed enough for an afternoon at Dosanko, his favourite spot for comfort and craft.
Topping it all is a mop of Beatlesque hair. There’s precision in the way he dresses, but also ease — a balance between polish and personality. Every element feels deliberate yet lived-in, refined but not rehearsed. Harry doesn’t follow trends; he curates them. The result is a quiet magnetism — style that feels both global and local, measured and full of life. In a city that often plays it safe, he’s proof that composure can still turn heads.
threads SCARF
Thrifted in Korea
JEWELRY
Made by friends
SHOES
Cole Haan
SHIRT
From France
JEANS
Celine
JACKET
Maverick Studio
Winter Winter2025/26 2025/26 AWSM AWSM21 21
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jessica
downtown
ANDY WHITE PHOTOS
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essica wears contrast with confidence — prints, patterns, and tones balanced just so by keeping it tonal.
She wears tortoiseshell sunglasses she “got from Australia,” a thrifted suede purse with a hint of hippy sway, and a chunky knit jacket layered over a vintage graphic F as in Frank crew. Her leopard-print pants blur the line between statement and staple, while UGGs keep her grounded.
Nothing screams for notice, but every piece feels just so. These are items collected over time and worn with instinct rather than calculation. The mix of textures, patterns, and tones creates a quiet confidence. She moves through the city in a combination that shouldn’t work — and yet, somehow, it does. Effortless, thoughtful, and quietly commanding, she stands out without ever trying.
threads GLASSES
“Got them from Australia, couldn’t tell ya”
SHOES
UGG
PURSE
Cheval
PANTS
Simons
SHIRT
F as in Frank
JACKET
Thrifted from England
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24 AWSM Winter 2025/26
mel
commercial drive
ANDY WHITE PHOTOS
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trolling down Commercial Drive, Mel radiates pure colour confidence — a West End local who brings the brightness with her wherever she goes. Today, that means pink pants cuffed in yellow-and-white florals, a matching VIFF toque, and a green, blue, and orange fleece layered over a thrifted rugby shirt in the same wild palette. Their translucent pink glasses from Bruce Eyewear echo the tones without repeating
them, while a handmade belt and a small lapel button add a touch of personality that feels entirely her own. The look lands with white New Balance runners — practical and perfectly Vancouver. For Mel, it’s about showing joy. Each piece is stitched together through instinct, craft, and play. It’s bold, spirited and thoughtful without being overly precious. Mel is one of our favourites — and you can tell by their vibe that we’re not the only ones who might claim that.
threads GLASSES
Bruce Eyewear
JACKET
Simons
SHIRT
Thrifted
BELT
“I made it”
PANTS
Big Bud Press
TOQUE
VIFF
SHOES
New Balance
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jennifer
east van
ANDY WHITE PHOTOS
E
ast Van suits Jennifer. She stands out against the backdrop of a Harley when we find her, bleachblonde hair catching the light, her all-black outfit sharp against the chrome. If the bike isn’t hers, you get the feeling she could take off on it anyway. Her look channels early-2000s nostalgia through a punk rock lens — a bedazzled hoodie by Sci-Fi Fantasy, thrifted bag, and those slim, no-name sunglasses you’d expect to see in a Backstreet Boys
video. Her pants? Made by a friend from the skate park. The shoes — Last Resort AB — anchor the outfit in something grittier, more street-level. Jennifer doesn’t chase eras; she bends them. There’s a sense of rebellion in the details, but also polish — a studied cool that feels earned, not borrowed. Against East Van’s grit and grey light, she looks like she belongs there, equal parts edge and ease.
threads GLASSES
“Not sure, a friend gave them to me”
BAG
Thrifted
SHOES
Last Resort AB
SWEATER
Sci-Fi Fantasy
PANTS
“My friend Matt from the skate park made them for me”
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28 AWSM Winter 2025/26
jonathan
commercial drive
ANDY WHITE PHOTOS
J
onathan carries East Van with him — not in logos or labels, but in the way he puts things together. Carhartt overalls meet a floral MEC shirt, the soft pattern peeking out from beneath workwear lines.
small history. The Doc Martens — finally broken in — show the kind of patience only comfort earns. A Danier bag and Kinto tumbler round it out, the details of someone who moves through the day with purpose and ease.
