Fashion is being redefined through culture , community and storytelling —on the runway and beyond
HIGHLIGHTS
BINARY BEAUTY The evolution of makeup beyond gender is freeing, fun and fabulous
KAPWA IN ACTION Filipino brands respond to tragedy with compassion, strength and solidarity
BBQ BOTTLES Every great grilled feast deserves an equally stellar beverage lineup
1. GEORGE WOMEN’S STRAPPY DRESS, $24 Made from crinkled fabric, this dress has a unique texture that adds interest to your outfit. It features a scoop neckline, spaghetti straps and a strappy design.
2. NO BOUNDARIES WOMEN’S CUT OUT BIKINI TOP, $16 Get ready to turn heads at the beach. Made from tricot knit and pique jersey lining, this bikini top is the perfect blend of comfort and style. It features a plunge neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps and a cut-out detail for a trendy touch.
The sun’s out and your out-of-office is (almost) on—you’re officially in summer mode! Whether your plans include chasing sunsets by the ocean, hopping on a plane for that beachside getaway or living your best backyard pool life, one thing’s for sure: you’ll need the right swimsuit to match the fun summer vibes. Walmart Canada has you covered with affordable pieces that don’t skip out on style and function! Think crochet bikinis, checkered two pieces and airy cover-ups to slip on when you’re ready to cool off. Check out our favourite staples below. Walmart.ca
3. NO BOUNDARIES WOMEN’S V-WAISTBAND BIKINI BOTTOM, $16 Beach days or pool parties call for the trendy styling of a v-waistband bikini bottom. Made from soft tricot knit and pique jersey lining, these bottoms are comfy for lounging in the sun or swimming in the water. Designed with an elasticized V-waistband and leg holes for a perfect fit.
4. GEORGE WOMEN’S TRIANGLE SWIM TOP, $16 Don’t forget to pack this triangle swim top for your next vacation. Made with rib jacquard knit, it features a plunge neckline and thick straps for added support.
5. GEORGE WOMEN’S HIGH WAIST SWIM BOTTOM, $16 Look and feel your best at the beach with George women’s high waist swim bottom. Made of a rib jacquard knit, these bottoms are designed to be comfy and stylish. They feature a high waist for a flattering silhouette. The elasticized waistband and leg holes ensure a snug fit.
1
2
3 4
Filipino businesses across Canada respond to tragedy with compassion, strength—and solidarity
Words by Catherine Dunwoody
IN TAGALOG, kapwa describes interconnectedness and shared humanity. After an unthinkable attack took place at a Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver on April 26— killing 11 and injuring 32 more—Filipino brand and business owners across Canada banded together in grief and support.
“In the days following the tragedy, many words were shared that describe Filipinos: caregiving, selfless, nurturing and resilient,” says Celine Bacani of Vancouver’s Lee’s Donuts. “What we saw soon after was a reciprocation of all of these things in the most loving way, from the community at large. This was easily one of the most beautiful acts I’ve witnessed in our city, in our most trying times.” Lee’s is now co-ordinating with Canadian Blood Services to encourage donations—with the incentive of a sweet treat. “The road to healing will be a long one,” she says, “but our community’s compassion and shared faith will light the way forward.”
Vancouver’s Revival is also helping to raise awareness and support. “Some of the Filipino brands we carry were deeply impacted, as they were at the Lapu Lapu Festival,” explains Christina Florencio, who owns the vintage store. “We’re … encouraging donations to United Way BC’s Filipino community fund.”
In Toronto, Matte Equation founder Matthew Celestial took action with a heartfelt sales initiative: “To honour the lives lost and support those recovering, we donated 50 per cent of all sales in May to United Way BC. It’s our commitment to care—for each other, for our community, and for healing together.”
