CHIC: The Hub of Vancouver’s High Fashion

By: Karen Birak

Your longing to shop the big names in LA and New York stops at the hub of Vancouver’s high fashion quarters. With Chic Apparel on the rise, the latest in designer wear comes to you. Among posh boutiques, cafes and décor shops along Granville Street, Chic is setting trends in the way women shop for what’s hot - and learn what’s not. Fashion expert, Nita Sharma, lets INDI Magazine in on what unleashes the inner diva.

The In Thing

“Bubble skirts and dresses are very hot right now,” but you have to “watch what flatters your body,” Nita emphasizes. Anything with lace or fabric combinations are a sure hit, accenting a feminine appeal. Modern tunics, again in bubble, fit loose around the body with a tight waist band. Long shirts and layering continue to be a safe bet, always a trick to hiding those unwanted rolls! And on the feet, sleek wedge boots are making a comeback, perfect for tucked-in leg wear.

Hottest Brands

One of Nita’s personal favorites, “look for Colcci, a great brand out of Brazil. Beautiful fabrics and designs, made to fit women perfectly.” Supermodel, Gisele Bundchen has made their dresses and skirts most famous. “Juicy has done great, from detailed jewelry and bags to a standard velour track suit. It’s been around for a while, but it is still one of our best sellers.” Industry, a Canadian company, “produces very clean and contemporary articles with a fabulous price point and quality.” Ever so popular, KenzieGirl, is surprisingly affordable, considering “a beautiful silk dress sells for only $100. People don’t mind spending on items of this quality and design.” Locally based, Dream puts out beautiful t-shirts with signature angel wings, embedded with Swarovski crystals and pashminas that are bordered with rabbit fur. Items have been worn by Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, and Sharon Stone. Nita does admit, however, “Dream is not cheap, but sells high considering the product is entirely one of a kind, normally selling out of Kitson in LA.” Other labels found at Chic include Blendshe, Chip & Pepper, Hooch, JLo, Dex and Miss Sixty. Take your pick!

The Final Touch

Accessories are a girl’s best friend. At one point, women followed a code that ensured your purse had to match your shoes. Contemporary style begs to differ, as Nita brings out Juicy handbags that are seemingly a statement of their own! Exquisite leopard print or leather plush bags are perfect for today’s modern woman.

Although the footwear at Chic is limited, you will find the cream of the crop with Bendshe, Colcci and Juicy lining the shelves - while they last, that is. “Beautiful black or cream boots, we were sold out in 10 days. Whoever tried them, walked out with them!” And even though Juicy shoes are very expensive, “they are definitely one of a kind,” which proves any good shoe is always worth the investment.

The Perfect Jean?

Too loose, too tight, too high, or too low. The perfect jean seizes to exist! Nita agrees, jeans are tough, “they never fit you perfectly… But once they do, close your eyes and buy them!” Chic carries Miss Sixty, Chip & Pepper, Paper Denim, and 575 although “Seven by Mankind is the number one. It sells without a blink, ranging from $200-299.”

An absolute must-have is the skinny jean, “and if you don’t feel comfortable in a pair, get a straight leg.” This look is most flattering when tucked into your boots, as “it’s the statement right now.”

Who Shops at Chic?

With that old fashion feel, boutique hopping is far more luxurious than the average shopping center; “the malls have always been there. But [the Granville] area is booming, next to Robson. It’s the place to establish your sense of style.” With two stores (the other being home fashion/children’s fashion) on the block, Chic definitely has a presence. Aside from local celebriti6s, hockey player wives, and Hollywood by-passers, any fashion-forward woman “who’s updated and wants to look good” is Nita’s prized customer. And with the younger generation taking fashion so seriously these days, “60% of [her] customer base are university or college students in their mid-20’s.” Ideal for the individuality of this crowd, Chic has pieces that cannot be found elsewhere.

The Fairest of Them All…

So what’s Nita’s biggest seller? Her price point. Very careful to set forth realistic shopping expectations while maintaining high standards, “you’ll find [an item] anywhere form $30 to $300 – there is something for everyone.” Prices are relatively reasonable even though items are imported form Europe, Montreal, and all over the US.

Raising the bar, Chic carries exclusive lines such as Dinh Ba, a designer from Montreal. In the lower mainland, “Chic is one of two stores to carry a full range of Bailey 44 and Ruth by Shelly Seagull, who left Laundry to start her own line.”

In addition to carrying the biggest brands and latest trends in authentic fashion, Chic has an ambiance unlike any other. From friendly, outgoing staff to hand-painted walls, everything comes together to ensure your experience is genuine. Nita gives personal attention to her customers, with an honest eye and a flare for mainstream fashion. She defies the preconception that Indian women don’t know past their suits and sarees, and on the contrary, proves that the North American South Asian woman knows how to shop - and where to shop. Introduce your wardrobe to Chic, and there’s no turning back.