Vancouver Boulevard/English April 2018

DEFINING WEST COAST lIFE AND lUXUrY

ISSUE NO.10 AprIl 2018

las Vegas P R E M i U M R E A l E STAT E

gvhba ovation awards capturing the industry

public’s eye

s

ongstress WENDY YAU SUM CHEUNG RETURNS TO VANCOUVER

THE ART OF FINE LIVING

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boulevard aPrIl 2018

CONTENTS

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Flower Power

To lift our spirits, to bring us closer to nature and experience an inexplicable burst of joy

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Art: tAkAshi MurAkAMi

The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg, exhibition preview at the Vancouver Art Gallery

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Newell Bejewelled

Claire Newell travels FIRST CLASS

BOULEVARD

COVER PHOTO

Wendy Cheung, Entrepreneur, philanthropist, writer and realtor relaxes at the piano in the Grand Villa, Delta Hotel’s newest Restaurant Atlas Steak + Fish.

Wendy is wearing an exquisite House of Bahareh gown, Jewellery by Nadri and Aldo Shoes.

Hair and Makeup: Ana Allen, Ana V Beauty Stylist: Sarah D’Arcey Other looks in Wendy Cheung story provided by Holt Renfrew.

Look 2 (Wine Lace Cocktail Dress), Dress: ALEXIS Earrings & Ring: Nadri / Shoes: Aldo Look 3 (Black Cocktail Dress), Dress: Stella McCartney Bracelet: Nadri / Shoes: Aldo Look 4 (Skirt with Cartoon) Skirt: Comme des Garcons Blazer: Comme des Garcons / Shoes: Aldo 10

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ovAtioN AwArds

GVHBA Ovation Awards, Capturing the Industry and the Public's Eye

A Flawless Design

by Palladio

CONTENTS

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weNdY CheuNG: vANCouver MusiCiAl ANd soNG writer Enjoying standing ovations at Vancouver's Centre for Performing Arts

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lAs veGAs MANor Experience Serenity in this $7.99-million property in Henderson, Nevada

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diANe's liNGerie

Giving Vancouver women a sanctuary and safe haven to celebrate their bodies for over three decades

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Artist ProFile; dANiCA luNdY

Exploring contradictions, power structures and “painful, awkward moments” 12

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CONTENTS

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PAolo FAzioli loves vANCouver

Determined to create a legacy that will transcend generations

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vANCouver CherrY BlossoM FestivAl Uniting Vancouverites in celebration of a unique seasonal phenomenon

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iN CeleBrAtioN oF russiA's MidsuMMer white NiGhts

This year's Opera Festival is named under the banner of the Russian White Nights in Vancouver’s musical world

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dANCe Your PANts oFF

From the dance marathons of the flapper era to the gut-tightening Twist

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Sit back, relax.

Experience Muse & Merchant

MUSEANDMERCHANT.COM COQUITLAM 1400 United Blvd 604.524.3443

LANGLEY 20429 Langley By-Pass 604.530.9458

KELOWNA 1912 Spall Rd 250.860.3635

NANAIMO 1711 Bowen Rd 250.753.8900

VICTORIA 661 McCallum Rd 250.474.3433

ISSUE NO.10 APRIL 2018

PUBLISHER Harry van Hemmen harryvh@blackpress.ca 604-649-1707 MANAGING EDITOR Harry van Hemmen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ana Allen, Arezoo Aliperti, Kelly Bai, Catherine Barr, Shawn Conner, Bob de Wit, Nathan Fong, Chelsea Forman, Sabrina Furminger, Lucy Lau, Joe Leary, Leeta Liepins, Yiyi Ling, Lisa Manfield, Helen Siwak, Catherine Tse, Harris Van DESIGNERS Lily Chan, Claudia Gross, Michelle Gjerde ADVERTISING SALES

Grace Fertility Centre Dr. Anthony Cheung Specializing in: Infertility IVF and related technologies “Mini-IVF” Egg Freezing

