NICHE Fashion Magazine Vol 02 Issue 04 - Summer 2014 by NICHE magazine

NICHE magazine

FASHION FORWARD

TORY BURCH, DIOR, CHLOE, BCBG

B.C.

edition GLOBAL OUTL LOCAL ED OOK GE

FASHION | BEAUTY | HOME | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE

ICON

SUMMER 2014

High Mighty

CATE BLANCHETT

NOT-SO-TEENIE

BIKINI

your best

BEACH

BODY VOLUME 2 | NUMBER 3

TRAVEL to... BALI, LAOS & TORONTO

DVF

YEARS OF THE WRAP DRESS

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COASTAL CHIC SUMMER ISSUE 2014

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N I C H E inside

summer 2014 FEATURES 16

I C O N | Cate Blanchett One of the most celebrated actors of this generation, Cate Blanchett delivered another award-winning performance in Blue Jasmine. Read what Cate has to say about working with Woody Allen.

F A S H I O N L E G E N D | Diane von Furstenberg Using design intuition and business savvy, DVF has become an icon in the fashion industry, and this year, her iconic wrap dress celebrates its 40th birthday. NICHE takes a look back at four decades of dressing women.

S H O O T ! | Beauty and the Beach On a lovely sunny day, the NICHE fashion team headed down to Gonzales Beach in Victoria for a shoot. Don’t miss this beautiful photo editorial of what you’ll want to wear this summer, and how you’ll want to style it.

D E S I G N P E R S P E C T I V E S | Call of the Wild Once upon a time, not too long ago, designers Colin and Justin purchased a Muskoka log cabin. Over the course of a few months, they turned it into a stunning lakeside paradise – with a few bumps along the way.

T R AV E L W I T H N I C H E T O . . . | Toronto, Canada Toronto is a city brimming with excitement, a capital with so much to offer the urban-loving traveller. Focusing on culture and fashion, come along and discover our favourite spots for art, food and shopping.

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

SUMMER 2014

@NICHEONLINE

exclusive

FA S H I O N L E G E N D

N I C H E inside

summer 2014 NOTEWORTHY 8 12 16 32 96

E D I T O R ’ S M E S S A G E | A Season of Firsts

E D I T O R ’ S P I C K S | Summer Savvy I C O N | Cate Blanchett S H O O T ! | Beauty and the Beach C L O U D N I N E | Sand Castles in the Sky

DEPARTMENTS FASHION & BEAUTY 14 24 38 40 48 50 53 57 64 70 71 84 88

H O M E , T R AV E L & L I F E S T Y L E 10 30 42 60 62 66 72 78 82 86

R E TA I L T H E R A P Y 22 90 91

L O O K B O O K L O C A L | Vintage & Designer Consignment S H O P T H E L O O K S | Buyers Guide S H O P L O C A L | Marketplace

SUMMER 2014

38 16

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PUBLISHER

STEVE DRAKE EDITOR IN CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR

TRACEY DRAKE

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

SR. MAGAZINE DESIGNER

GREG SZABO FASHION EDITOR

SARA ROSE COPY EDITOR

KARI MAGNUSON JR. STYLE EDITOR

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

GRACIE AND O QUE PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

RACHEL MACK CONTRIBUTORS

E DI TOR IA L Gracie Andoque, Stuart Brown, Gabriel Cabrera, Jane Carstens, Tracey Drake, Evelyn Eshun, Chelsea Forman, Imogen Fox, Amy Longsdorf, Kristina Matisic, Colin McAllister, Sara Rose, Justin Ryan, Josie Saldat, Sharrie Williams, Mary Zilba C R E AT I V E Gracie Andoque, Erin Bradley, Sarah Bregoliss, Camilo Camargo, Aisling Goodman, Robin Helenius, Jasmin Howell, Bo Large, Tyler McCulloch, Carly Overman, Sara Rose, Josie Saldat, Virginia Varinelli, Sarah Elizabeth Wenschlag PHOTOGRAPHY Stef Anel, Larry Arnal, Murray Ash, Brandon Barre, S. Bukley, Helga Esteb, Melissa Gidney, Daniela Gomez, Kari Heese, Ovidiu Hrubaru, Victor Kiev, Anton Oparin, Arthur R, Lev Radin, Nata Sha, Sam Stringer, Tony V, Gnera Valor, Debbie Wong ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

N E A L D R A K E , M A R K H AT T O N , A L E X L AV R I N E N K O INTERNS

J E N N E E C O S TA N Z O ( FA S H I O N ) , S A N D E E P G I L L ( D E S I G N )

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A l l r i g ht s re s e r v e d . No p a r t of N IC H E m a g a z i n e m ay b e c opi e d , re pr i nt e d or re pro du c e d i n a ny f or m w it h out pr i or w r it t e n c on s e nt f rom t h e pu b l i s h e r. For p e r m i s s i on re q u e s t s , p l e a s e c a l l N IC H E m a g a z i n e at 1 . 2 5 0 . 5 9 5 . 7 8 7 0 . NICHE magazine is proud to be Canadian – produced and published in Canada. Canada Post Publication Agreement #42520516 C opyright ©NICHE magazine 2012-2014

N I C H E editor’s message

NICHE A few of my favourite firsts in this issue…

a note from the

EDITOR

A season of firsts...

For summer 2014, a big first for NICHE magazine will occur. Our lovely little magazine moves onto newsstands and instantly becomes available to more people, in more places, than ever before. I am so excited for this recent milestone, and so thankful to you, our reader, for helping us get there much sooner than we anticipated!

facebook.com/ nicheonline

@nicheonline

y mother was a publisher with Indian and Northern Affairs, and she had a pretty cool job. She created publications that documented the Canadian treasures found at national archaeological dig and dive sites. Her job afforded her the luxury of having the entire summer off, and as a result, I was blessed to be able to spend each summer of my childhood with my family, away from the city, in charming Québécois cottage country. Those summers at our cottage represent a series of unforgettable firsts for me, especially as a teen — first BFF, first kiss, first heartbreak, first record player, first album (Peter Frampton Comes Alive), first driving experience and first bikini. Today, I still regard summer as a magical season, and wait in anticipation to see what new firsts will touch my life.

online at

@nichemagazine

NICHE exclusive! What happens when you combine amazing fashion from local retailers, a talented crew and the most idyllic location (Gonzales Beach)? A fashion photo editorial that is serenely sublime. [Shoot! — page 32]

NICHE will continue to push the publishing envelope, creating edgy yet relevant fashion and beauty features, and thoughtful editorial that cleverly mixes fresh local content with international appeal. My hope is that, as we take this wonderful journey together, we can help you Discover Yours. Legendary fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg celebrates 40 years of her iconic wrap dress. NICHE has the whole story. [Fashion Legend — page 24]

Tracey Drake, E D I T O R I N C H I E F publisher@NICHEmagazine.ca

Recently I travelled to Toronto and brought back a great story of a city in transition and the world of fashion and culture that I experienced there. [Travel with NICHE to... — page 68]

68 8

SUMMER 2014

N I C H E travel

AWAY LAOS, ASIA

by Chelsea Forman | travel columnist

andlocked in Southeast Asia, Laos is a naturally and historically rich country. Lush green jungle is laced with meandering rivers and tumbling waterfalls to explore. Trekking in the country will be a primitive experience, and you will be overwhelmed by the sanctity of untouched earth. A devoutly Buddhist country, Laos is home to some of Southeast Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most gentle and charming people, who will show you the secrets and natural splendour of their country.

SUMMER 2014

W H AT ’ S I N A N A M E ? In 1893, French-Indochina united three separate Lao kingdoms — Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Champasak. They named the country Laos after the Lao people, the region’s most common ethnic group. In the Lao language, the country is called Muang Lao or Pathet Lao, both of which translate to Lao Country.

W H AT T O D O Take a boat ride down the Mekong River and look for the Irrawaddy dolphin, one of the worlds most endangered species. Stop at the river towns to explore the FrenchIndonesian style shops, the country is renowned for exquisite handmade textiles. Spend a sunset gazing upon the Pha That Luang, Laos’s most important religious structure. Head to Luang Prabang, where you can depart on excursions and admire impressive temples. A visit to Vat Phou, the spectacular ruined Khmer temple complex in southern Laos, is also a must-see. Enjoy a traditional Lao massage at the end of a long trek. Uncover the many ancient ruins and historical sites including the unusual Plain of Jars extending around the town of Phonsavan. Dine as often as possible on the delicious traditional cuisine and wash your meals down with flavourful Laos beer.

W H AT T O PA C K

H AT Straw hat HM.com

JOURNAL Christian Lacroix Arty notebook chapters.indigo.ca

SHOULDER BAG Chloe Marcie bag in dusty rose ssense.com

*see buyers guide for full details [page 90] NICHEmagazine.ca

N I C H E lifestyle

EDITOR’S picks

SU M M E R S AV V Y Summer is ab out e asy, bre e zy, g rab-and-go s av v y. Here are six pro duc ts t hat are t r ue st andouts for t heir one-step, no-f uss, no-muss qu a lit ies.

3D WAVEMAKER BRACELET

Stackable rose gold bangle echoes the sentiments of summer with graceful waves and quiet movement. Morfologi, $69

SUMMER ESSENTIALS WALLET

Fashionably versatile with one-click access to your credit cards and cash with added RFID theft protection. Secrid, $95

NAUTICAL DRESS

Summer chic at its best! Long sleeve sailor-striped dress, goes perfectly from office to dinner. Joseph Ribkoff, $212

ICON HEXACON CHARM PENDANT NECKLACE

Delicate 17-inch multi-layered charm necklace is playful yet elegant, and perfect for instant summer accessorizing. COCO LANE Jewels, $98

ROSES ET REINES

Limited edition gentle bath salts soothe away stress and surround you with the aromatic scents of summer. L’Occitane, $24

CHINESE CHIPPENDALE ARMCHAIR

Brightly coloured and made from weather-resistant material to withstand the elements, indoors or outdoors. HomeSense, $79

5 12

SUMMER 2014

A LOOK FOR EVERY

You.

Date night is a great night. Alyson Hannigan believes romance is too much fun to leave behind. For date night with her husband, she adds allure to her look with PANDORA’s striking Summer Collection. See how you can add style to every look, casual to romantic, at PANDORA.net.

Experience at:

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N I C H E beauty

B EA UTY [ re] MA RKS

Beach Body Exfoliants

LUSH RUB RUB Sea salt scrub packed with minerals

by Gracie Andoque | beauty columnist

e spend most days dreaming of warm sands and clear skies. Full of anticipation, we eat healthier and work out a little harder to reach our bikini body best. To be at your season’s finest, put your best skin forward! Summer skin takes a beating and requires extra care. Protect skin with SPF, keep yourself hydrated and get into the habit of regular body exfoliation.

SUMMER 2014

Exfoliation is the act of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin — practiced for many centuries and believed to have extreme therapeutic benefits. Why do we need to exfoliate summer skin? Effects of environmental strains and the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause dullness, premature aging and unhealthy-looking skin. The use of body scrubs made from sugar or salt granules combined with essential oils keeps skin radiant and in its balanced state. These scrubs have antioxidant, restorative and antibacterial properties. When done properly, the result is beach-ready skin.