Food and hospitality businesses across the country, too, are stepping up. Kasama Chocolate, a Vancouver bean-to-bar brand that works directly with cacao farmers in the Philippines, will host a Chocolate & Tea tasting this June, with proceeds going to the Kapwa Fund, while Filipino-born,
DESK
This month, it’s all about culture, community and connection. Read about the Filipino brands and businesses across Canada who are banding together to help victims of the Lapu Lapu
tragedy, Indigenous fashion designers who are taking centre stage and the fearless folks working to break gender barriers in beauty, all in this issue of VITA
Vancouver-raised chef Mark Singson led a fundraising initiative in May, hosting popups and community dinners in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver in support of the victims and families.
“The Filipino community isn’t limited to one city—we’re everywhere. After the tragedy I heard from people across the country asking how they could help. That energy became a call to bring this beyond Vancouver.
Food always has a way to bring people together, and it’s a huge part of the Filipino community and culture,” Singson explains.
comes with joy, generosity and gratitude.”
Some, like Luho Candle Co.’s Jaylyn Prasad, believe that supporting Filipino creatives is one way to honour heritage and stand in solidarity. But others are calling for deeper change. “Filipinos are one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada, yet we remain underrepresented and underfunded,” says Gelaine Santiago, co-founder of Toronto jewelry brand Cambio & Co.
At Yelo’d Ice Cream in Edmonton, daily conversations with customers reflect a shared desire to process grief and show care. “The Filipino community is all about love and supporting one another during this time,” say owners Jason and Ailynn Wong. “It’s a reminder to be kind—we’re not alone.” Also in Alberta, PR founder Jessie Cayabo of Calgary’s Bonafide Media reminds us that Filipino caregivers are often by our side at life’s beginning and end. “As a second-generation Filipino Canadian in PR, I’m always excited to connect fellow Filipino entrepreneurs. That’s the mabuhay spirit—it means ‘to live’—and it
WITH NATIONAL HEALTH & FITNESS DAY HAPPENING ON JUNE 7, there’s no better time to hit reset on your wellness routine. If you’re looking for a fun, effective and science-backed way to get moving, Orangetheory Fitness Canada might just be your perfect gym buddy. Think of Orangetheory as group fitness with serious brains behind the brawn. Each 60-minute session is led by certified coaches who guide you through a perfectly balanced mix of cardio and strength training—half the class on the treadmill, bike, strider or rowing machine, and the other half on the floor with resistance bands, dumbbells, and suspension-training tools.
What makes Orangetheory different from your average HIIT class? The secret sauce is in the science. Using OTbeat heart-rate tech, every workout delivers real-time personalized feedback so you can train smarter, not harder— and know exactly when you’ve hit your target zone.
No more guessing if your workout is “working.” Orangetheory is prescribed fitness: results you can feel and measure. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned athlete, the workouts are scalable to meet you where you’re at. That’s why so many people—of all ages, body types and fitness levels—feel successful after their very first class.
But let’s talk about the real magic: community. Orangetheory studios are full of friendly faces, high-fives and a sense of togetherness that makes it so much more than just a gym. You’re not just burning calories—you’re building confidence, making friends and boosting your mood. Research shows that working out with others doesn’t just hold you accountable—it actually makes exercise more enjoyable and sustainable. Whether you’re motivated by a little healthy competition or simply love the support of a good sweat sesh with new pals, the group energy at Orangetheory is unmatched.
“The Lapu Lapu tragedy wasn’t isolated—it’s the result of long-standing neglect. If you want to support us, advocate for culturally relevant mental health services and funding for grassroots Filipino-led initiatives.”
In Montreal, Babble Cards founder Jessica Navar reflects on the ripple effect of the tragedy, which led to the postponement of what was to be the first Filipino street festival in front of Parliament in Ottawa. “We hope this dark chapter becomes a turning point for improving public safety at community celebrations,” she says. And, as the Filipino community continues to heal, kapwa —the spirit of shared humanity—remains ever-present, offering a path forward grounded in empathy, action and care. V
109
The Making of the British Columbia June 2025 Issue
Why group fitness—like Orangetheory—might be exactly what you need right now
And the benefits aren’t just physical. According to a recent University of Montana study, hitting an Orangetheory class just twice a week can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, improve your body composition and energy and even enhance your brain health and sleep. It’s a whole-body, whole-mind win.