Kimberley Lim kim.lim@vancouverboulevard.com Jersey Li jersey.li@vancouverboulevard.com Vicki Clark vicki.clark@blackpress.ca PHOTOGRAPHERS Alfonso Arnold, Felix Chang, Michel Chicoine, Tom Hawkins, Martin Knowles, Kuna Lu, Yinan Scott Shi, Karolina Turek, Charles Zuckermann ILLUSTRATIONS Mandy Lau, mandy-lau.com DISTRIBUTION Marilou Pasion Marilou@blackpress.ca 604-542-7411

Donor Eggs Genetic Screening (PGS, PGD, NIPT) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

DEFINING WEST COAST lIFE AND lUXUrY

ISSUE NO.10 AprIl 2018

las Vegas P R E M i U M R E A l E STAT E

gvhba ovation awards capturing the industry

public’s eye

songstress WENDY YAU SUM CHEUNG RETURNS TO VANCOUVER

VANCOUVERBOULEVARD.COM #210-604 West Broadway 604-558-4886 Toll Free 1-855-530-4376 FERTILITYWITHGRACE.COM

Boulevard Magazine is published 6 times per year by Black Press Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs.

feature contributors

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2 1 1 Catherine Barr

“Cat” is known as one of Vancouver’s most popular celebrity/events columnists and writes about society life in Vancouver and all the best charity parties in town.

She is also editor/owner of WestVancouver.com and NorthVancouver.com which represent Canada’s wealthiest communities online with over 3 million hits per month.www.

CatherineBarr.com.

2 nathan Fong

has been an award-winning food stylist for print and film advertising for the past 26 years and is an internationally published food and travel journalist. He currently is celebrating his 25th year on Global BCTV with his Fong on Food segments a contributor for The Vancouver Sun as well as a regular contributor to Taste Magazine. In addition he has worked for Enroute, Bon Appetit, Fine Cooking, Cooking Light, Men’s Health UK, and NUVO.

7 Joe learY is a veteran broadcaster having plied his trade for a number of Vancouver radio stations over the years as well as a thirteen year run as an on air host & weather anchor on City-TV, through its various incarnations: UTV, Global and CKVU. Joe is also a widely-published freelance writer and radio host.

6 luCY lau is a Vancouver-based design and lifestyle journalist who writes regularly for the Georgia Straight. Her work has also appeared in a number of local online and print publications, including Western Living and BCLiving.ca.

3 liSa manField is a writer, editor and content strategist. Formerly the founding editor of BCLiving.ca, she has also been a contributing editor at Backbone Magazine and marketing manager at TheTyee.ca. She also teaches writing and editing for the web at Simon Fraser University.

8 ana V Owner/ Founder ANAV Beauty School. “My mission is to help you feel more confident and beautiful.

Ever since I fell in love with the transformational power of beauty products, I’ve been obsessed with finding the perfect textures and shades to express every facet of a woman’s personality.

There’s a product for every mood, every occasion and every outfit and I am devoted to helping you find them.” Trained at VFS, Ana worked as a professional makeup artist for TV shows, movies, photo shoots and more. After working with Chanel and Dior Ana founded AnaV Beauty in 2013

5 4 4 BoB de wit is the Chief Executive Officer of the GVHBA. A mentor, director and consultant to growthstage technology companies, As a frequent speaker on entrepreneurship, Bob draws upon his executive experience in corporate development corporate finance and competitive market intelligence holding degrees in marketing and economics from Simon Fraser University.

9 arezoo aliperti A Vancouver based Event/ Wedding management and design expert with over 20 years experience. She is also the producer of annual Dare To Dream Bridal Showcase and various charity galas in Vancouver. She owns Something Borrowed Event Management & Design company and her work has been featured in many publications. Instagram @somethingborrowed.events www.somethingborrowed.ca

5 SaBrina Furminger interviews in the Vancouver film & TV industry, as well as national and international newsmakers like Amanda Tapping (Stargate SG-1), Scott Thompson (The Kids in the Hall), Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek), and Rick Mercer. Writes for multiple wester publications www. sabrinafurminger.com/westender.