HAPPY SKIN = HAPPIER YOU W H I S T L E R N AT U R A L S VA N I L L A S I L K S U G A R BODY SCRUB Raw sugar with highly moisturizing emollients

NICHE’s TOP at-home body exfoliants

Daly Co

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TIPS from the PROS DO – Find a body exfoliant for your skin type DO – Exfoliate twice a week to speed skin cell turnover rate DO – Follow up with a nourishing moisturizer NEVER – Over-exfoliate or remove skin’s valuable layers

ORIGINS GINGER BODY SCRUB Smoothing body buffer with invigorating scent

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N I C H E lifestyle

Seeing Blue

as Woody Allen’s muse

by Imogen Fox | celebrity columnist

ver since Cate Blanchett and her husband took over as the artistic directors of the Sydney Theatre Company in 2008, she’s pulled back the reins on her movie career.

She aced supporting roles in Hannah (2011) and Robin Hood (2010) as well as The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), but the last film she top-lined was 2007’s Elizabeth: The Golden Age. With Blue Jasmine, Blanchett came back in a big way. The actress plays the title role in the Woody Allen film, a hard-core drama that has already racked up rave reviews. In Indiewire, Anne Thompson predicted that the Best Actress Oscar was “Blanchett’s to lose.” Variety said that the actress’s performance “is a brilliantly bipolar piece of acting.” And Entertainment Weekly pointed out that Blanchett “makes Jasmine at once ardent, touching, off-putting, and cracked in her grand delusions.” A huge fan of Woody Allen’s work, Blanchett only spoke to the filmmaker by phone for about three minutes before, essentially, agreeing to do the role.

SUMMER 2014

ICON

Cate Blanchett

N I C H E lifestyle

When you get a call from Woody,

YOU TAKE IT,

says Blanchett, 44. “You’ve already said ‘yes’ before you know what it is, so you just hope it’s a good one. Of course, these films are never less than fascinating. “I’d given up hope of ever working with him; I just thought he wasn’t interested. But the minute I read it, [I knew] the script was fantastic. It is impeccably structured. It’s absurd and tragic, often simultaneously.” As the title character, Blanchett brings to life a woman whose charmed existence as a Hamptons socialite comes crashing down around her. After her financial fraudster husband (Alec Baldwin) is imprisoned, Jasmine is left with no money and no place to go.

ICONic S N A P S H O T

Cate Blanchett was nominated for 29 awards worldwide for her role as Jasmine in Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine, and she took home the trophy a staggering 28 times, including the most noteworthy: • Academy Award: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role • Golden Globes: Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama • BAFTA: Best Leading Actress • (SAG) Screen Actors Guild: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

SUMMER 2014

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N I C H E lifestyle

Still retaining her snobby ways, she winds up sharing an apartment in San Francisco with her working-class sister Ginger (Sally Hawkins) and Ginger’s boyfriend (Bobby Canavale). Jasmine gets a job with a lecherous dentist (Michael Stuhlbarg) and pins her hopes of finding a white knight on a wealthy diplomat (Peter Sarsgaard). Louis C.K., Tammy Blanchard, Max Casella, Alden Ehrenreich and Andrew Dice Clay co-starred. After anticipating what it would be like to work with Allen for so many years, Blanchett says the reality was better than she imagined. “I had heard that [Allen] was monosyllabic at best in relation to the direction he gave actors, but when I asked him questions, he responded if the questions were interesting and if they weren’t, he waved me off and went back to his BlackBerry. “But he was great. I think he really despised and revered Jasmine. And I think he was fascinated by her. He’s fascinated by and loves women — their exuberance, their intelligence, their fears, their phobias.” During one discussion, Blanchett asked Allen how he’d play Jasmine if he were a woman. “He said, ‘Well, if I were playing Jasmine,’ and at this point he got quite Blanche DuBoislike,” recalls Blanchett. “So I asked him if he considered playing this role and he thought about it for a minute and a half and said, “No, it would have been too comic.’ But I could have easily imagined it. That was a movie that I would go see.” Blanchett might be half-teasing but early reviews of the film have picked up on the similarities between Blue Jasmine and A Streetcar Named Desire. Strangely enough, Blanchett played Blanche in a 2009 Sydney production of the Tennessee Williams classic. Some reviewers have also noted the parallels between Jasmine and Ruth Madoff, the wife of disgraced money manager Bernie Madoff. But Blanchett cautions against making too much of the connection.

SUMMER 2014

She embodies the perfect combination of consummate actor and world-class

FASHION ICON. -GIORGIO ARMANI

“Well, there’s a lot of people who’ve fallen from grace. But, yes, of course, [research] is part of my job and part of the pleasure of my job. I’d followed the scandal like everybody else.” “But there’s a whole miniseries in that fiasco. Woody didn’t want [me] to solely base [Jasmine] on that because this isn’t [Madoff ’s] story.” Ruth Madoff aside, Blanchett was immediately struck by the movie’s timeliness and the way it reflected a country of haves and have-nots still struggling with high unemployment figures. “I think [what happened to Jasmine] is happening all across America and all over the world,” says the actress. “People’s sense of self is being bound up in a relationship or their financial status or their social circle, so when all of that is ripped away, you have to, in midlife, look at yourself and say, ‘Who the hell am I?’ “If you don’t have financial security and you don’t have a support structure, then madness can pretty quickly set in.”

Swilling martinis and knocking back Xanax, Jasmine becomes more and more unstable as the movie goes along. She also becomes increasingly envious of the happiness Ginger seems to have. Modulating “the madness” was one of Blanchett’s trickiest assignments. “Obviously I’m not so method that I went and took Xanax every night, but you can find amazing stuff on YouTube. It was important for me to chart through when she’d taken a Xanax, how many she’d taken and if she’d mixed it with alcohol and what the physical and mental effects would be. “Also, what I was trying to [portray] was that sense that in the beginnings of her having a panic attack, she might break out in a sweat yet everything else is completely fine. Her physical state and her psychological state were interesting balls to try and [juggle].”

If anyone can juggle Jasmine’s contradictions, it’s Blanchett, who can seemingly do anything. This is a woman who’s played Queen Elizabeth I, Kate Hepburn and Bob Dylan. She’s toggled effortlessly from leading roles in The Good German and Veronica Guerin to supporting parts in The Talented Mr. Ripley and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. She’s also managed to embrace both blockbusters (the Lord of the Rings movies, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) and art-house fare (Heaven, Notes on a Scandal). She’s been nominated for seven Oscars and won once for playing Hepburn in The Aviator. After winning for Blue Jasmine, she is now in the same company as Diane Keaton (Annie Hall), Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite), Penelope Cruz (Vicky Christina Barcelona) and Dianne Wiest (Hannah and Her Sisters, Bullets Over Broadway), all of whom have netted Oscars for Woody Allen movies. How would Blanchett rank Jasmine in relation to Allen’s other classic heroines?

“I’m not going to go into the ranking thing. I’d think I’m at the bottom but I’m so privileged to be playing the title role in a Woody Allen film. When you think about Diane Keaton in Annie Hall and Judy Davis [in Husbands and Wives] — they’re just brilliant [performances]. “[Keaton and Davis helped] create fascinating, unique, mind-bending characters.” Blanchett’s turn in Blue Jasmine is just the beginning of a rash of film work. In addition to popping up as the Elf Queen, Galadriel, in the remaining films in the Hobbit series, she also recently shared the screen with George Clooney in the Clooney-directed The Monuments Men, a World War II-era thriller about the efforts of art historians to reclaim some of Europe’s greatest paintings from the Nazis.

Blanchett still calls Australia home. She lives there with screenwriter-husband Andrew Upton and their three boys, aged 12, 9 and 5. The family travels with the actress wherever she goes, as much for her sake as theirs. “When my children are with me, they’re not interested if you’re playing Blanche DuBois or Jasmine, they just want you to help them do their homework, play with them and feed them,” says Blanchett. “So, I find that a great leveller. It means you have to switch off.”

She’s completed Terrence Malick’s Knight of Cups and will play the Wicked Stepmother in the Kenneth Branagh-directed liveaction Cinderella. Also upcoming: Todd Haynes’ lesbian romance Carol opposite Mia Wasikowska.

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N I C H E lifestyle

LOOKBOOK

We found five amazing B.C. shops that specialize in previously loved designer fashion and true vintage consignment.

VINTAGE & CONSIGNMENT

A LA MODE CONSIGNMENT

THE PATCH CLOTHING

Our favourite spot in Victoria for designer and high-end fashion consignment, along with a large shoe inventory, and located in the heart of Oak Bay Village.

Offering up a huge selection of premium recycled and vintage clothing, and located in the heart of downtown Victoria, we love their sidewalk racks with stock that seems to change daily!

1507 Wilmot Pl., Victoria alamode2009.com

719 Yates St., Victoria 250-384-7070 www.thepatchclothing.com

Fashion lovers in Victoria have long understood that fabulous doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to mean new. In fact, our two picks (one vintage & one designer) serve up the best consignment the island has to offer.

LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL

VICTORIA

VANCOUVER

VINTAGE & CONSIGNMENT If you are looking for exceptional vintage shops and amazing designer label finds, Vancouver is the place to start snooping. Three of our favourites are Mintage, Used House of Vintage and Timeline Boutique.

MINTAGE VINTAGE This should be your first stop in your search for amazing vintage clothing and accessories! We adore their selection of 1940s and 1950s dresses. 1714 Commercial Dr., Vancouver 604-646-8243 mintagevintage.com

TIMELINE BOUTIQUE USED HOUSE OF VINTAGE With two locations in Vancouver (Robson and Granville), this should be a must-visit (again and again) in your insatiable search for authentic vintage and seriously cool eclectic clothing. 831 Granville St. & 1008 Robson St., Vancouver 604-694-0322 usedhouseofvintage.com

SUMMER 2014

As seen on FashionTV, this is our favourite haunt in Vancouver for current, gently loved designer and couture consignment and a cool stash of new designer fashion collections too. 594 Davie St., Vancouver 778-229-8463 timelineboutique.com

It was so hard to choose just a few... So we created a Top 20 list on the NICHE website. Did your fave make the list? Find out at NICHEmagazine.ca

PREFER TO SHOP ONLINE?