To celebrate National Health & Fitness Day, Orangetheory is offering a
free week of classes from June 7 to 14 at all 100-plus studios across Canada. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something new, meet great people and start a wellness habit that sticks.
So grab a buddy, lace up those runners and get ready to discover your new fave kind of “group therapy.” Your future self will definitely thank you. Orangetheory.com/en-ca
Fashion is being redefined through culture, community and storytelling—on the runway and beyond
IN HIS RECENTLY RELEASED BIOGRAPHY From the Rez to the Runway: Forging My Path in Fashion , Ojibwe fashion journalist Christian Allaire chronicles his journey from growing up on the Nipissing First Nation Ontario reserve to moving to Toronto for schooling and his first media gigs, and finally to New York where he landed his dream job as a Vogue fashion and style writer. He shares that, as he was building his portfolio, he never considered writing about Indigenous fashion because it was a subject he didn’t think anyone cared about. But as he thought about it, an idea began to percolate: how he could create change and support his community with a Vogue feature shining the spotlight on Native designers?
During a one-month contract working as a digital producer with the magazine, Allaire pitched this feature concept to Vogue ’s digital and fashion editor, who was intrigued; the style authority had never covered Indigenous fashion in a significant way. Allaire’s story—focused on six Indigenous designers using fashion to reclaim their culture—was published online in May 2018. As Allaire remembers it, the story was not just a defining career moment for him, but a groundbreaking one for those in the Indigenous fashion community, who finally saw themselves represented.
Stories like this, of cultural awareness and reclamation, are what lie at the heart of a now flourishing Indigenous fashion and arts community. As award-winning artist and designer Sage Paul shares, it has only been in the last 10 years that the fashion world has wholly embraced and celebrated Indigenous creators.
“I grew up in Toronto and was always surrounded by so much fashion, but never saw anything that I experienced in my own community—there were very few places I could see myself,” explains Paul, an urban Denesuliné tskwe and a member of English River First Nation.
“As interest in Indigenous fashion began to grow, people quickly became very interested in the work of the community—work we had been creating in our own spaces for generations.”
Paul, a founding collective member, executive and artistic director of the biennial Indigenous Fashion Arts festival, reports that the rise of events like IFA have been breakthrough moments for the Indigenous fashion community, giving artists their place on the international scene. “Indigenous fashion has always been there, but we were never allowed to practice and showcase our culture,” she says. “The world is now understanding our communities. The craftsmanship. The materials. The value of work. A lot of my focus has been on changing the perception and providing education so people can see what we are doing and fully appreciate our perspective.”
With understanding comes growth, and Paul says she’s inspired daily by how the Indigenous fashion community is evolving. She points to recently introduced courses at the Banff Centre’s Indigenous Arts program—like Indigenous Haute Couture – Creations & Embellishments, led by acclaimed First Nation designer D’Arcy Moses, and an Indigenous Fashion Runway Residency—as incredible opportunities for a rising generation of style stars.
For Gitxsan Nation designer and
Words by Alison McGill
textile artist Yolonda Skelton, nurturing newcomers to the Indigenous fashion scene is a passion. Vancouver-based Skelton, renowned for her North Coast style, began her fashion career in 2001 designing traditional regalia, before moving into creating wearable, traditional art with a modern flair. The first time she showed her creations on a runway was in 2017 at Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week (VIFW) an event she is now deeply invested in not just as a participating designer but as a mentor and Wisdom Circle member. She’s proud of how the fashion community has evolved from just a handful of iconic Indigenous designers like Himikalas Pam Baker, Debra Sparrow, Dorothy Grant and Lloyd Henri Kiva New, who paved the way for future generations.