10 helen Siwak is the publisher of EcoLuxLuv.com Magazine, freelance editor/writer specializing in retail and luxury lifestyle. She is a regular content contributor to Retail-Insider, BLUSHVancouver, and has lifestyle blogged for StyleDemocracy, View the Vibe, Daily Hive, and Marble Financial. When not attending events in Vancouver’s ‘Luxury Zone’, she is honing her plantbased cooking skills and caring for her rescues. helensiwak@yahoo.com.

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Co lumn

flower

power

By Lisa Manfield

T

here’s a reason we give flowers for milestone occasions. Flowers have the power to lift our spirits, to bring us closer to nature, to experience an inexplicable burst of joy. At least that’s how I feel, and I find it’s amplified when the flowers are in their natural environment.

The very scent of spring in the air brings me so much joy, especially after a long, hard winter filled with endless colds, flus and dreary grey days. When signs of spring begin to emerge in the form of tiny buds on trees and in gardens around the city, it’s like Vancouver — and its inhabitants — get a whole new lease on life.

From the earliest splashes of green on otherwise bare tree branches to emerging tiny tulip tips, the cheery beginnings of blossoms are enough to get me out of my winter funk. A good dose of flower power is just what the doctor ordered, and there’s no better way to celebrate spring than at a flower festival.

As the city gets pretty in pink with cherry blossom-lined streets, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival welcomes everyone to breathe in the most deliciously scented air and to explore, as they say, the “transcendent, fragile beauty” of the cherry blossom.

Taking place April 3 to 29, the festival offers a month’s worth of arts and cultural events, including concerts, Japanese arts and crafts, picnics, bike rides and more. The website, vcbf.ca, also provides neighbourhood maps of the blossoming beauties, so you can follow nature’s fireworks as they paint the town pink.

Next up are tulip festivals, and if you’ve never attended one, I highly recommend it. The fields of tulips are like a sight out of a movie or a dream: a never ending rainbow of flowers as far as the eye can see. You can literally run with wild abandon through rows and rows of luscious red, yellow, purple and orange tulips.

In the Fraser Valley, there are several tulip festivals to check out. Tulips of the Valley has been open to the public since 2006 and attracts 30,000 flower lovers to its Chilliwack location every year. It features over 7,000 tulips, along with appropriate Dutch touches like a windmill and a traditional Dutch bike. And if that wasn’t enough on its own, it also includes fields of daffodils and hyacinths.

Tulips of the Valley typically opens in April, but it is bloom-season dependent, so keep an eye on the website for key dates.

One town over, Bloom: The Abbotsford Tulip Festival will feature similar stunning fields of tulips, along with picnic areas, kids activities, a u-pick field and a flower market.

And if you’re wanting to venture further afield, just south of the border, the Mount Vernon Tulip Festival encompasses over a dozen fields, along with events and attractions running throughout March and April. It’s a driving tour you can do in a day, a weekend, or however long it takes to get your warm weather groove back. n

Lisa Manfield Content Strategist Digital Storyteller SFU Instructor/Public Speaker

Che ck ou t ou r new INs p i r a t i o n F u r n i t u r e . ca Puglia, Italy

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*See store for availability. Not all products shown are available.

Design art

MARK THE MOMENT WITH LOVEMARK DIAMOND’S KNOT COLLECTION

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y making your own choices about the diamond, metal and finishing, you can create a ring as unique as the relationship it celebrates.

Lovemark Diamond has recently launched the ‘KNOT’ Collection which lets the customer build and design their very own wedding band. To build your own wedding band, you need to focus on just a few key elements: style of the ring, finish, width, gold color and if you want to add diamonds to your band. From these simple elements spring an infinite number of possible combinations, including the perfect ring to match every personality. If that isn’t enough, you can customize your ring by adding personal touches like engraving or icon.

The story of your relationship is organic and growing, and your rings can reflect that. Here are some ideas: Save your engraving for your first anniversary, and choose a saying that has new meaning based on your first year as husband and wife.