We recommend Closet Crows [closetcrows.com], Rodeo Drive Resale [shoprdr.com] and Kitsilano Kittyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Closet [kitsilanokittyscloset.com]

clothing for stargazers and dreammakers

DVF N I C H E fashion

FA S H ION

by Josie Joy Saldat | fashion columnist

iane von Furstenberg was born and raised in Brussels, Belgium, attended Madrid University and later transferred to the University of Geneva in Switzerland before the beginning of her fashion empire. Von Furstenberg embarked on her journey into the industry in 1970 when she set sail to the city of New York, taking with her a suitcase of jersey dresses that she had created in Italy alongside friend Angelo Ferretti. Which started as a line of wrap tops and skirts soon transformed into her infamous wrap dress after her two-piece outfit was worn by Julie Nixon Eisenhower on television. The combining of the garments to create the wrap dress sparked a buzz leading to the dress as a symbol of women’s liberation for the decade. The staple piece wasn’t just a simple cotton-jersey dress the world fell in love with, it was a confident uniform. The uproar continued as the silhouette and fabric of the garment were translatable onto women of all sizes, ages and shapes and soon became a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. As the wrap phenomenon continued, von Furstenberg’s brand, DVF, expanded worldwide featuring ready to wear and accessories including shoes, handbags, leather goods, jewellery and scarves in 55 countries. After landing on the cover of Wall Street Journal and Newsweek for selling over five million of her iconic wrap dresses in 1976, the latter dubbed von Furstenberg “the most marketable woman since Coco Chanel.” With the opening of her first luxury store at Sherry Netherland hotel on New York’s Fifth Avenue carrying the new couture collection, famous celebrities at the time, including Brooke Shields and queen of soul music, Aretha Franklin, became regulars.

SUMMER 2014

VF I design for

the woman who loves being

A WOMAN.

N I C H E fashion

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG HISTORICAL TIMELINE

1946

1970

1974

1975

1979

1983

1993

Born December 31st in Brussels, Belgium

Arrives in New York with a suitcase of designs

Creates the wrap dress

Introduces fragrance “Tatiana” named after her daughter

Writes DVF’s Book of Beauty

Moves to Paris and starts Salvy, a French language publishing house

Becomes contributing editor to Vanity Fair magazine

SUMMER 2014

1997

2001

2004

2005

2010

2011

2014

Re-launches company with iconic wrap dress that started it all

Writes Diane: A Signature Life about her success in the industry

Collaborates with H. Stern to design fine jewellery

Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from CFDA

Establishes DVF Awards with the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation

Debuts home collection encompassing tabletop, rugs and bedding

Celebrates forty years of the wrap dress

From designing to writing, von Furstenberg wrote DVF’s Book of Beauty on how to become a more confident, attractive and sensual woman. With experience in the writing industry, Furstenberg later took on the role of a contributing editor for Vanity Fair magazine. The 80’s saw a rise in the beauty business, and von Furstenburg’s cosmetics and fragrance lines reached $40 million in sales in the second year. Starting to feel the pressure, von Furstenberg sold her beauty line to British pharmaceutical giant Beecham Group in 1983. Von Furstenberg tied the knot with longtime love Barry Diller in 2001 after her divorce from previous husband Prince Egon zu Furstenberg. When the time came to launch her first fragrance, von Furstenberg named it after her daughter, Tatiana, with a tagline “for a woman to love and a man to remember,” which was an instant hit on the market. In 2005, von Furstenberg was acknowledged for her contributions to the industry by receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the CFDA and within the year was elected as their new President. In the role of CFDA’s president, von Furstenberg fosters emerging talent and established The Design Piracy Prohibition Act, which protects designers from counterfeit reproductions of their work. Not only a true New York local, von Furstenberg is also a vocal member of the community and was actively involved in the campaign to save the historic High Line railway located in the Meatpacking District.

N I C H E fashion

LAST WORD:

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

…on the topic of BEING YOURSELF One of the most important things about fashion is to dress as well as you can, look as attractive as you can, and at the same time be comfortable with yourself. Be easy about your clothes; forget about them. If you’re not sure what to wear, if you don’t know how everyone else is going to be, then just be at your most beautiful. If there is one rule for dressing, for fashion, it’s pretty much the same rule as for everything else in life: Don’t go against yourself, don’t go against your own nature. It’s only going to show.

Fashion is mysterious, as a rule.

Why are blue jeans a classic? You just hit on something that happens to be

TIMELESS AND RIGHT. -DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

Not only does she empower young women through fashion, but also philanthropy and mentorship. Von Furstenberg currently sits on the board of Vital Voices, a nongovernmental organization supporting female leaders and entrepreneurs around the world.

SUMMER 2014

Offering four complete collections a year, DVF has a strong celebrity following including Jessica Alba, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Beckinsale, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton. With 2014 being the 40th anniversary of her infamous wrap dress, surviving multiple decades and generations with mass appeal, a celebration arises for a garment responsible for embracing woman’s diversity and equality like never before.

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N I C H E travel

TRAVEL BITES by Stuart Brown | wine columnist

Time to Chill Out

an you feel the heat coming? As summer draws nearer, thoughts immediately turn to relaxing on the beach, the smell of the barbeque, and late summer evenings sipping on a bellini… or a strawberry daiquiri… OK, let’s simplify with a beautiful summer cocktail made with rum, gin or bourbon. Feels like heaven. But when we discuss cocktails these days, the word “simple” is far from the truth. Or is it?

Summer cocktails come in so many forms. Common words thrown around are frozen, shaken, juleps, sours, tiki, sparking, and flip. Pardon, but did you say tiki? Based upon a romanticized conception of primitive Polynesian tropical culture, the first “Tiki Bar,” named Donn the Beachcomber, was created in Los Angeles in 1933 by Ernest Gantt. The bar served a wide variety of exotic cocktails, mostly made with rum, featuring the popular Zombie and Sumatra Kula (rum and fruit juicebased cocktails). Included in the Polynesian theme was the bar décor, which displayed palm trees, tiki torches, and many Polynesian artifacts like tiki masks. In 1936,

SUMMER 2014

Trader Vic’s was created in Oakland, California, where the quintessential tiki cocktail, the “Mai Tai,” was later created. Tiki was spreading like a Zombie apocalypse… sorry, but I had to. So, we know the tiki cocktail culture is not a new one, but it is seeing a revival right in our own backyard. A few years back, Shawn Soole, then Bar Master at Clive’s Classic Lounge in Victoria, B.C., now owner of Little Jumbo in the same town, began to redefine the tiki cocktail culture. He brought out the classic recipes, the tiki masks, cups decorated with tiki masks, grass skirts, and so on, while adding some new tiki cocktails of his own recipe.

More recently, the team at Clive’s, which includes Bar Masters Katie McDonald and Jayce Kadyschuk, have literally taken the Clive’s tiki torch and run with it to keep the spirit alive with their annual spring “Tiki Party and Summer Cocktail Launch.” The beach is heating up, the barbeque is lit, the summer tunes are blasting, and we just bought this year’s fabulous swimwear. It looks like a fantastic time to have a tiki party and get your tiki on!

Here are some fabulous tiki cocktails from the pros you might want to try this summer…

PEACH AND DAISY: (Nate Caudle at Little Jumbo) - 2oz Pimm’s - Heavy bar spoon Giffard peach syrup - 2/3oz cola syrup - 1/2oz (15ml) lemon juice - 3 dashes creole bitters

QUEEN FORMOSA: (Katie McDonald at Clive’s Classic Lounge) - 1 1/2oz Havana Club 3 year white rum - 1/2oz Kraken rum - 1oz guava juice - 3/4oz lemon juice - 3/4oz Giffard vanilla syrup - 1/2oz simple syrup - 1/2oz pineapple juice

Add all ingredients, shake and strain, and serve over crushed ice.

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

N I C H E fashion

Beauty and the BEACH

Shoot Producer & Stylist SARA ROSE

Photographer KARI HEESE

Hair Stylist ROBIN HELENIUS [ARQ SALON]

Shoot Assistant J O S I E S A L D AT

Model C A R LY O V E R M A N [KEY MODEL MANAGEMENT]

Shot on Location at GONZALES BEACH [VICTORIA, BC]

*see buyers guide for full details [page 90]

SUMMER 2014

THE LOOK Blush demi bra, Knickers. Crea Concept ivory knit, Hughes. Somedays Lovinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Volcano pants, Amelia Lee. MiskWill heart necklace, Amelia Lee.

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WANT TO GET NICHE FOR FREE? Sign up for the NICHE Insider newsletter before September 14, 2014 and automatically receive a FREE 6-month digital subscription. NICHE magazine. A world of possibilities delivered to your inbox

N I C H E fashion

THE LOOK Monk & Low slip dress, Plenty. Long necklace, BCBG Heiress collection. MiskWill heart necklace, Amelia Lee. Coach sunglasses, Mayfair Optometric Clinic.

SUMMER 2014

THE LOOK Vera Moda denim shirt, Plenty. Gold waistbelt, BCBG.

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N I C H E fashion

THE LOOK Free People Angel dress, Plenty. 36

SUMMER 2014

THE LOOK Penfield Sunnyvale shirt, Complex. Supertrash tan shirt, Amelia Lee. HUIT bluebell bottoms, Knickers. MiskWill heart necklace, Amelia Lee.

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N I C H E beauty

FACE it!

C O A S TA L C O M P L E X I O N S by Gracie Andoque | beauty columnist IN THE SEASON OF ENDLESS SUNSHINE COMES AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR SKIN’S TRUE BEAUTY POTENTIAL

s you sail through the West Coast waters with souls blissful and faces bare, let these bronzing beauty products help you become summer beautiful.

LIMITED EDITION HUILE PRODIGIEUSE OR – NUXE

An exquisite multi-purpose blend of six precious oils to nourish, heal and soften hair — and bronze skin all year round! Hudson’s Bay ($39)

TERRE EXOTIQUE HEALTHY GLOW POWDER – GIVENCHY

A bronzer du couture creates perfectly tanned skin and leaves a healthy glow. Swipe on cheeks, chin and forehead to spice up your look. Sephora ($71) 38

SUMMER 2014

RADIANCE-PLUS GOLDEN GLOW BOOSTER – CLARINS

Sunshine in a bottle creates a natural golden glow. Add 3 drops to your favourite moisturizer and be prepared to turn heads. Shoppers Drug Mart ($30)

CELLULAR RADIANCE NIGHT CREAM – LA PRAIRIE

Replenish skin while you sleep with this night emulsion created with an intensive formula to boost skin’s inner glow. Holt Renfrew ($742)

TERRACOTTA JOLI TEINT FOUNDATION – GUERLAIN

Packed with nourishing vitamins and antioxidants, it helps improve skin’s vitality and leaves complexion refreshed and revived. Hudson’s Bay ($58)

LIGHT-UP LIP GLOSS – BUFF BEAUTY

Tip from the PROS! For evenly bronzed skin, make sure to prep by taking a warm shower and exfoliating gently. This removes dead skin cells and allows for streak-free coverage.

Naturally hydrating lip gloss with a light and mirror built in! Blend of medical grade lanolin, sweet almond oil, jojoba and Vitamin E. Shown in Nude Beach. buffbeauty.ca ($20)

N I C H E fashion

B E G I N T HE DAY A S A MI NI MAL I ST.

by Sara Rose | Fashion Columnist

nvision this… a wonderful West Coast summer filled with sumptuous sunshine and evening patio gatherings. Put it out there and it will come. I’m not too sure about everyone’s personal style struggles, but why, when indulging in a day out, do we find it necessary to go home and turn our closet inside out to change? Sometimes there just isn’t time. The summer fun must go on! There are ways to prep and pack for such days. I’m here to assist in making sure there’s never that feeling of being the odd (wo)man out! Let less be more and let your glowing summer skin do the talking. Jumpsuits and maxi dresses are the simplest way of looking effortlessly chic this season, all the while making it seem as though you’ve put time and thought into your wardrobe. Who can resist? As day fades into evening, and you are the eternal urban girl on the go, there are a ton of simple additions to your minimalism that have maximum impact for minimal effort. Tuck in a few simple evening must-haves and — just like that — you are a quick-change artist! You can certify yourself as the female Clark Kent now.