Over it all, a thrifted scarf steals the scene: oversized, checkered in primary colours, a flash of boldness against a backdrop of calm.
Jonathan’s style is equal parts builder and dreamer, brunch regular and maker. The scarf might catch your eye first, but it’s his easy smile — all warmth and quiet confidence — that holds your attention.
His sweater has seen repairs and loaned-out adventures, each stitch a
threads SCARF
Thrifted
SWEATER
“Thrifted and repaired over the years.”
SHIRT
MEC “It’s actually hard to find a good floral pattern shirt”
OVERALLS
Carhartt
SHOES
Doc Martens
BAG
Danier
TUMBLER
Kinto
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kenny
yaletown
ANDY WHITE PHOTOS
K
enny stops people mid-stride. There’s a charge to the way he dresses — bold confidence, like a frontman stepping off stage and into the street. From Mount Pleasant but caught in Yaletown, he’s a modern-day craftsman with a punk designer’s streak, reworking every piece until it feels like him. His thrifted Ralph Lauren jacket now sports a fur-trimmed collar straight out of the early-2000s — nostalgic, unapologetic,
and perfectly placed. Chunky silver rings glint against delicate chains, a tension he clearly enjoys. Then come the boots — custom-built, heavy at the buckle, finished with a Converse logo that shouldn’t belong but somehow does. Fear of God pants and a Moncler x Fragment toque round it out with a precision that feels effortless but far from accidental. Kenny dresses like he’s headlining life — bold, inventive, and completely in control of the chaos.
threads JACKET
Thrifted Ralph Lauren with custom fur addition to collar
TOQUE
Moncler X Fragment
SHIRT
“No idea”
PANTS
Fear of God
SHOES
“I custom made these into boots and added a converse logo”
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olga
gastown
ANDY WHITE PHOTOS
O
lga stands in the low sun, her white cashmere scarf catching the light before anything else does. It’s oversized and soft, wrapped high and framing her face — a quiet spotlight that draws you in. Beneath it, a distressed denim jacket adds texture, layered over a brown waffle-knit sweater that looks as comfortable as it does considered. Her black pants and black Converse fade into the shadows, grounding the look and
sharpening the focus upward — toward her gaze, steady and bright against the fading afternoon. It’s a palette of balance and restraint, of soft warmth over dark structure. There’s stillness in the way she holds herself — present, composed, almost cinematic. The light does most of the work, but Olga carries the rest, turning a simple street corner into something quietly unforgettable.
threads JACKET
“From a marketplace in Seoul, Korea”
SCARF
Thrifted from Value Village
SWEATER
Thrifted from Value Village
PANTS
Uniqlo
SHOES
Converse
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river, cassia, kianna
gallery
ANDY WHITE PHOTOS
I
n front of the Vancouver Art Gallery, River, Cassia, and Kianna look perfectly in sync — three friends whose styles orbit the same palette of browns, blacks, greys, and tans. It’s the kind of harmony that doesn’t come from matching, but from sharing an instinct. Each outfit feels like a variation on a theme: plaid skirts, argyle knits, and houndstooth coats arranged in soft rhythm, subtle differences revealing their individual taste.
River wears her structure lightly — a turtle neck tucked just so, a structured jacket with a hemline that moves when she laughs. Cassia leans into texture, layering thrifted finds with the confidence of someone who trusts her eye. Kianna brings edge to the mix, a New York Company jacket sharp against the warmth of her Zara turtleneck and “just an old freakin’ hat” tilted like punctuation.
trying to recreate anything. Crosses glint at their necks, and leather purses and shoes punctuate each look in something timeless. Standing side by side in the cool autumn light, they look like a portrait of friendship and fashion done right — thoughtful, coordinated, and entirely their own.