Choose a design that will allow you to add small customizations to mark special anniversaries or wedding dates. One idea is to have a small diamond added around the band at your five or 10year anniversary.

Whatever options you choose in building your own engagement ring, you can be assured that it will indeed be as unique as the relationship it celebrates — and without needing to pay for 12 months of collaboration with an acclaimed jewellery designer, you can simply go Lovemark Diamond’s site to customize and be able to view your own creation online. n

B E A PA RT O F U S w w w. c h r i s t i n e j e w e l l e r s . c o m w w w. l o v e m a r k d i a . c o m

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Design art

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his indulgent, sophisticated study space, an Ovation Award Finalist, was created with one goal: investing in children’s education. The Cinderella Study was designed with ornate, romanticism and whimsical playfulness in mind. The entire room was crafted with extreme attention to detail from the custom desks and chairs, to the tufted pink satin window seat (which doubles as a Sasen-designed, hidden, drop down, twin bed) for two girls to have a study space fit for royalty.

C

inderella Study

Once a storage room, the design stemmed from a need for a space where the girls would enjoy their schoolwork. The wall panelling is a traditional beaded wainscoting finished with a glazed antiquing process and topped with period-specific wallpaper. The detailed design on the desks, built-in shelving and hand crafted, coffered, barrel vaulted canopy valence produce a cohesion and consistency within the space. Each part of the room was handcrafted, painted using a three-step aging and texturing process and created with love and intention.

The custom barn door was hand fabricated, using recycled materials, custom sized with a one of track system and hardware sourced from multiple suppliers in Canada and the U.S. to achieve the desired appearance.

Sasen Renovations is a multiple award-winning, family owned and operated company working throughout the Greater Vancouver Area. “Our Heart, Your Home” is the company mantra, with a true commitment to crafting high quality home renovations that make the most out of an investment in a Vancouver home. www.sasenrenovations.com n #102 20285 Stewart Cresent Maple Ridge BC V2X 8G1 Ph: (604) 460-8383 Fax: (604) 460-8633 sales@signarama-mapleridgebc.com

RENOVATIONS

Please insure that all spelling is correct including grammar, punctuation, addresses, phone numbers, etc, as Sign A Rama will not be responsible client errors in proofs.

All designs are the intellectual property of Sign A Rama Maple Ridge with the exception of art or design provided by the client.

Minor modifications to original copy acceptable. Any further alterations or design will be an additional $25 charge per proof.

I have read and agree to the terms

Artwork approved by: Date:

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Design art

The Vancouver Art Gallery Presents

Takashi Murakami:

The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg February 3 to May 6, 2018

s Installation view of Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg, exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery, February 3 to May 6, 2018, with Chakras Open and I Drown Under the Waterfall of Life, 2017, in the rotunda, Š Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved, Photo: Rachel Topham, Vancouver Art Gallery.

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B E J EW EL L E D

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s a wife, mother, businesswoman and an entrepreneur, Claire Newell, president of Travel Best Bets, always searches for ways to look the part — whether she is attending a board meeting or getting ready for a social function.

Jewellery plays an important part in a woman’s look. Dressing to impress and wearing jewellery that completes that look, can help women feel the confidence they need to be themselves.

Being a busy woman, Claire looks at places that provide her with variety and high-quality choices, and Palladio jewellers and Nordstrom Vancouver are perfect fits.

CLAIRE NEWELL

TRAVELLING FIRST CLASS Writer and Styling / Arezoo Aliperti Makeup and Hair / Miku, Prep and Beauty Parlor Model / Claire Newell Jewellery / Palladio Jewellers Photography / Alfonso Arnold Outfits / Nordstrom Vancouver

In creating the perfect power outfit for business meetings, Claire chose a Hugo Boss dress and jacket with Dior shoes and a Burberry bag. No look is complete without jewellery to complement it. Claire selected an exclusive-to-Palladio pendant from the Next Classic collection, Staurino Fratelli transformable 18-karat white gold set with 1.31 carats of white and black diamonds, matching earrings, 18-karat white gold set with 1.41 carats of white and black diamonds, and matching ring, 18-karat white gold set with 0.69 carats of white and black diamonds. Last but certainly not the least, the Swiss-made watch, another exclusive piece to Palladio, was from the Tonda Metropolitaine Selene collection, featuring Parmigiani Fleurier stainless steel bezel set with diamonds and mother-of-pearl dial with automatic movement, moon phase and date indicators.