NICHE’s

Day to Evening Layering doesn’t have to end with winter. Pair a light cardigan, pashmina, denim jacket or print blazer with your daytime wardrobe and let the good times roll. This one little step ensures you are office-appropriate during the day, and you have stylish coverage when the sun goes down. Need a next-level option? A silk or satin kimono, brightly coloured or perfectly patterned, is the big story this season. Don’t miss out on the moments that matter this summer. Make every minute count, and look darned good doing so.

*see buyers guide for full details [page 90]

SUMMER 2014

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N I C H E home

Wild Call of the

COLIN & JUSTIN’S DESIGN PERSPECTIVES

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

SUMMER 2014

by Colin McAllister & Justin Ryan | design columnists

kay, here’s the deal. Cottages, cabins and chalets (or whatever you choose for your second home) aren’t just glorified storage facilities for old sofas, sideboards and carpets. Come on — they’re valuable getaways, not just somewhere to stash the detritus that’s no longer needed in your main home. If we’re entirely honest, many of the “holiday homes” we see are little more than final destinations where furniture goes to die. Consider this: if you checked into a hotel that looked like an old storage locker, it’d be lucky to warrant a 1-star category. And in our world, we want everyone’s cottage experience to be 5-star. It’s as simple as that. But fret not. Before Canada’s entire cottaging community throws up its arms in protest, can we just say we’re not advocating the removal of all things past, rather a weeding out of less important (and less attractive) items so that a modern, rewarding cabin vision can become a happy reality. Try it! Be brave; say goodbye to brass adornments, dried flowers, floral wallpaper, brown tiled kitchen counters and wolfdepicting artwork — and move forward!

N I C H E home

Before

On a positive note, the great Canadian countryside has us hooked — we’re now proud owners of our own wee Canadian cabin. Espying our petite palace for the first time, we fell hook, line and sinker in love. So what makes it so special? Well, for starters, our lakeside retreat is log-built with a red pitched roof, a towering brick chimney and wrap-around balconies. To us, certainly, it looks exactly how an escapist cabin in the woods should. We oohed and aahed over various boltholes, but nothing else hit the mark. Some were simply too dated, others too ‘house-y’ and a few looked like they’d been ripped straight from the set of The Evil Dead or Deliverance. Blimey — imagine a zombie playing the banjo; what a terrifying combination…

SUMMER 2014

After

One year on and it’s fair to report cabin ownership hasn’t exactly been the stress relief we hoped it might. Let’s just say our, ahem, “postcard perfect” cabin was, in fact, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. A pig in lipstick, if you will. Indeed the term “buyer beware” was seldom more relevant. In hindsight, we should have spent loads more time putting our cottage under the microscope… before submitting an offer. But hey ho. We lived… and we learned. And, hell mend us, just to amplify our stress levels, we agreed to make a flippin’ TV show about it all for the Cottage Life network. Jeesh! And the problems were? Never ending. Rising damp? Tick. Mold? Tick. Mice infestation? Tick. Kinky swingers party indoor hot tub? Tick. That particular anomaly certainly exacerbated the aforementioned damp issues. As remedy, we dispatched

the monolithic plastic lump to the garden — plumbed in, of course — without further ado. The aforementioned problems, however, were merely the start. Upon further inspection, we discovered that our 1500 square feet wrap-around deck was actually a death trap due to the rotted condition of its supporting beams. Where there are problems, however, there are also solutions and, although we ended up having to replace the deck, we opted to use stunning BC Western Red Cedar. Our contractor calls the end result “the Cadillac of decks”. The smell, the colour and the pedigree of the timber is simply off the scale. As we often say “Find a fault — make a feature”. Yup, investing in the fabric of our building was an essential priority to enhance and safeguard our investment.

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N I C H E home

We’ve long since had a bugbear about the oft’ maligned Canadian basement and, in our own cottage, we were afforded the chance to practice what we preach as we reclaimed the skanky solum as an intrinsic part of the house. Both upper floors are log heaven but our basement, as we found it certainly, was all drywall and grey carpet. As such, ripping it out and starting again was the only solution. The new configuration creates a master bedroom with smart shower room and a generously proportioned TV/Media room with built-in surround-sound speakers, controllable lighting (produced in association with Command Performance in Toronto) and a beautiful timber floor. Add to that lashings of timber cladding and the basement now feels as “woody” and luxurious as the rest of the house. Job done! So we’re happy with the finished results? And then some. The call of the wild has been answered and we’re thrilled to have captured the traditional essence of log living… albeit with a twist of 21st century in terms of style and overall experience. So look out — if you spot two kilted lads darting through the undergrowth, we’re either being chased by a bear… or by a fellow cottage-loving client who wants his wolf art safely returned. Happy times… 46

SUMMER 2014

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N I C H E lifestyle

girl

TA L K

by Mary Zilba | celebrity columnist

ow that summer is here, I feel light as a feather, less stressed and revel in not having to get my kids up for school, pack lunches, etc., However, this is also the season when I become a little more focused on my health and notice the old body needs a bit more attention! No more hiding behind long sleeves and turtlenecks, out come the bare arms, legs and toes and keeping them in tip-top shape is often easier said than done. I will fully admit that summertime makes me a little self-conscious as I realize my once-toned arms are resembling a bit of a bat wing and my skin needs a lot of polishing. This being the fact, I am careful not to be so hard on myself and try to look at the glass as half full. None of us are getting any younger and things do change from year to year, but summer always provides that push to get more motivated. It not only gives me an extra incentive to be more healthy, but also gives me opportunity to slather on new products, try new fashion ideas and take advantage of the beautiful weather and change up my exercise routine. The Vancouver sea wall is bustling this time of year and I love getting outside, chatting with the neighbours and enjoying the community, as well as interacting with families. Of course, my dog George enjoys meeting new friends as well.

SUMMER 2014

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

LEAN

INTO IT:

Yoga for Health & Happiness However, nothing refreshes the mind and body at the same time better than yoga and I love practicing outdoors on my patio! The wind and warmth give me that extra sense of zen. I realize so many people are intimidated by yoga believing that in order to practice, you must be able to twist yourself into a pretzel — not true! There is yoga for all levels and if anything, it simply will stretch you out, tone your muscles and clear your mind. If you haven’t tried it, I really encourage you to do so! Most recently, due to my love of yoga, I have become a designer of activewear and am so proud to see one of my dreams come to fruition. Our new stores are called LotusActiva and our motto is “YOU define the brand.” I want to encourage all women to feel good about themselves — instead of focusing on what they don’t like about themselves, to focus on what they DO like. I believe that women should be comfortable and confident with who they are, at whatever size they are. Women should endeavour to change, if this is part of their own personal path. Society has put parameters on what are acceptable norms or standards for women, and our mantra is to reexamine and redefine these standards and make them real for all women. We want to encourage women to be active at every size, every stage, and every condition of their lives. We realize changing society’s overriding belief is not a simple task or something that will occur overnight. Through a re-definition of the idea of beauty, we aim to reframe the standards of self-image and body perception. We are all beautiful! We are all unique! We are all on the same journey of rediscovery. We are the New Standard.

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So get outside this summer, slather on your sunscreen, take a walk, take a yoga class and just be loud and proud of who you are, sister!

2014-4-9NICHE4x9.875Mirror.indd 1

2014-04-17 2:37 PM

N I C H E beauty

you simply must try...

fragrances

Scent says so much about the woman who wears it, so choose carefully. Whether you have been longing to try an iconic classic, or sample a new kid on the fragrance block, here are 10 that should be on your must-try list.

BALENCIAGA – R O S A B O TA N I C A

DIOR – MISS DIOR

The latest addition to the botanical garden that is beautiful but dangerous.

A daring perfume with a citrusy freshness and a jasmine heart.

VIKTOR & ROLF – FLOWERBOMB

Evocative floral notes awaken your deepest senses.

THIERRY MUGLER – ALIEN

The mysterious elixir of absolute femininity.

CHANEL – N°5

A bouquet of abstract flowers with an indefinable femininity.

L’OCCITANE EN PROVENCE – NEROLI & ORCHIDEE

Blends the scents of two precious white flowers into sweet-scented harmony.

SUMMER 2014

BOUCHERON – PLACE DE VENDOME

The timeless perfume of a mythic place.

MARC JACOBS – DAISY EAU SO FRESH

Breezy, fun florals splashed in effervescent colours.

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PHILOSOPHY – LOVESWEPT

Follow your heart with a dose of romance, energy and optimism.

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STELLA McCARTNEY – STELLA

• Latisse®

Caught between fresh and dark, and focused on intense femininity.

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High Mighty by Tracey Drake

Mara Hoffman

SWIMSUITS WITH HIGH STYLE SUMMER 2014

When I was in my late teens, my father would say, “It might be nice to leave a little to the imagination.” Of course, he was referring to the diminutive length of my skirts and the itsy bitsy nature of my swimwear (at least in his opinion). My dad, now rocking his 91st year, will definitely approve of 2014 summer swim collections that walked the runways. With an air of might, high-waisted bathing suits punctuate an unpredictable season of fashion, filled with definitive strength and looks that were anything but the current norm. Gottex

If you rebel against the teenie bikini, and prefer a suit that has style and structure, this is your year to shine on the beach!

What woman doesn’t want to feel comfortable in a swimsuit? It’s incredibly empowering. -ACTRESS SARA RUE

NICHEmagazine.ca

N I C H E fashion

Chloe

Wild Fox

SUMMER 2014

Suboo

Michael Kors

Surface Too Deep

Diane Von Furstenberg NICHEmagazine.ca

Great Lengths by Tracey Drake

Tory Burch

THE UPS AND DOWNS OF SUMMER SKIRT LENGTHS SUMMER 2014

S/S 2014 was a fashion season of contrasts, and skirt lengths were no exception. This season, just about anything goes — from short and sassy to long and lean. If you love it — wear it! The long and the short of it is this — whether you like it long, or wear it short — above all others, two fashion designers got it right and created fashionable, summer-appropriate collections: BCBGMAXAZRIA and TORY BURCH.

Every summer has a story. BCBGMAXAZRIA NICHEmagazine.ca

N I C H E fashion

Tory Burch

BCBGMAXAZRIA BCBGMAXAZRIA

SUMMER 2014

Tory Burch BCBGMAXAZRIA

NICHEmagazine.ca

N I C H E home

FOODIE

Possibly the most feminine version of summer meringue we have ever seen, so it was a must-share with NICHE readers — from the brilliant mind and bright palate of Gabriel Cabrera.