Together they channel modern prep — the sort of style that feels nostalgic without
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uncledropsi
downtown
ANDY WHITE PHOTOS
H
e goes by Uncledropsi — one word. Originally from Toronto, now pedaling Vancouver’s streets, he’s part messenger, part musician, all movement. There’s a rhythm to the way he carries himself, a mix of bike culture and bassline swagger that all his own. A Blue Jays cap nods to his roots, while a Louis Garneau jersey from the Cycle Messenger World Championships 2008 keeps the story rolling. His jeans — “just
jeans, button flies” — fall casual over Clipless Pearl Izumi shoes, proof that practicality can still look good at speed. Across his chest, a worn Winners bag cuts diagonally, more tool than accessory, but still part of the look. His wardrobe screams fast, loud, and lived-in. Every piece feels meticulously chosen, each one earning its place — the kind of style that tells you who he is before he says a word.
threads HAT
Blue Jays
SHIRT
Louis Garneau - Cycle Messenger World Championships 2008
JEANS
“Just Jeans, I don’t know… They’re Button Flies”
SHOES
Clipless Pearl Izumi
BAG
Winners
Winter 2025/26 AWSM 37
FOO HUNG CURIOS CHINATOWN
W LOCALS ONLY:
WHERE VANCOUVER SHOPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS WORDS: BRENDAN KERGIN & LINDSAY WILLIAM-ROSS IMAGES: KYLE BLAZER & CONTRIBUTED
hat wine goes with an all-vegan Christmas dinner? How many latkes can one acceptably eat at the family Hanukkah party? What’s this year’s budget for ugly Christmas sweaters? There are already too many decisions to make around the holidays, and since we have to assume you are or are shopping for someone who loves Vancouver, this is our way of making giftgiving a more local and less loco. No big box bah humbug included: Consider this your cheat sheet to our favourite very Vancouver shops which support local producers or capture the city’s vibe with their inventory. MAKERS
Various locations
Even though there are nine locations across Metro Vancouver, each Makers store is unique. The shops only stock goods from a mix of local makers (hence the name) with everything from little snacks to jewellery to candles. shopmakers.ca
VANCOUVER ARCHIVES
1150 Chestnut St
Each item has a photo or document from Vancouver’s archives printed on it, including T-shirts with zoning maps or phone cases with old architectural drawings, which looks better than it sounds. fovca.com/shop COASTAL GOODS
1302 Victoria Dr
Tucked away off Commercial Drive, this shop focuses on interior design and homewares, but also has everything from artisan chocolate to local art to weaving. Items are made by a mix of local and international makers. thecoastgoods.ca GIVING GIFTS
4570 Main St & 1988 W 4th Ave
Two stores filled with gifts for adults and children with a focus on local artisans and co-friendly brands. They carry a wide variety of wellness products, along with scarves, cards, jewelry and more. givinggifts.ca
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MAKERS GASTOWN
1889 TRADING CO. AND FOO HUNG CURIOS
51 E Pender St & 168 E Pender St
GALLERY STORE
These two Chinatown-based gift stores connected to museums near each other both offer local gifts with a Chinese influence. Along with the gifts there are local history books and items that support the museums. 1889tradingco.ca | foohungcurios.com REGIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TEXT
3934 Main St
A highly curated stationary store with hand printed items, fancy notebooks, and fun notepads. There’s also a collection of tiny books made by locals to add to any gift, and old school stationary supplies. assemblyoftext.com THE PAPER HOUND
344 West Pender St
A small store with a big collection of new and used books with an eye for unusual older books and uncommon titles. They also have a little poetry dispenser for a fun extra. paperhound.ca
GALLERY STORE AT VANCOUVER ART GALLERY
750 Hornby St
The art gallery’s shop is separate from the gallery and can be visited by anyone looking for an artsy gift. But it has more than that, with items focusing on design and colour. shop.vanartgallery.bc.ca ❚
Winter 2025/26 AWSM 39
magical winter wonderland
S
tep into a magical winter wonderland at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park with the return of Canyon Lights, running November 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026! The Park sparkles with millions of holiday lights, filling the air with festive cheer, seasonal treats, and fun for all ages. Stroll across the world-famous Suspension Bridge glowing with a mesmerizing lights display that span the canyon. Wander Cliffwalk’s twinkling