“These people inspired me and many others with their elegant style, creativity and grit in a world that was fairly closed to Indigenous designers,” she says. “I now find myself in the role of mentoring and being a wisdom keeper for youth. To move forward in fashion, we need to witness that each incredible designer comes with a unique point of view and voice for their people and ancestors. A voice that resonates with our children and youth, bringing pride and hope to their individual nations and those nations and communities around them.
“You can see our fashions are now being seen on numerous red carpets, runways, films and television series like Bones of Crows and North of North, which are being viewed by millions of people worldwide,” she adds. “Due to this shift, people are seeing our unique diversity and are tearing down the constructs of Pan-Indianism.”
According to Toronto-based Warren Steven Scott, it’s events like VIFW and IFA that have enabled many Indigenous artists like himself to have a creative platform and a voice, and to successfully launch a fashion career. When the Nlaka’pamux Nation designer graduated from university more than a decade ago he, like most students, found himself unsure of what his next move would be.
“At that time in Toronto there were many different fashion weeks, which I
had slightly thought of being a part of, but I didn’t feel drawn to any of them,” Scott reflects. “Nothing felt like the right fit, or a place I could put in effort and have space to explore and present my first collection. This was in 2017 and also around the time the city’s first IFA festival was announced, to which I immediately applied. I was one of 21 designers selected for the inaugural event and created my first independent fashion collection. This was the first time I was able to present my own ideas, which included my acrylic earrings.”
It was, in fact, Scott’s earrings—a beautiful fusion of contemporary design and traditional Coast Salish shapes, like his signature oviods—that became the breakout star of his show and the foundation of his now-buzzy fashion brand. These coveted statement accessories have allowed him to share the story of his culture with a global audience of superfans.
Red River Métis and Métis Nation of Ontario artist and designer Jason Baerg is the founder of fashion label Ayimach Horizons, which recently debuted its “amachiwayhk Collection” at Native Fashion Week (NFW) in Santa Fe. Baerg describes the collection as drawing inspiration from the element of air, the colour white and the power of the North. “Fabrics like silk, cotton, leather and horsehair support the intention of naturally elevating our people through fashion,” they explain.
“The word ‘amachiwayhk’ is the Michif word for ascend.”
Speaking to Baerg —who is also an associate profession in Indigenous practices, contemporary painting and media art at Toronto’s OCAD University—the day after presenting at NFW, their energy is electric. They see acceptance and excitement in the fashion industry around the work of Indigenous designers—after so many years of inertia.
“It is such a privilege to be a part of the talent, performance and visions in the Indigenous fashion community, and seeing the acceleration of new beauty on the runways,” Baerg says. “We are telling stories of our cultures that echo from the land. People are hearing them and feeling them.” V
Words by Vicki Duong
“When I put that mascara on for the first time, I felt empowered I felt beautiful ”
FOR CENTURIES, MAKEUP HAS BEEN WIELDED AS A SYMBOL OF power, status, and self-expression—far beyond the rigid gender roles we’ve come to associate it with more recently. While today’s beauty industry is moving toward inclusivity, the truth is that cosmetics have always been genderless, spanning across cultures, time periods and identities. Now, a new generation of beauty creators and professionals is reclaiming that history while pushing for an even more expansive and authentic future.
Makeup artist and beauty content creator Robby De Mesa has witnessed this shift firsthand. “What was once considered a gendered product, primarily associated with femininity, has transformed into something much more inclusive and diverse,” he explains.
“Makeup is a tool for self-expression and creativity that anyone, regardless of gender, can embrace.”
For De Mesa, makeup has always been about personal empowerment. His mother instilled in him the value that how you present yourself to the world can deeply influence how you feel inside. That perspective shaped his relationship with beauty. “As I explored my own identity, I discovered that makeup became an essential part of that journey. It allowed me to express different sides of myself and portray who I truly was, beyond what others expected me to be.”