RHUBARB RASPBERRY MERINGUES WITH PISTACHIO CRUMBLE

by Gabriel Cabrera | the artful desperado

udes of this prodigious planet called earth, I have rhubarb for you! Rhubarb mixed with raspberries on top of meringues… with cream… and pistachio crumble. Basically, this is like a deconstructed rhubarb pie. I know — your head just exploded! This uber popular herbaceous perennial is bringing its magic to this recipe in full throttle. To be honest, I rarely use rhubarb, but after trying it in this combo, I am hooked! Before we start, I’m not gonna lie, meringues, are SO temperamental but be patient and your efforts will be rewarded with the taste of sweet pillow-y goodness. Let’s do this!

Ingredients: (Serves 6 - 8) *For the meringues: - 2 tablespoons corn starch - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 6 large egg whites at room temperature - Pinch of cream of tartar - 1 cup super fine (or extra fine) sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*For the rhubarb and raspberries: - 2 large rhubarb stalks, washed, trimmed, and sliced - 1 cup fresh raspberries - 2 tablespoons sugar - Juice of 1/2 lemon - Pinch of ground cardamon (optional) - 1 cup water - 1 teaspoon vanilla

*For the crumble: - 1/2 cup spelt flour (if you can eat wheat, go ahead and use regular flour) - 1/3 cup rolled oats - 5 tablespoons cold butter - 2 tablespoons sugar - 1/3 roughly ground pistachios (chunky is good!) - Pinch of salt - Whipped cream or coconut cream

Instructions: PREHEAT OVEN AT 350°F MAKE THE MERINGUES: 1 Dissolve the vinegar and corn starch in a small

container until there are no lumps. Beat egg whites in a clean bowl, add the pinch of cream of tartar and continue to beat until you reach soft peaks. Add a bit of the starch and vinegar mix, and a few spoonfuls of sugar. Alternate between those two until you finish the sugar and the whites are stiff and glossy (I suggest beating slowly when incorporating the sugar so you don’t collapse them). Give one last swirl to incorporate the vanilla.

SUMMER 2014

COOK RHUBARB AND RASPBERRIES: 2 Spoon glossy whites onto a baking sheet lined with

parchment paper and using the same spoon, try to make some space in the centre (like a nest). Place trays in the oven and immediately turn down the temp to 200F. Bake for about an hour, rotating trays every 10 minutes. Once they’re hard enough on the outside, turn off the oven and let them sit in there as the oven cools down. Remove when ready.

3 Place rhubarb, raspberries, sugar, water, lemon

juice, vanilla, and cardamon in a pot on low heat. Allow the fruit to simmer gently until rhubarb is soft (but not pureed). Strain the mixture, and set fruit aside. Return liquid to the stove and let boil (reduce) for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.

Lively • Fresh • Local

Victoria’s Hottest Patio

MAKE THE CRUMBLE: 4 Combine flour, pistachios, butter, sugar, rolled oats, and pinch of salt

in a bowl. Use your fingers to break down the cold butter and use a “pinching” motion to combine until it looks like coarse meal. Place on a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake at 350F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown (watch the bottom so it doesn’t burn!). Let cool.

ASSEMBLE TREATS: 5 Place a meringue on a plate. Add a large dollop of whipped cream, top with fruit mixture, and drizzle with fruit liquid. Top with pistachio crumble.

WHOA! That was like a culinary marathon, only way better and delicious! Your turn… enjoy!

Check out Gabriel’s blog (theartfuldesperado.com) for tips on making the perfect meringue and the extended, non G-rated version of this recipe blog!

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Jane,

Dear

Top 4 less-obvious places

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

to meet your

SUMMER SOULMATE by Jane Carstens | relationship columnist When it comes to meeting your summer soulmate, most people’s minds go straight to great restaurants and patios — environments that naturally offer a social and fun dynamic. And while a seat in the sun with a fresh cocktail can make for a terrific meet-and-greet, my team thought that we would offer up four less-obvious places to meet your summer soulmate, because frankly, we don’t want anyone to be part of the I-met-my-boyfriend-at-a-club club. Plus, outside of da club, people these days rarely leave their own clique to make new connections. So what kind of off-the-beaten-track places will spark engagement? Read on and discover them for yourself!

WHO YOU WILL MEET: Professional, social, well-dressed men with a sense of adventure. WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Some pearls, a big hat, and a little bit of betting money. BEWARE OF: Schmoozers and sunburns.

1. THE DOG PARK WHY: From a psychology perspective, you are part of the “in-group” of dog owners and have a shared interest that can carry a connection.

4. TENNIS COURTS WHY: Tennis is great because you can play singles or doubles. Our suggestion is to go with one of your (attached) girlfriends and see if you can meet some nice lads for a game of doubles.

WHO YOU WILL MEET: Men who are typically caring, outgoing, and responsible.

WHO YOU WILL MEET: Strong, ambitious, and focused men.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: A (friendly) dog.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: A tennis racket, some decent balls, and a friend.

BEWARE OF: Vicious canines, dog poop.

2. SPORTING EVENTS WHY: You can easily identify like-minded individuals based on the jersey they are sporting. WHO YOU WILL MEET: This depends on the sport but soccer/baseball games are a great place to meet athletic, fun and clean-cut men. WHAT YOU WILL NEED: A jersey, a foam finger, and an overpriced beer. BEWARE OF: Drunk guys and mustard stains.

3. RACETRACK PARTIES WHY: Confidence is high when you’re all dolled up and have a glamorous hat on. At events like Vancouver’s Deighton Cup (deightoncup.com) and Calgary’s Packwood Grand (packwoodgrand.com), you can ask for betting tips, grab a forearm in excitement and make friends while (hopefully) winning some money.

SUMMER 2014

BEWARE OF: Tennis elbow and unfair match-ups.

Remember, ladies, men are visual! It’s a scientific fact that men gaze more and longer at women they find attractive, but that doesn’t mean they have the courage to make the approach. It’s a little trickier to tell if a guy is looking your way in the summer because of their Ray-Bans. Nonetheless, a woman’s intuition is rarely (ahem…never) wrong. If you feel a welcome man’s eyes on you, shoot him a smile! It could be just what he needs in order to make the “first” move. Would you like to see Dear Jane cover a specific topic about dating and relationships? Do you have a question for Jane? Email dearjane@NICHEmagazine.ca

N I C H E fashion

HELL HEELS

B U R A K U YA N

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 COLLECTION

Burak Uyan successfully marries delicate materials with strong designs in his 2014 Spring/Summer shoe collection. Nicknamed “The Architect,” Uyan is known for shoes that are not only exceptional to look at, but comfortable to wear with the perfect proportion of heel, sole and platform. This architecturally inspired collection offers up equal amounts of glam and comfort.

SUMMER 2014

ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL ALWAYS COMFORTABLE

1014 Cook St

•

250.920.7653

•

www.heartandsoleshoes.ca

N I C H E travel

hidden

gems

by Chelsea Forman | travel columnist

Bali, Indonesia, is most commonly described as simply, paradise

SUMMER 2014

hile the tropical island is breathtakingly beautiful, more impressive is its mood. Bali is a feeling, a state of mind. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place to let your spirit soar, to feel your vitality, and to connect with the natural splendour of the earth. Bali is saturated in ancient history, and rich culture.

N I C H E travel

On the southwest coast of Bali, not far from the idyllic Tanah Lot Temple, vacationers will find one of the island’s finest beachfront accommodations, Alila Villas Soori. The resort is located in one of Bali’s most picturesque regions, the Tabanan Regency, and offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Alila Villas Soori’s luxurious and contemporary Asian design flows effortlessly into the land, tumbling gracefully from the rice terraces down to the volcanic-sand beach.

THINGS TO DO • Discover an unexplored realm of relaxation with a treatment at Spa Alila • Indulge in authentic Indonesian food at the resort’s gourmet Cotta restaurant • Enjoy a hands-on cooking experience over cocktails at the resort’s Ombak restaurant • Take a refreshing dip in the 30-metre infinity pool • Head into Abiantuwung village, where there is a famous dance school to take Balinesestyle dance classes • Play a game of golf on the Greg Norman designed course at the Nirwana Bali Golf Club • Take a day trip to the ancient Hindu shrine Tanah Lot • Charter a private helicopter ride to take you for an aerial view of the region

SUMMER 2014

The essence of Bali flows through the resort â&#x20AC;&#x201D; relaxation, rejuvenation and natural wellness. The intimate 48 villas ensure all guests a quiet and private vacation experience. Each villa has a private pool and either a view of the ocean, or of emerald rice fields and Mount Batukaru. The villas offer every blissful comfort you could imagine and have been designed to connect guests with the natural environment. Sweeping inner courtyards provide natural light and ocean breezes, and outdoor pavilions offer unimaginable tranquility. The custom interiors provide every advance in technology and luxury. Alila Villas Soori provides the perfect, welcoming atmosphere with exceptional service, ensuring your trip to paradise is an unforgettable one.

N I C H E beauty

M AY B E L L I N E G E T S A M A K E O V E R

MAYBELLINE

by Sharrie Williams | celebrity columnist

An excerpt from the diary of Jane Allen, Maybelline founder Tom Lyle Williams’ niece, while she and her cousin Annette Williams visited her uncle’s Villa Valentino in Hollywood, right before the start of World War II. Wednesday, June 5, 1940 Annette and I left Chicago on the Grand Canyon Limited bound for California to visit with our uncle, Tom Lyle Williams. Amid much excitement we boarded the train at 11:30 a.m. Unkie (TL’s brother) and aunt Frances and several of Annette’s friends were at the station to see us off and wish us joy. We had lunch on the train and settled for a long ride. There were very few people in our car, but it wasn’t long before a young gentleman invited us to play bridge. Annette didn’t care to play, so I made the fourth. I didn’t learn the names of but one, Bill Munro from Boston, Mass. He was very nice and was with Annette and me most of the train trip. Our train was scheduled for La Junta, Colorado at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 6, so I wired aunt Frank and she and uncle Weldon, Ruth, Little Phillip and Betty all met the train. We enjoyed seeing all the folks. The train stopped in Albuquerque for about twenty minutes. Uncle Weldon had wired ahead to Anita from Las Vegas to meet the train. We had a nice visit with Anita too.

S H A R R I E W I L L I A M S is the heir to the Maybelline legacy, Tom Lyle Williams’ great-niece and Evelyn Boecher Williams’ granddaughter. Growing up in their homes, and steward of the vast Maybelline archives, Williams tells the story of the birth of the Maybelline empire and reveals intimate details about the fascinating family dynasty. NICHE invited Sharrie to give readers an inside look into this beauty empire — sharing excerpts from her book, The Maybelline Story, available online at Maybellinebook.com.