After a gruelling day of meetings and negotiations, Claire had to step out of the boardroom and get ready for a social event in the evening.

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You can never go wrong with a perfectly fitted, black elbow sleeve Dolce & Gabbana dress with a jewel button back, and black Valentino shoes from Nordstrom Vancouver. Once again, Claire chose exclusive pieces from Palladio to complete her look for the evening. Her necklace and earrings were designed and handmade by Palladio. The 18-karat, white gold graduated diamond necklace was set with 17.21 carats of round, brilliant-cut white diamonds, and the 18-karat white gold diamond cluster earrings were set with 5.14 carats, 10 pear shape diamonds.

Her ring from the Spaghetti collection, was Staurino Fratelli 18-karat white gold set with 1.75 carats of white diamonds.

The Swiss-made watch from the Venturer Small Seconds collection, H. Moser & Cie., with 18-karat white gold, complete pave set case and dial with 3.77 carats of diamonds and 4.86 carats of pink sapphires with mechanical movement, was the “pink icing” on the cake.

Heads definitely turned as Claire walked into the Spanish Ballroom of Rosewood Hotel Georgia. They say “the clothes don’t make a woman” and while that’s very true, there’s nothing wrong with dressing well. Being a bold business woman doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress well. As Coco Chanel wisely said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” www.palladiocanada.com n

h ome

persistence

of vision

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By Helen Siwak

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eet the Vancouver builder, Holson Developments Ltd., who is changing the game with highquality service and a 2018 Ovation Awards nomination for the outstanding build at 420 Hidhurst Place in the British Properties.

When Sergey Holson Sr started his namesake company 7 years ago, he could never have anticipated the kind of growth the company would experience. Holson Developments Ltd. moved quickly from its’ first build of a triplex in North Vancouver to an 8,419-square-foot home, currently on the market for over $11M, to this month being honoured with a GVHBA Ovation Award Nomination in the category ‘Best Custom Home: $3M – Under $5M.’ Perhaps it is the sense of comfort that comes with hiring a family-owned and operated brand like Holson. Switching career paths from aspiring Olympic athlete to business partner, son Sergey Jr is taking his final business course at UBC, runs daily operations, and provides the same calibre of determination as his father— albeit with a modern edge—using technology and social media.

When asked for a brochure, Sergey Jr admits that the company has never produced advertis-

ing materials or even built a website, as referrals account for a majority of Holson’s business, thanks to satisfied clients who proudly refer the builders. The father-son duo is building their brand on a core foundation of value and delivering on what is promised, but Sergey Jr ensures an online presence is in the plans.

The Hidhurst house, which has garnered the builders so much attention, is a stunning Prairie Modern home by Janet Scagel Interior Design, situated on the edge of the prestigious Capilano Golf and Country Club. There are those who think ‘a house is a house’ but it is the little extra’s that will make a house extraordinary in the Vancouver market. For example, a 7 baths to 5 bedrooms ratio; a 20foot foyer which includes a 60-gallon saltwater fish-tank; a 65-inch, marble-encased fireplace in the formal living-room, a ‘floating’ 6 foot 4 oak-finish bar, a multi-media theatre and billiards room, and did we mention an elevator?

As the Holson Developments Ltd. brand grows Sergey Jr is inspired to see the company continue to “go beyond the goal” and is determined to facilitate Sergey Sr’s preretirement vision which includes the completion of a mixed-use high rise complete with luxury residential. n

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gvhba

ovation awards capturing the industry

By Helen Siwak

public’s eye

h o me

Recognizing excellence in new-home construction, Renovation and Design in Metro vancouver

E

stablished to recognize outstanding contributions to the real estate market, the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) honours their members who have built, renovated, designed and marketed exceptional properties in Metro Vancouver with the annual Ovation Awards.