This sentiment resonates with many in the beauty industry who see makeup as more than just a way to enhance features—it’s a medium for artistic and personal exploration. The growing representation of non-binary and male-identifying individuals in beauty campaigns is proof of this evolution.
“It’s inspiring to see others confidently experiment with styles and looks that feel true to them, free from societal constraints,” says De Mesa.
This visibility is especially crucial for Black and queer creators, who have historically been excluded from beauty conversations. Content creator Tyron Harkiss-Foster has made it his mission to change that narrative. “Black men, especially, have been the most underrepresented in these conversations. I never saw many people who looked like me openly talking about curls, skincare or makeup,” he says. By openly sharing his beauty journey, he’s creating a space where others can feel seen. “In a way, my presence is both personal and intentional—I’m showing up not just for myself, but for those who need to see that they belong here, too.”
ourselves reflected in beauty campaigns, despite being huge consumers of cosmetics,” Sexton shares. “I just hope there are so many baby Myles out there that will see this ad in small-town Canada and feel seen.”
Sexton acknowledges that, while visibility is increasing, there’s still work to be done. “Many 2SLGBTQIA+ people break societal confines and refuse to subject themselves to outdated rules about gender expression. That’s why we’re often met with resistance—it’s easier to hate someone than to look within and heal.” They emphasize the importance of true allyship from brands, noting that Shoppers Drug Mart reached out to offer support when the campaign faced backlash. “They really set the bar when it comes to true allyship.”
Indeed, inclusivity isn’t just about representation—it’s about access. Candin Butler, a beauty professional at Shoppers Drug Mart, has noticed a shift in who shops for makeup. “Attitudes are shifting, and cosmetics are being used as a form of self-expression rather than being dictated by traditional norms.” Butler encourages those hesitant to explore makeup due to gendered expectations to take the leap. “I remember being 14 years old, shopping for my first piece of makeup. When I put that mascara on for the first time, I felt empowered. I felt beautiful.”
The changing landscape of beauty is also reflected in education. Heidi Cheung, head of makeup artistry at The Cut Fashion Academy, sees firsthand how gender inclusivity is woven into beauty training. “Makeup has always been quite genderless across different civilizations and cultures throughout history,” she says. “The consumer world took a bit of time to catch up, but DEI conversations and education have made a huge impact.”
As the industry continues to evolve, the message from these beauty professionals is clear: makeup is for everyone. Whether for everyday confidence, for bold self-expression or as a tool of resistance, cosmetics hold the power to transform—not just faces, but cultural narratives as well. And while there’s still work to be done, the future of beauty looks more inclusive, representative and free than ever before. V
Social media has played a massive role in reshaping beauty norms, allowing marginalized voices to be heard. “It has amplified our voices, our presence and our power to hold brands accountable for their lack of inclusion and authenticity,” Harkiss-Foster explains. “Brands either evolve … or get left behind.”
This industry-wide push for authenticity is something Myles Sexton, a non-binary model and beauty advocate, is passionate about. Seeing themselves featured in a recent national beauty campaign with Shoppers Drug Mart was a full-circle moment. “It really meant the world to me and my community because we often don’t get to see
Three Japan hotels, three very different experiences
Words by Sara Harowitz
ASK JUST ABOUT ANYONE WHAT’S ON THEIR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST, and Japan will almost always factor in right at the
top. And for good reason: this island country is famous for its incredible food, its polite and structured society and, of course, its top-level design. In Japan, everything has a place and a purpose, and it makes everything feel soothingly organized. When it comes to hotels, the country has no shortage of amazing places to stay. Here are three to consider, in three different cities, boasting three charmingly different experiences.