SUMMER 2014

Thursday, June 6, 1940 Spent the day at the Grand Canyon. Our tour included breakfast, lunch and dinner at the El Tovar Hotel and two bus rides around the rim of the Canyon. The Grand Canyon is 17 miles long, has an average width of 10 miles and is one mile in depth. We didn’t take the ride on mule-back down the Canyon to Phantom Ranch, because of lack of time. The two trips by bus gave us an idea of what the Canyon is like. A word picture of this magnificent spectacle would be inadequate. The guide spoke of the Canyon as “The big hole in the ground,” but, it is so large it almost takes your breath away. The day was bright and the colors of the Canyon were lovely. The air was so clear we could get a glimpse of the Painted Desert in the distance. While riding into Williams, Arizona, from the Canyon, I checked the train schedule and discovered the train we were taking arrived in Los Angeles around eleven in the morning, instead of 7:40 p.m., as shown on the timetable. We wired Tom Lyle and he met us at the Union Station in Los Angeles. Tom Lyle had workmen busy at the house and the place was upset, so he wouldn’t take us home until later. We had lunch at the Pig’s Whistle, a real cute place and delicious lunch, after which we proceeded to 6776 Wedgewood Place, Hollywood. First looked over the gardens, saw the Valentino fountain overlooking the swimming pool, badminton court and all the flowers before seeing the Villa Valentino. Then came the house. Everything is lovely. After seeing his movie pictures, we had some idea of the layout of the gardens and the house, but not one part in the pictures was as lovely as the actual gardens and home. The white house is a beautiful contrast to the various vivid colors all around the house. The swimming pool is grand! And has all colors in lounge chairs, pillows, tile with lots of colors and varieties of colors in flowers.

H T R O F B A C K FIT AND FLARE ADVERB :

MOVING FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER AND BACK AGAIN

2004 — BACK

FORTH — 2014

O S C A R D E L A R E N TA

DIOR

Oscar de la Renta owned the runways a decade ago. His raved-about Spring/Summer 2004 collection was modernly romantic, flattering but flirty, playful but elegant.

Also called the hourglass dress, this silhouette was created by Christian Dior in 1947. All these decades later, Dior takes the fit and flare silhouette to a new place for S/S 2014, using layers and textures in a very successful way.

hen is pretty not in style? No matter what the season, regardless of the trends, there are always standout collection pieces that flatter the frame and make a woman feel like a lady — instantly.

The most popular of these silhouettes is the fit and flare dress. This style usually consists of a fitted bodice and a flared or A-line skirt and a hem that ends mid-calf, at or just above the knee. NICHEmagazine.ca

N E PA L

N I C H E travel

Travel with

Toronto NICHE to...

CANADA

SUMMER 2014

by Tracey Drake

t fascinates me how many British Columbians have never visited Toronto, the largest city in Canada and the capital of the province of Ontario. In theory then, planning a trip to Toronto in anticipation of this travel feature was a good idea. As it happened, I landed in Toronto amid the Mayor Rob Ford scandals. He was the star of every television newscast, the subject of every subway conversation, and the entire city seemed to be humming anxiously with palpable displeasure at how their beloved city was being viewed by the rest of the world. I was concerned that the mood of the city would have an adverse effect on my trip, and my overall impression of Toronto. I neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have worried. Political noise aside, there was a calm confidence that Torontonians are famous for; a firm understanding that their stunning urban metropolis would remain in its magnificent and perpetual state of controlled chaos.

N I C H E travel

Cultured and cosmopolitan, Toronto achieves the impossible — a highly livable city with an apparent relaxed vibe. This is Canada’s arts and media hub, but interspersed with the modern technology, are the charming tree lined lanes of exclusive Yorkville, the eccentric streets of Kensington, and a host of unique galleries and desirable consignment fashion boutiques in West Queen West. Toronto boasts an exciting food scene too, with residents and tourists alike in search of the newest culinary delights. The non-stop neon hum of the city is what attracts visitors, but it is the artistic offerings, cool neighbourhoods and welcoming locals that make you want to come back.

The fact that over 50 per cent

of the residents of Toronto are not from Canada, that is always a good thing, creatively, and for food especially. That is easily a city’s biggest strength, and it is

TORONTO’S UNIQUE STRENGTH -ANTHONY BOURDAIN

SUMMER 2014

A RESTFUL BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE I chose to stay with an up and coming chain on the Toronto hotel scene – Hotel Le Germain. I am so glad that I did! I stayed for two nights at each of their two Toronto properties; one in the heart of downtown and the other at Maple Leaf Square. I really enjoyed the local artwork in the hotel rooms; the fresh flowers in the room and the whimsical décor in the public spaces that made me want to spend time instead of walking through the lobby and reception areas. This hotel feels different from the moment you walk in. The staff were uber friendly, efficient, respectful and always discreet - the staff of Le Germain seem to take pleasure in being your perfect holiday host. My room, at both Hotel Le Germain properties, was spacious and enveloped me in a sense of peace and quiet. I needed that. The decor, at once understated and inviting created a unique experience for the senses. The clever use of rich woods, sleek glass, and modern ceramics is the result of an inspired and inspiring design, centred on relaxation and wellbeing.

WHERE ART AND FASHION COLLIDE (IN A REALLY GOOD WAY)

In a city of 2.6 million people (the most populated city in Canada), it is not surprising that a visitor would be spoiled for choice when it comes to arts, culture and fashion. Aside from Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario (both worthy of a day in your travel planner), I chose to showcase three different experiences, each that meet at the intersection of high fashion and incomparable art. 1. BATA SHOE MUSEUM —

One of my favourite days in Toronto was spent exploring the Bata Shoe Museum, where Elizabeth Semmelhack, Senior Curator, was kind enough to give me a rare glimpse into the storage galleries, which houses an international collection of more than 13,000 shoes and related artefacts. Celebrating 4,500 years of footwear history in four distinctive rotating galleries, the Museum is a cultural gem in the heart of the city, where every shoe has a story. A new exhibit, Fashion Victims: The Pleasures and Perils of Dress in the 19th Century, explores the dangers of fashion and features more than ninety artifacts from the Bata Shoe Museum’s extensive holdings plus private collection loans. Fashion Victims is on view until June 2016.

NICHEmagazine.ca

N I C H E travel 2. DESIGN EXCHANGE MUSEUM —

If you crave the arts, but seek a non-museum experience, this is a must see! I spent an afternoon with HGTV designers and NICHE design columnists Colin and Justin and Shauna Levy, President of Design Exchange. Together, we experienced This Is Not A Toy exhibit (guest curated by Pharrell Williams) and relived bits of our childhood through the playful eyes of the artists. In an upcoming exhibit, Politics of Fashion | Fashion of Politics will be on view from September 2014 to January 2015. Jeanne Beker makes her curatorial debut spanning six decades of fashion and presenting more than 200 important pieces. It explores the numerous ways fashion has helped ignite political awareness, and at the same time, how politics have dictated style through the decades. 3. TORONTO FASHION INCUBATOR —

There is something exceptional about taking a peek at the future of the fashion industry in Canada, and that is exactly what happened when I visited TFI. Executive Director Susan Langdon talked with me proudly about this unique, vibrant organization. The first official “fashion incubator” in the world, the TFI is dedicated to supporting and nurturing Canadian fashion designers. It was an honour to meet talented designers Sid Neigum (right), Laura Siegel, and Christopher Paunil, each in residence at TFI, all in a frenzy preparing for Toronto Fashion Week. Remember their names; they are rising fashion stars.

THREE DEGREES OF RETAIL THERAPY The city of Toronto is a diverse shopping mecca, and no matter what you seek, you can find it here. There are so many distinct fashion personalities; here are three of the most popular: 1. WEST QUEEN WEST —

Wendy from TheRefinery.com took me on a whirlwind (and snowy) tour of the best shops on the WQW shopping circuit. West Queen West offers up a unique blend of boutiques with different price points. The Cat’s Meow, shown right and my handsdown favourite, was brimming with high end designer fashion finds. Others faves along the way included Magwood, Vintage 69, and Public Butter. 2. KENSINGTON MARKET —

Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2006, Kensington Market is a charming enclave of independent shops, cafes and unique food stands. There is a large concentration of excellent used and vintage clothing stores that are worth a leisurely browse. My favourites were Bungalow and Courage My Love, where I scored a vintage train case and a 1950’s Holt Renfew butter yellow swing coat, both for less than $50! 3. YORKVILLE —

When you want to shop designer and do a little celebrity sightseeing, Yorkville is the place. Visiting the original locations of Pink Tartan and Free People were highlights for me, and once your shopped out, be sure to stop for coffee and macarons at MoRoCo Chocolat Boutique Salon & Cocoa Bar. Tres Chic!

SUMMER 2014

FAVOURITE EATS AROUND T.O. 1. VICTOR RESTAURANT & LOUNGE —

Tucked inside Hotel Le Germain Toronto, and with Chef David Chrystian (of Top Chef Canada fame) running the kitchen, Victor is without question a culinary adventure worthy of the most particular foodie. The menu is imaginative and exceptional. I recommend the Toronto Tasting Menu.

2. THE GABARDINE —

Located in the heart of the financial district, this little diner is a true hidden gem that is quickly gaining notoriety. Recently featured on You Gotta Eat Here, the menu is brimming with homemade goodness. Don’t leave without trying the bubbling mac and cheese with smoked ham. 3. BALZAC’S COFFEE ROASTERS —

Nestled in the heart of the charming Distillery District (Toronto’s only pedestrian village), you’ll be lured through Balzac’s front doors by the intoxicating aroma of really good coffee, but you’ll stay to enjoy the rustic décor and engaging ambiance.

NICHEmagazine.ca

N I C H E home

GRAND STYLE E V E LY N

ESHUN

award-winning

designer

is an and,

principal of Evelyn Eshun Design. For almost two decades, she has concentrated on custom-designed residential projects. She is known for making your space a showcase and bringing out the best in you. EvelynEshun.com

SUMMER 2014

Lbath uxurious

by Evelyn Eshun | design columnist

luxurious bathroom is the crowning jewel of any home these days. What makes a bathroom space look and feel luxurious? Finishes such as marble, and amenities and conveniences like steam showers and chromatherapy tubs are becoming the normal expectation for many of us looking for some indulgences in our homes. The desire for a luxurious bath experience dates back centuries, when water had a strong religious value as a purifying element. The Romans treasured their bathing experience, and the Turkish still have those incredible hot springs in Pamukkale.

N I C H E home

When collaborating with clients, who often come to me with a request for a bathroom renovation, there are usually four key considerations that determine the design direction for their bathroom getaway.

SPACE

Adding real estate to your bathroom will instantly give it a luxurious feeling. Stealing space from a neighbouring closet or bedroom will allow for more elbow room, especially in a master ensuite where two people share the space.

MATERIALS

A luxurious bathroom has materials such as marble, quartz, natural wood, mosaics, and glass, which will create an environment that exudes luxury.

LIGHT

Skylights and large windows will bring an abundance of natural light into the bathroom. If you don’t have a fantastic view from a bathroom window, installing a decorative window treatment or glass art design will provide you with privacy as well as an attractive sight in the window area.

When planning your bathroom, consider (and budget to allow for) as many items from the list at left as you can. To guide our clients in their quest for the perfect bathroom renovation, we ask, “what do you want your bathroom to feel like?” Most often, they tell me that they want their bathroom to feel spa-like. What this means to me at a minimum is that there must be the addition of natural stone, a shower combination that includes a rain head and adjustable hand-held shower, and an uncluttered look, among other luxurious touches. When creating a luxurious bathroom, I often start with creating a custom vanity to express a client’s unique style. Opting for a custom vanity allows you to get the exact style, size and storage needs tailored just for you. Currently, the contemporary aesthetic is the most prevalent style. To achieve this look, consider a vanity with very simple lines, finished with an exotic wood veneer, complemented by marble mosaic tiles.