Now in its ninth year, the GVHBA Ovation Awards continue to grow with an astounding 50 per cent increase in entries this year and Bob de Wit, CEO, attributes this colossal increase to momentum.

“The Ovation Awards, are gaining industry and consumer recognition. Builders see value in the awards with the increased consumer recognition.

We are also seeing a significant increase in support from the trades like window, bath and kitchen suppliers, which help to build awareness.”

The Ovation Awards highlight the projects that represent the pinnacle of quality and excellence that GVHBA members are bringing to the extremely competitive Vancouver market. With consumers being savvier than ever, everyone from builders to designers to renovators know they need to bring their absolute best to every project and continue to push for building innovation and design excellence.

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De Wit shares why everyone wins when you work with industry leaders. “The GVHBA Ovation Awards are the local residential builders’ awards for Metro Vancouver. A symbol of trust, credibility and excellence, consumers and industry gain confidence working with awardwinning companies. Employers also attract the best talent when they showcase their company as an industry leader. In today’s labour challenged-market, this is incredibly important.”

While we would love to explore every outstanding entry that made it to the finals, these six represent a rich diversity of styles, level of builds, transformations, and locations.

As leaders in the industry, the GVHBA’s awards program is constantly adapting to reflect Metro Vancouver’s landscape. 2019 will be the 10th year for the awards and when the GVHBA committee meets in May to review the past year’s results, they will be doing it with a forward looking lens of always looking to improve the awards process, and to ensure the categories reflect Vancouver’s evolving market. The 2019 Call For Entries will be revealed in October of this year. We congratulate all those who make the prestigious cut this year, on April 28 at the 2018 Ovation Awards Gala.

G Wilson Construction for “Private Residence” – Finalist for Best Renovation: Over $1 million.

With a desire to transform their older and out-of-date home into an airy and spacious home, the sophisticated and well-travelled owners of this property also wanted the renovation to incorporate their extensive collections of art and antiquities into their vision. Because of the cramped boxy layout, this involved taking the structure back to the bare concrete walls and completely rebuilding. This finalist for Best Renovation: Over $1 Million by G. Wilson Construction included the addition of an elevator, antique and modern lighting fixtures, both custom millwork and chinoiserie wood panels – there is even a discreet bar hidden behind furniture cabinetry. Suede walls, silk and wool Hokanson carpets, and hand painted finishes compliment the drama and elegance of this home.

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h o me

Werner Construction Ltd for “UBC Private Residence” with Swick’s Organic Landscaping Ltd & Graytek. – Finalist for Best Custom Homes: Over $5 million.

With a beautiful North Shore view, the ‘UBC Private Residence’ is a finalist for Best Custom Homes: Over $5M and is an 11,000 square foot residence with a west coast contemporary design—immersed into the surrounding landscape giving it the illusion of being half the size with landscaping that feels native, not man-made. With floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light bathed interiors and is surrounded by park-like landscaping, this Werner Construction Ltd. built home also has numerous water elements which include a secluded waterfall koi pond and a negative edge pool that appears to spill into Burrard Inlet. Temperatures in the home and pool are geothermally controlled, energy efficient glazing brings natural light in, and the window shades are powered and recessed into ceilings and special cavities.

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FROM 884 SF

FROM $1,475,900

FROM 564 SF

FROM $890,900

FROM $2,895,900

FROM 1,236 SF

3 BEDROOMS

FROM $2,250,000

FROM 1,245 SF

TOWNHOMES

FROM $8,250,000

FROM 2,683 SF

SUBPENTHOUSES

Pricing subject to change without notice. Rendering is an artist’s interpretation only and may not be accurate. E&OE.