FUFU HAKONE Tucked up and away in the mountains about an hour outside of Tokyo, Fufu Hakone is a contemporary luxury hotel created in the style of a traditional Japanese inn, called a ryokan. Getting here is half the fun and includes a train ride that slowly creeps up the mountain via a series of careful switchbacks. The hotel itself oozes calm right from the check-in experience, which is conducted in the lounge, with large windows overlooking the towering mountain peaks and whispering trees.
In the room, traditional Japanese sandals are waiting by the door for guests
SOKI KANAZAWA For a more modest luxury experience, Soki Kanazawa is a contemporary boutique hotel located in the heart of Kanazawa. This city might not be as well-known as Tokyo or Osaka, but it deserves a place on every visitor’s list. Known as Little Kyoto thanks to its historic geisha district and famous for its gold leaf (it produces approximately 99 per cent of the gold leaf for all of Japan), Kanazawa is a smaller city that’s
TONES OSAKA Opened in February, Tones Osaka is a perfect amalgamation of Japanese hospitality and design. Staff are some of the friendliest (one of the bartenders gave this author a restaurant suggestion for tonkatsu that became a trip highlight), and the design is a mix of moody dark greys, subtle backlit corners
to slip into. Each suite comes with its own private onsen, which is a bath filled with natural hot spring water from the area; it’s easy to spend an afternoon here, rotating between the moisturizing onsen and the private balcony equipped with lounge chairs and a hammock. The hotel also has a public onsen, which is filled with water from a different hot spring known for its exfoliating properties. (It should be noted that onsens are separated by gender and are meant to be enjoyed in the nude; tattoos are not permitted, so guests should cover them up with stickers before entering.)
easy to navigate—and Soki Kanazawa acts as a great home base. Found across the street from Omicho Market (one of the best places in the city to find fresh seafood, be it grilled octopus or salmon sushi), Soki Kanazawa is minimalist Japanese design at its best. Soft grey tones give the lobby a modern feel, with artful objects placed just so in the hallways and a station for making take-home satchels of aromatic wood shavings.
and refined modern touches.
In-room amenities are aplenty, and they are all made in Japan, making them lovely souvenirs (particularly the hairbrushes). The hotel’s location near Osaka Station makes it a great jumping-off point for getting around the city, as well as considering day trips to nearby places
GRILL’S ON, SUN’S OUT AND GOOD VIBES are in the air—barbecue season has officially arrived. Whether you’re flipping burgers, skewering veggies or going all-in on a slow-cooked brisket, every great backyard feast deserves an equally great beverage lineup. From bold reds that pair perfectly with smoky meats to crisp whites that cool things down, here are five top-tier bottles to stock up on for your summer cookout circuit—find them all at BC Liquor Stores. Bcliquorstores.com
And then there is the onsite restaurant, which serves traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner in a gorgeous setting with views of the surrounding nature. Dinner might include such delights as homemade buckwheat soba noodles, grilled golden sea bream and new-season bonito with sesame and vinegar sauce, all presented artfully—almost too beautiful to eat, but of course, not quite. The hotel also provides traditional linen outfits, which can be worn around the property: to the onsen, to dinner, to grab a drink in the bar. Fufu Hakone is a true escape, in every sense. Fufuhakone.jp
The hotel has an onsite onsen that’s only open to guests, and it features an array of beautiful-smelling products that can be used before and after the baths. The rooms themselves are tastefully pared-back, with light woods giving way to a raised platform featuring a glorious king bed. Just be sure to check the size of the room before booking, as some of them can be quite small (this is Japan, after all). Uds-hotels.com/en/soki/kanazawa
such as Kyoto or Nara. Tones Osaka is a true oasis, offering moments of calm amidst Japan’s second-largest city. Make sure to grab some of the country’s iconic souffle pancakes at 512 Cafe and a bespoke cocktail at Hollow Bar, and then retreat to Tones Osaka for a deep, wellearned sleep. Tones-hotels.com/osaka
Your ultimate barbecue season bevvies guide
whisky aged in three different barrels for depth and complexity. Smooth with notes of spice, dried fruit and toasted oak, it’s perfect for sipping neat by the firepit or mixing into a smoky old fashioned for a next-level barbecue cocktail moment.