DETAILS

Items such as quality plumbing fixtures, furniture, fireplaces, sound systems, steam showers, high-end light fixtures, linear drains, plaster moldings and storage systems will add to the experience of the luxurious bath.

SUMMER 2014

TAKEAWAY TIP: A free-standing tub creates the illusion of space in a bathroom. Your tub should be sized properly, not only for your body, but also for your bathroom so that it is proportional to the size of your space.

Tubs, sinks and toilets are not normally the most engaging topic when planning the bathroom; however, we now have a wide variety of stylish options in all price points in the market. The tub can easily act as the focal point in your dream bathroom, with a variety of unusual finishes like glass, copper and silver to choose from. One can find many unique and technologically innovative products from various companies that are leading the way in trendsetting and affordable luxury. From free-standing tubs and sink designs to LED lighting incorporated in showers and tubs, there is something for everyone to choose from when deciding on what to include in the creation of their luxurious bathroom. I love bathroom design; there is something therapeutic and very satisfying about giving the gift of a fabulous bathroom to a client. After all, your bathroom should greet you at the beginning and end of every day with indulgence, comfort and relaxation.

T O G E T Y O U R M A K E U P A P P L I C AT I O N P E R F E C T : P L A C E W A L L S C O N C E S AT E Y E L E V E L — 6 6 ” T O 7 2 ” F R O M T H E F L O O R A N D 3 6 ” T O 4 0 ” A P A R T — T O E L I M I N AT E S H A D O W S U N D E R T H E C H I N , E Y E S A N D C H E E K S , S O M E T H I N G W E C A N A L L A P P R E C I AT E !

SUSTAINABLY different. Located @ The Hudson, FREE PARKING! #4, 1701 Douglas St. Victoria, BC

designhousesalon.com | 778.433.4393

designHouse Salon practices a new sustainable approach to holistic hair, body and health experiences. Located in the heart of downtown Victoria – designHouse’s dynamic range of eco-chic services and products promise to change your beauty and health expectations. "The Greenest Salon in Victoria"

N I C H E lifestyle

F R E N C H F R I E S | Moschino P B & J | BESTIES CASES

S W E E T B E R R Y | Nasty Girl

GAME

T R È S T R È S B E L L E | Garance Dore

of Phones

It hasn’t quite surpassed our obsession with dressing dogs in tutus and raincoats, but covering our phones in pretty packaging is picking up speed in the popularity department. Here are seven summer cases that offer up a whole lot of different.

*see buyers guide for full details [page 90]

BRITISH PHONE B O O T H | Lulu Guinness O C E A N B L U E P E T A L | Burberry

C A N O F S O U P | Zero Gravity 82

SUMMER 2014

Life is too short to wear boring glasses.

The Optical Boutique

Beyond 20/20: Our opticians provide the highest level of personalized services, from arranging eye exams and follow-up care, to frame and lens consultation. The experienced staff at The Optical Boutique can help you select frames and lenses that fit your needs, personality and lifestyle. By offering art, imagination and design, The Optical Boutique is changing the eyewear experience. One face at a time.

2009 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver theopticalboutique.com

facebook.com/theopticalboutique

604-261-9412 @opticalboutique

@theopticalboutique

N I C H E fashion

AROUND THE WORLD

STYLE

KELOWNA Contributor: FAS H IO N BLOG G E R S AR AH BREG O L IS S

Contributor: FA SHI O N BLOG GER JA SM I N HOWELL @ friend infashion

Jeans: O NE TE AS POON

Street Vibe: Travelling the world with Chanel in one hand and a passport in the other, Howell engages her large following with fun and inspirational imagery. Her summer must-haves include stripes and a fun skirt, which can easily translate from day to night.

Sneakers: C O NVE RSE

Model: JA SM IN HO WE LL

Handbag: FATE D KN IGH T

Top: CA M EO T HE LA BE L

@bre g g le s

Street Vibe: Laid-back style is evident amongst the streets of Kelowna. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about mixing casual and fun for summer. Model: S ARAH B RE GOLISS Kimono: L O VE L E IG H Top: C H AS E R

AUSTRALIA

SUMMER 2014

VANCOUVER Contributor: FA S HI O N BLO GGE R S A R A H E LI Z A BE TH WE N S C HLA G @sarah el i zth e5th

Street Vibe: Yellow tulips, pink roses and sunshine are just a few of the things that complete summer in the suburbs. Model: S A R A H E LI Z A BE TH WE N S C HLA G

Skirt: Z A R A Top: A R I TZ I A Jacket: F 2 1 Sandal: S TE V E MA D D E N Pendant: JC R E W

TORONTO Contributor: FASHION BLO GGER BO LARG E @bo l ar ge

Street Vibe: What better way to hit the streets of Toronto in the summer than on a bike with a great leather jacket and fashion-forward sneakers? Model: B O LARG E Sunglasses: RAY- BANS Leather Jacket: VELOU R Hoodie: J CREW Bra: F O REVER 2 1 Jeans: Z ARA Necklace: SHARK T O OT H

Skirt: CA M EO T HE LA BE L

F R O M A SHARK MY GR A N D PA CAU G HT IN TA S MA NIA

Shoes: GUESS

Shoes: A DIDAS ADIPU RE

Purse: C HA N EL

TR 3 6 0

Jewellery: JA SMI N HO WE LL

Rings: LUCK Y U NICO RN

: D E R U T A FE

MILAN Contributor: FASH ION BLOG GER VIRG INIA VAR IN ELLI @ v ir g in iav ar inelli

Street Vibe: White crisp essentials are perfect for summer fashion and even better when paired with a great handbag and heels. Model: VIRG IN IA VA R IN ELLI Dress: D E NIM&SUP P LY RAL P H L AU R E N

Wedges: MIU MIU Bag: H E RME S BIR K IN Sunglasses: G IO R GIO A R M A N I Rings: L A D IAMA N T ER IA Handcuff: VIRIDI Lipstick: D O L CE & GA B BA N A

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Testing... Testing...

K R I S T I N A M A T I S I C is a TV personality, writer and shopping expert. The host of such shows as Anna and Kristina’s Grocery Bag and The Shopping Bags, she is also a passionate product tester.

by Kristina Matisic | product expert Considering that ice cream is one of my favourite food groups, when I came across the Swirlio, I was pretty excited. (I often eat some sort of frozen treat every day, to the great chagrin of my bikini collection.) The Big Boss Swirlio (who comes up with these names?) is an appliance that promises to turn fruit into a soft-serve dessert without the need to add any additional sugars or dairy. It works much like a juicer or food processor. You force-feed frozen fruit down the shoot, but instead of juice, soft-swirl comes out the other end. My first concoction was a mix of frozen berries, straight from the freezer section. The resulting swirl tasted like a dense, slightly melted popsicle. The machine worked well but I quickly realized that you have to use a lot of fruit to create a decent-sized portion, which means you’re consuming a fair bit of (albeit natural) sugar.

ACCESSORIES: Serving gelato or sorbet for dessert keeps summer entertaining simple and light. Select a few different flavours and serve them in these adorable latte bowls from Anthropology. Much too stylish to reserve just for coffee, they come in 14 delicious shades so you’ll be sure to find your perfect match.

SUMMER 2014

Adding frozen bananas to the mix helps create a creamier, more ice cream-like texture. My best brew was a combo of bananas, blueberries and an ounce of melted dark chocolate. That’s two good servings of fruit, all before 9 a.m.! One issue I had with the Swirlio is that even when the “swirling” seems complete, a lot of fruit has actually been left in the guts of the machine. So be sure to take it apart and scrape out any good bits.

Modern Romance

This tall, dark and good looking 33-year-old gent is looking for his sweetheart. Family-minded, stylish, and living for adventure, he has literally travelled the world (South America, Europe Asia, and Australia) but his priority now, is finding his girl in Vancouver. He likes playing Indy music on his guitar, watching foreign films, dinners out in Gastown, and showing off his culinary skills in the kitchen.

Is the Swirlio going to replace your summer strolls to the gelato shop? Likely not. But it is one way to get more fruit into your diet and I can see it being a hit with kids. A final tip, you can save about $10 by getting your Swirlio at London Drugs instead of ordering it online.

haunts where to enjoy delicious treats in your town.

Interested? Please forward a short description of yourself and current photo and we will contact you for a confidential interview.

jane@matchmakerforhire.com

My rating: Favourite

Are you a creative East Indian girl-next-door, late 20’s to early 30’s, with a traditional heart and modern mind? Petite, affectionate and caring, you march to your own beat and want a man who will appreciate you.

There are NO FEES to be introduced to this client.

Fancy fruit swirl is swell, but for the real deal, check out Bella Gelateria in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour and softserve ice cream at Victoria’s Beacon Drive In.

778-552-3350 matchmakerforhire.com @matchmaker4hire

facebook.com/MatchmakerForHire

203-1238 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2Y5 phone 778-552-3350 | toll free 1-855-552-3350 Western Canada’s Premier Matchmaker Vancouver | Victoria | Calgary and across North America

N I C H E fashion

Reinvented

GRAFFITI THE GIRL

THE GUY

Black jumpsuit, Le Chateau. Shoes, Delicacy.

Blazer, Mooreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. T-shirt, RW&CO. Jeans, Levis.

ove it or loathe it, graffiti is a prevalent part of popular culture, and has become a bona fide art form. Across British Columbia, creative splashes and illicit statements can be easily found. Local photographer Sam Stringer thought it would be interesting to see how well fashion and graffiti could play together.

Photographer & Stylist SAM STRINGER

Models AISLING GOODMAN, TYLER MCCULLOCH [ COULTISH MANAGEMENT]

Hair & Makeup Artist ERIN BRADLEY

Shot on location at TOLMIE LANE, VICTORIA, B.C.