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pathway along the granite cliff face. At Treetops Adventure, towering Douglas-firs shimmer from tree top to bottom, creating a fairytale journey 110 feet above the forest floor. Beloved fan-favourite displays return alongside exciting new features. Capture dazzling photos, sip decadent hot chocolate to live festive tunes, and enjoy family fun throughout the Park. BC residents get a free Annual Pass with paid admission. ❚
Address: 3735 Capilano Rd. North Vancouver Phone: 604 985 7474 Website: capbridge.com
THE URBAN EXPLORER’S
GUIDE TO WINTER WILDERNESS I
f you’re looking to explore nature in Vancouver in the winter, we’ve got these great things called mountains. While numerous fun n’ frosty activities take place at sea level, there’s nothing like B.C.’s magical mountaintops to adventure in the outdoors. Don’t get down with downhill skiing and snowboarding? No problem. Here are some other awesome activities to try in the Lower Mainland this winter on local slopes (and a few in the city, too). ❱❱ WORDS: ELANA SHEPERT // IMAGES: CONTRIBUTED
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THE URBAN EXPLORER CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
ICE SKATING
Alpine enthusiasts who love crosscountry skiing will find the closest option a half-hour from Downtown Vancouver on Cypress Mountain Resort.
Don’t want to leave the city, but want an outdoorsy experience? You can go ice skating in the heart of Downtown Vancouver at the Robson Square Ice Rink.
Nineteen kilometres of the resort area are groomed for sliding, and 7.5 of them are lit up at night to allow for skiing after dark.
The activity is free if you bring your own skates, or it’s $5 to rent a pair.
Whistler actually has a larger offering of cross-country skiing, but it takes a couple of hours to drive there from the city. Over 55 kilometres are groomed for people looking to ski on flat surfaces.
SNOWSHOE GRIND If you love the Grouse Grind during the summer, the Snowshoe Grind on Grouse Mountain should be on your frosty to-do list.
Both mountains offer lessons for people of all abilities and rentals, but you may also opt for self-guided experiences. SELF-GUIDED SNOWSHOE EXPERIENCE Cypress Mountain is ideal for anyone looking to have a self-guided snowshoe experience. The mountain has 11 km of inbound snowshoe trails to discover, with many featuring flat terrain that is suitable for all fitness levels and ages. You can rent snowshoes on site or bring your own gear. The Lights to the Lodge experience is a one-kilometre trek to the Hollyburn Lodge. The walk is illuminated by LED lights placed throughout the forest.
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Not only is the scenery beautiful, but it’s also a pretty intense workout — think deep snow, crisp air, and a steady burn in your legs that’ll keep you honest. SNOW SLOPE ADVENTURES Kids and the young at heart can check out Snow Slope Adventures at Cypress Mountain. It has six chutes that are about 100 metres long, and even a tube tug that brings you back to the top.
It takes about an hour to complete the 4.3-km trail, depending on your fitness level and snowshoe experience.
Families with children under six can enjoy the sliding area with a more gentle terrain. However, you need to bring your own non-inflatable sled for this portion.
Grouse Mountain offers the activity as an alternative to the popular summer experience, although they are notably different… and not just because one is by snowshoe. The snowshoe version uses a shorter, less elevated route, but still rewards you with killer views and that post-hike adrenaline rush.
Purchase a ticket online before heading to the park, as space is limited during the busy winter season.
A Ski & Snowboard Pass, Mountain Admission Ticket, or Annual Pass is required for admission. ❱❱
HIKES AND STROLLS Many local hikes can be enjoyed year-round, if you wear the proper gear. Quarry Rock in Deep Cove is an easy hike suitable for people of all ages and is generally open all year, unless the trail is damaged by a storm. This trek offers a sweeping view of the Indian Arm that is hard to beat. Alternatively, Stanley Park offers several enjoyable strolls in the winter that don’t have elevation. You can enjoy wildlife in the lakes and by the ocean, without worrying about climbing to a lookout. Burnaby Mountain also has an impressive network of trails through the forested mountain area including a lookout with impressive views. ❚
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