VISIT THE SHOWROOM TODAY | 1050 HOMER STREET IN YALETOWN 604.227.3542 | GrosvenorPacific.com

2 BEDROOMS

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*Prices quoted exclude taxes are subject to availability at the time of visit and/or to change without notice. Photos and renderings are an artist’s conception and are intended as aquoted generalexclude reference only.

Sales and Marketing

by Fifth Avenue Real Marketingnotice.

Ltd. fifthave.caand renderings are an artist’s taxes areE.&O.E. to of availability at the time ofwithout visit and/or to Estate change *Prices quoted exclude*Prices taxes are subject to availability atsubject the time visit and/or to change notice.

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by Fifth AvenueLtd. Realfifthave.ca Estate Marketing Ltd. fifthave.ca conception and are intended as a general E.&O.E.reference Sales andonly.

Marketing bySales Fifth and Avenue Real Estate Marketing

hom e

Canvas Homes for “The Cube House” – Finalist for Best Custom Home: $1.5 million – Under $3 million.

With six nominations, Canvas Homes “Cube House” incorporates an innovative stacked cube design over three levels in a variety of horizontal and vertical forms which creates an exceptionally modern profile with low-profile natural landscaping. The design of this home champions indoor living which converges effortlessly with outdoor living for almost year-round living and entertaining. Built on a steeply sloped property, this Britannia Beach home’s modular design creates contemporary curb appeal, has minimal site disturbance, and maximized views from its pristine Sea-to-Sky locale. Efficient, sustainable practices are prominent throughout with materials re-used whenever possible.

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Holson Developments Ltd. for “Hidhurst” with Janet Scagel Design – Finalist for Best Custom Home $3 million – Under $ 5 million.

‘Hidhurst’ is a West Vancouver home built with Prairie Modern architecture and entertainment in mind. This wood and concrete home of 8,400 square feet is located across from the Capilano Golf Course grounds in the tony British Properties comes with a raised putting-green with artificial turf for those who cannot get enough of their favourite past-time. The landscaped front yard gives way to an outdoor heated pool with enclosed hot tub, and an outdoor entertaining area with multiple sun tanning decks. An impressive lower-level entertainment lounge with wet bar, billiards room, multi-media theatre, and a show-stopping 60-gallon salt-water fish-tank is a final touch to achieving feng-shui positivity.

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Vancouver Total Construction for “Westridge Villa” – Finalist for Excellence in Innovation and Sustainability in New Residential Construction and Best Custom Home: $3 million – Under $ 5 million.

‘Westridge Villa’ is a luxurious contemporary home with a “Platinum Level” certification from Built Green Canada and designed to combine urban style, practicality, and all the hi-tech features of a smart home into an energy efficient, air-tight, and healthy home. Exterior walls, on all 3 levels, are made from concrete insulated ICF Forms which creates a unique environment for maximized heat savings, noise reduction, seismic stability, and superb airtightness. The home is surrounded by large natural rock formations, landscaped lawns, and tiered gardens of over 30 different species of plants which mirror local flora. This Villa finalist overlooks the ocean and includes a full spa with steam sauna, oversized pool, hot tub, large covered patio with BBQ and more for amazing outdoor entertaining.

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hom e

Best Builders for “Above it All” with AH Design, Chevalier Designs & Graytek – Finalist in three categories: Best Interior Design Custom Residence: New or Renovated, Best Custom Home Builder of the Year and Best Custom Home: $3 million – Under $ 5 million.

Minimalist by nature, this ‘Above it All’ home was designed with its client in mind—an avid martial artist— a spacious gym and steam room were an absolute necessity. The modern home features a cleverly-planned floorplan which captures natural-light along the southfacade, was positioned specifically to maximize views from both floors. The exterior living space is open, spa-like and luxurious, allowing for full submersion into the spectacular ocean views and sunsets that will be enjoyed all year round. Smart-home controls allow

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for ease-of-use and enable control over energy-consumption from anywhere. With up-to-date technology, cloud-based management and energy efficient LED lighting installed throughout, this home is stunning and wonderfully low maintenance.