SUMMER 2014

NICHEmagazine.ca

N I C H E retail therapy

BUYERS GUIDE O F C O N T E N T S P A G E 4 Marc by Marc Jacobs silicone phone case, stylebop.com, $81. Filippa K kimono, Hughes, $340. Free People destroyed skinny, Plenty, $98. Free People blue intimate, Knickers, $39. MiskWill heart necklace, Amelia Lee, $34. Coach JULAYNE glasses, Mayfair Optometric Clinic, $210. Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Lip Balm, Hudson’s Bay, $19. F A R & A W A Y P A G E 1 0 Christian Lacroix Arty Notebook, chapters.indigo.ca, $25. Chloe Dusty Rose Small Marcie Shoulder Bag, ssense. com, $556. Straw hat, H&M, $15. B E A U T Y R E M A R K S P A G E 1 4 Rub rub rub, Lush Cosmetics, $22. Origins Ginger body scrub, Hudson’s Bay, $43. Vanilla Silk sugar body scrub, Whistler Naturals, $17. S U M M E R S H O O T P A G E 3 2 Blush demi bra, Knickers, $48. Crea Concept suit in ivory knit, Hughes, $550. Electric Volcano pants, Somedays Lovin’, amelialeeboutique. com, $130. MiskWill heart necklace, Amelia Lee, $34. P A G E 3 4 Monk & Low Edita slipdress, Plenty, $60. BCBG Heiress collection necklace, BCBG, $102. MiskWill heart necklace, Amelia Lee, $34. Coach Catrice sunglasses, Mayfair Optometric Clinic, $200. Gentle Fawn Peyton Skirt, Plenty, $97. BCBG Max Azria metal waist belt, BCBG.com, $90. Vera Moda denim shirt, Plenty, $59. P A G E 3 6 Free People Angel dress, Plenty, $128. Penfield Sunnyvale shirt, Complex, $100. Supertrash tan shirt, Amelia Lee, $139. HUIT bluebell combo, Knickers, top-$98 bottoms-$84. MiskWill heart necklace, Amelia Lee, $34. F A C E I T ! P A G E 2 2 Givenchy Terre Exotique Healthy Glow Powder, Sephora, $71. NUXE Limited Edition Huile Prodigieuse, Hudson’s Bay, $39. LA PRAIRIE Cellular Radiance Night Cream, Holt Renfrew, $742. GUERLAIN Terracotta Joli Teint Foundation, Hudson’s Bay, $58. CLARINS Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster, Shoppers Drug Mart, $30. Buff Beauty light-up lip gloss, buffbeauty.ca, $20. S T Y L E T H E R A P Y P A G E 4 0 Graphic kimono jacket, escada.com. Wilfred Melodique Romper, Aritzia, $145. D E S I G N P E R S P E C T I V E S P A G E 4 2 Hardwood & Engineered flooring, Kentwood, kentwoodfloors.ca. Sound & Vision integration, Command Performance, command-performance.com. Granite floors and walls, Muskoka Rock, muskokarockcompany.com. Kitchen by Bateman Furniture, batemanfurniture.ca. Stone surfaces by Caesarstone, fitted by The House Of Granite, thehouseofgranite.com. Fabrics by Robert Allen, robertallendesign.com. Living room seating from Casa Life, casalife.com. Accessories from Homesense, homesense.ca. Western Red Cedar, realcedar. com. Appliances by Liebherr, liebherr-appliances.com & AEG aeg-appliances. ca. T O P T E N F R A G R A N C E S P A G E 5 0 BOUCHERON Place de Vendome, Hudson’s Bay, $85. THIERRY MUGLER Alien, Hudson’s Bay, $70. VIKTOR & ROLF Flowerbomb, Sephora, $88. MARC JACOBS Daisy Eau TABLE

SUMMER 2014

So Fresh, Sephora, $89. CHANEL No.5, Hudson’s Bay, $122. BALENCIAGA Rosabotanica, Sephora, $100. PHILOSOPHY Loveswept, Sephora, $55. STELLA McCARTNEY Stella, Sephora, $89. DIOR Miss Dior, Hudson’s Bay, $94. L’OCCITANE EN PROVENCE Neroli & Orchidee, loccitane.com, $83. H E L L O N H E E L S P A G E 6 4 Honeycomb teal heeled sandal bootie, Burak Uyan, burakuyan.com. Sultry T-strap heels in yellow, black and offwhite, Burak Uyan, burakuyan.com. Building blocks heeled sandal in multicolour, Burak Uyan, burakuyan.com. Vibrant wrap sandals in teal and plum, Burak Uyan, burakuyan.com. Building blocks high heel sandal in multicolour, Burak Uyan, burakuyan.com. Geometric black bootie sandal in black, Burak Uyan, burakuyan.com. Sultry sling back in black and white, Burak Uyan, burakuyan.com. G A M E O F P H O N E S P A G E 8 2 Sweet Berry Iphone case, nastygal.com, $22. Burberry petal Iphone 5 sleeve, net-a-porter. com, $219. MOSCHINO fries phone case, stylebop.com, $73. Lulu Guinness phone booth phone case, luluguinness.com, $200. Garance Dore graphic French phone case, indigo.ca, $35. PB&J besties phone cases, touchzerogravity. com, $36/set. Moon Soup Iphone case, touchzerogravity.com, $24.

SHOP WITH

FASHION BEAUTY HOME LIFESTYLE DINING

celebrates local

nside the NICHE Marketplace you can find all your local experiences easy and fun! From favourite boutiques, malls and salons, to fabulous restaurants and fitness clubs, this guide to the good life has it all.

OFFICIAL NICHE SHOPPING GUIDE

NICHEmagazine.ca

PATTY MACK

REALTOR® Victoria, B.C. Email: pattymack@shaw.ca Victoria, B.C. lifestylewithpattymack.com Email: pattymack@shaw.ca

Camosun

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

N I C H E retail therapy

lifestylewithpattymack.com 250-478-9600

2 5 0 -478- 9600

ure

REPAIRS . CUSTOM WORK & DESIGN . BEADING CLASSES

GEMS & ESSENTIAL LUXURIES

614 JOHNSON STREET VICTORIA, BC 250.381.6260 www.aureagems.com

Victoria’s Largest Bead Store Locally owned & operated by sisters Lorrie and Susan Huge selection of Miyuki seed beads, semi-precious stones, crystals & specialty beads

250-590-7690

1317 Broad Street, Victoria f a c e b o o k . c o m / V i c t o r i a B e a d To w n D e s i g n s

250-391-9000 www.lalimo.ca LIMOUSINES

info@lalimo.ca

and Transportation Services

"... it's how you get there."

Vancouver Island's Professional Choice

Sedans, SUVs, Vans, 8 and 10 passenger Lincoln Town Car limousines 12 and 14 passenger Lincoln Navigator SUV Limousines 20 and 26 Passenger Limousine Buses

Go Green! All New 2013 Lexus ES300h Hybrid Sedan

SUMMER 2014

BIKRAM YOGA WESTSHORE Bikram Yoga, Intermediate & Advanced Hot Yoga, and Warm Hatha Flow Yoga Childcare available for some classes. Circuit Training Saturdays at noon. Proudly Serving the Westshore: Saanich South | View Royal | Langford Colwood | Metchosin | Sooke

250.391.1975 | bikramwestshore.com

twitter.com/BikramWestshore facebook.com/bikramwestshore

750 Goldstream Ave. Victoria

Get my 5 secrets to living an inspired life now! Food for your soul delivered right to your inbox

Inspiration Mecca is an online lifestyle publication that embodies the philosophy of inspired living.

InspirationMecca.com facebook.com/InspirationMecca

Our goal is to provide content that informs, inspires and encourages individuals to manifest their creative entrepreneurial vision.

High fashion, gently loved consignment clothing for less

ClosetCrows.com

Beautiful clothes should be loved again

VICTORIA’S FIRST DEDICATED LASH BAR Luly Lash’s technicians use NovaLash adhesive to fully customize beautiful lashes at an affordable price. Ladies all over Victoria are waking up pretty and so should you.

BB LUXE Beauty Balm

VISIT US AT 1820 OAK BAY AVE

Enjoy the multiple benefits of BB LUXE cream. This multi-tasking beauty balm actively corrects, beautifies, moisturizes, nourishes, protects, evens tone and adds radiance

LULYLASH.COM | 250.592.3482

Empowering Women to Take Control of Their Finances theverchgroup@raymondjames.ca LOCATED @ THE HUDSON, FREE PARKING! #4, 1701 DOUGLAS ST. VICTORIA, BC

DESIGNHOUSESALON.COM

778.433.4393

Raymond James Ltd., Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

NICHEmagazine.ca

N I C H E retail therapy

Ladies Who Lunch connects passionate entrepreneurs and visionary leaders for business, social networking and philanthropy through exclusive and inspirational events. The global community consists of “Business Leaders, Influencers & Philanthropists”. These women are the fearless dream makers, game changers & revolutionary thinkers of our time, whose purpose is to make a difference in the world. Come have lunch with us darling…

LadiesWhoLunch.ca

Anna’s Hair Design celebrates 25 years of business. Come visit us for a new look or just to say Hi.

aiona alive is revolutionary

Saanich Plaza (Across from Uptown Mall) 3554 Blanshard Street. Victoria B.C.

250-361-2662

It brings skin care to a new level, by using a live and pure form of collagen.

aiona translates to ‘eternal’ As opposed to using common hydrolyzed collagen, aiona alive not only provides the best of the daily skin regime but also boosts the health of skin and heals skin conditions. Our products are 100% natural with live collagen.

shop online: AionaAlive.com 94

SUMMER 2014

A L A M O D E

A La Mode Consignment is Victoria’s PREMIER Women’s Consignment Store in the heart of Oak Bay Village. We specialize in designer labels for less! Clothing sizes 0-18, shoes sizes 5 -11, purses & handbags to drool over. We source NEW jewellery & accessories from around the globe.

A La Mode Consignment

1507 Wilmot Place, Victoria, B.C. V8R 5S3

250-592-1116 www.facebook.com/alamode2009 Monday - Saturday 10 - 5

Why settle for less than First Class? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not in NICHE, where are you? 121-2720 MILL BAY Road Mill Bay Shopping Centre

250-743-8131 www.specialtylingerie.ca

CLASSIC HAIR CUTS FACIAL TRIMMING COLOUR

Walk-in or Appointments

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS

$299

Tuesday-Saturday free parking of Richmond Rd www.aftershavebarber.com

advertise 250.595.7870 | sales@NICHEmagazine.ca

NICHEmagazine.ca

N I C H E lifestyle

NINE S A N D C A S T L E S I N T H E S K Y I N C A P PA D O C I A , T U R K E Y

Would you like

to fly in my

Cappadocia, located in the Anatolian region of Turkey, is regarded as one of the three best places in the world to take a hot air balloon ride. The remarkable surrealistic vistas and temperate flying conditions allow the colourful balloons to float over extraordinary rock formations including the Cappadocia caves, lush vineyards and ancient architecture that resembles sandcastles in the sky.

BEAUTIFUL BALLOON?

SUMMER 2014

a world of possibilities delivered to your doorstep

Subscribe online at

Opening May 21st, 2014

COME CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF OUR NEW RESTAURANT WITH TWO SPECIAL OFFERS FOR JUNE:

First small plate with a glass of wine for $10 40 MINUTES NORTH OF VICTORIA

2915 Cameron-Taggart Road, Mill Bay BC

Unsworth Wines by the glass for $6

ONE HOUR SOUTH OF NANAIMO

250.929.2292

www.unsworthvineyards.com

Subscribe to

C e l e b r a NICHE oo d and win ting f

WINE TASTINGS & TOURS

RESTAURANT

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NICHEmagazine.ca The best of

what the Cowichan Valley has to offer

NICHE magazine

FASHION FORWARD

TORY BURCH, DIOR, CHLOE, BCBG

B.C.

edition GLOBAL OUTL LOCAL ED OOK GE

FASHION | BEAUTY | HOME | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE

ICON

SUMMER 2014

High Mighty

CATE BLANCHETT

NOT-SO-TEENIE

BIKINI

your best

BEACH

BODY VOLUME 2 | NUMBER 3

TRAVEL to... BALI, LAOS & TORONTO

DVF

YEARS OF THE WRAP DRESS

NICHEmagazine.ca

COASTAL CHIC SUMMER ISSUE 2014

DISCOVER YOURS at NICHEmagazine.ca