1. ROAD 13 GSM Rich, smooth, and made for the grill—this blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre brings serious barbecue energy. Expect juicy dark berries, warm spice and a velvety finish that plays beautifully with ribs, grilled lamb or portobello mushrooms. It’s bold without being overpowering—aka the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
2. PENFOLDS SHIRAZ CABERNET
Big flavours need a bold red, and this Aussie classic brings the heat. With the juicy depth of Shiraz and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, this bottle offers layers of blackberry, dark cherry and subtle spice. It stands up effortlessly to char-grilled steaks, beef kebabs and even blue cheese-topped burgers. A smoky summer staple in a glass.
3. BEARFACE CANADIAN WHISKY
4. MATUA PINOT GRIGIO When the grill heats up, a crisp white like this New Zealand Pinot Grigio is your go-to for refreshment. Light, citrusy and super sippable, it’s the ideal match for grilled seafood, chicken skewers or summer salads. Serve it extra chilled and let the breezy vibes roll.
5. PASQUA ROMEO & JULIET Rich and aromatic, this red wine boasts intense notes of cherry, prune, cedar and a hint of sweet tobacco. Balanced with velvety tannins and a smooth finish, it pairs beautifully with grilled steak, lamb shank, roast beef, osso bucco, or sharp cheddar for a truly indulgent barbecue experience. 1 2 3 4 5
Looking to mix things up? Enter Bearface—an award-winning Canadian
REFORMATION West Coast fashionistas
rejoice—L.A.-based Reformation has opened its first Vancouver store in Kits. The 1,300-square-foot boutique marks the brand’s 53rd location worldwide and its third in Canada, solidifying our country as a growing hub for the Ref movement. Known for its effortlessly cool styles, Reformation drops limited-edition collections weekly in-store and twice weekly online. Expect racks filled with the brand’s signature dresses, denim, tops, skirts, shoes, outerwear and more—just in time for a summer wardrobe refresh. As always, sustainability is stitched into every detail. Ref Van runs on 100 per cent renewable electricity and features FSC-certified wood hangers, vintage furnishings and reusable totes made from deadstock fabric. The store also participates in RefRecycling: bring in your pre-loved Ref pieces for credit toward future purchases. Stop by, shop smart, do good—all in one stylish trip. 2262 W 4th Ave., Thereformation.com | @reformation NOA NICHOL
RAINS When Denmark label Rains launched its signature neo-Scandinavian aesthetic in 2012, the first-ever piece was a stylish cape that sold out—fast. These days, the unisex range has expanded to include not only technical jackets, fleeces and puffers, but also waterproof backpacks, rain pants and shirts, travel bags and blankets—plus, that cool cape, now back and better than ever. We’re eyeing the high-fashion-y long jacket from the new spring/summer collection and the bestselling rolltop backpack with a sleek, built-in laptop sleeve that’ll keep our equipment dry on even the dampest of Vancouver days. 2142 W. 4th Ave., Ca.rains.com | @rains KATIE NANTON
PROVISIONS West 4th just got a whole lot tastier with the arrival of Provisions Kitsilano, the newest café concept from the acclaimed Toptable Group. Following the success of its Whistler outpost, this all-day neighbourhood spot blends casual charm with culinary craft—from house-made milk buns and sausage patties to Thierry coffee and a smashburger that’s already building buzz. Open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the counter-service café is designed to suit Kitsilano’s laid-back coastal
ARITZIA Heritage charm meets West Coast cool at Aritzia’s brand-new boutique on Vancouver’s iconic West 4th Avenue. Nestled in the heart of Kitsilano, the just-opened space brings a distinctly local feel to the brand’s globally loved “everyday luxury.” Set inside a restored heritage building that first opened its doors in 1912 as the Canadian Bank of Commerce, the new location pays homage to this history while looking effortlessly modern—think temple-front façade, original stonework and a skylight-lit millwork staircase, all reimagined through Aritzia’s signature
design lens. Custom bronze sculptures and warm natural textures elevate the experience, making it as much a design destination as a fashion one. Inside, find the full Aritzia lineup, from Wilfred’s dreamy silks to Babaton’s structured tailoring and TNA’s sport-meets-street essentials. Complete with personalized styling services, curated playlists and cosy lounge nooks, the boutique offers an immersive shopping escape just blocks from the beach. Consider it your new go-to for fresh fits, weekend strolls and a little local pride. 2199 W. 4th Ave., Aritzia.com | @aritzia NOA NICHOL
West 4th Avenue’s newest retailers are open for summertime beachside business
rhythm. Come for a breakfast sandwich, stay for a sunset beer on the patio. Everything on the menu is made to order and built from scratch, with meats from sister shop Luigi & Sons and a local-first ethos that runs deep. Culinary leadership comes from chef James Walt and chef Alex Hon, with Leama Vallely and her team running the welcoming front-of-house experience. Consider this your new go-to from morning to night. 2296 W. 4th Ave. | @provisionskitsilano NOA NICHOL
COWDOG Beloved for its cult-status matcha drinks and refreshingly transparent business ethos, Cowdog, the indie Vancouver café co-founded by Joe Lee and Ryan Leenstra, has opened its second (and larger) location on West 4th, in the former Freshii space. Impressively, the duo renovated the space themselves in under 30 days, sharing the process on social media, complete with behind-thescenes TikToks and business breakdowns. Cowdog originally launched as a pop-up and quickly grew into a wildly popular Oak Street shop, known for its
LISA GOZLAN When Toronto-born Lisa Gozlan launched her iconic happy face bracelet just after covid hit, it boomed in popularity—everyone needed a serotonin boost during dark times. That collection expanded to necklaces, earrings and rings, which are available in classic or slightly flashier styles like the pavé happy face bracelet, set with cubic zirconia stones and offered in 17 colours. Now, Vancouverites can try before they buy at
KIT + ACE Step into Kit + Ace’s new West 4th store—the technical fashion brand’s most updated flagship, designed by award-winning architectural firm Burdifilek. Located in the heart of Vancouver’s hottest shopping district, the space reflects the essence of Kit + Ace: comfortable, elevated and beautifully simple. And the merch? Equally as comfortable, elevated and beautiful. Think essentials like wide-leg pants, shift dresses and boyfriend shirts that feel as good as they look. From fabric to fit, every detail is considered—for comfort, versatility and longevity. Designed to move effortlessly from work to weekend, Kit + Ace serves up style that works hard, without ever trying too hard—in a setting that’s decidedly Kitsilano cool. 2233 W. 4th Ave., Kitandace.com | @kitandace NOA NICHOL
no-tipping model, non-dairy milk at no extra cost and signature strawberry matcha made with house-roasted strawberry purée and Cowdog’s own Dew matcha powder. The new Kits spot promises the same standout drinks, plus one key upgrade: a customer washroom. Plus, expect a full menu of thoughtfully made matcha and coffee beverages, seasonal specials and that same community focused vibe. Need a morning matcha or brew: go early. Lines are basically guaranteed. 1927 W. 4th Ave., Cowdog.coffee | @cowdog.coffee NOA NICHOL
the brand’s third Canadian store, located in Kits. Gozlan’s other clean-and-classic jewelry capsules are also stocked here, including stacking rings, chains and charms (we love the lucky dice). Don’t leave without slipping into the shop’s cute photo booth, where you can snap a perfectly lit pic with your pals and have it Airdropped to your phone. 2194 W. 4th. Ave., Lisagozlan.com | @lisagozlanjewelry KATIE NANTON