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COV E R C E L E B

WENDY YAU SUM CHEUNG

COVER C EL E B

Writer: Lucy Lau / Photographer: Alfonso Arnold Hair and Makeup: Ana Allen; Ana V Beauty Stylist: Sarah D’Arcey Look 1 (Blue Gown with long train) Gown: House of Bahareh Earrings & Ring: Nadri / Shoes: Aldo Looks 2, 3 & 4 provided by Holt Renfrew Look 2 (Wine Lace Cocktail Dress) Dress: ALEXIS / Earrings & Ring: Nadri / Shoes: Aldo Look 3 (Black Cocktail Dress) Dress: Stella McCartney / Bracelet: Nadri / Shoes: Aldo Look 4 (Skirt with Cartoon) Skirt: Comme des Garcons Blazer: Comme des Garcons / Shoes: Aldo

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mong the many hats Wendy Yau Sum Cheung wears are realtor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and writer. But take one look around at her private residence’s living room—an open, tastefully decorated space that’s home to a white Yamaha grand piano, a violin sculpture resting against a stack of music sheets, and a black-and-white rug patterned in a way that resembles piano keys—and you’ll see where her true passion lies.

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On the piano, I could think of a song within minutes, and to me— in my world at the time—I thought they were just as good as the ones on the radio.

I thought, ‘This is my destiny. This is my calling.’

A gifted pianist who picked up the instrument ever since she was 5 years old, Cheung knew by the time she was a teenager that she wanted to write, produce, and compose Cantonese pop music for Hong Kong’s most buzzed-about artists. “I was watching these awards shows and saw these big stars,” she recalls during an interview at her North Burnaby house. “I thought, ‘Oh, one day, I’m going to write songs for them.’ On the piano, I could think of a song within minutes, and to me—in my world at the time—I thought they were just as good as the ones on the radio. I thought, ‘This is my destiny. This is my calling.’ ” The sought-after piano teacher graduated from the UBC School of Music with a concentration in composition at 21—not long after gutsily launching her first business venture, the Mozart School of Music, to help improve job prospects for her classmates—but it would be years later until she pursued her nagging, adolescent dreams after experiencing a self-awakening.

In fact, aside from retaining ownership of the now franchised Mozart School, and writing a series of 11 children’s piano-method books titled Music Minds, Cheung was far removed from the realm of instrumental expression at 27. That was the year she started a family, and in an effort to improve their financial security, the self driven entrepreneur began working alongside her realtor husband after attending a weekend seminar

about housing and investments. The pair, along with Cheung’s brother, founded Peak Performance Investments, a joint-venture capital company which grew significantly to managing several hundreds of properties in 2008 and by 2010 the three Titans started Alture Properties, a real-estate development firm specializing in delivering multi-family housing while building communities across B.C., Alberta, and Ontario.

They are currently on the TSX private market.

Although Cheung found she excelled in real estate, she took a leave of absence from her role at Alture as co-founder and “Money Maestro” in 2013. This was prompted by a concert that she attended a year earlier in Richmond: an intimate piano recital put on by an elderly woman who was performing in front of an audience for the first time. When the musician explained to the crowd why she took so long to follow her passion and urged guests not to wait to do the same, Cheung

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grew emotional. “When I was listening to her, the tears were coming down,” she recalls. “I was crying. I was rubbing my mascara out and I felt really embarrassed. So I left the concert…went to my car, rolled up my windows, and I cried my lungs out.”

“That was the pivotal point where I knew that something was really missing,” she continues. “At that time, I had pretty much everything: I had a great husband, a healthy son; I had my finances in order….but I didn’t feel fully fulfilled.”

Cheung wholly acknowledges that her next move was an impulsive one: she bought a round-trip flight to Hong Kong for the next month, promising herself that she would give her childhood ambition a shot. Despite having zero connections to the region—the Cantonese- and Englishspeaking composer immigrated to Canada with her family when she was only three years old—and the music scene there, Cheung was hopeful. “I gave myself six days,” she says. “And I told myself that, in those six days, if nothing happens then call it a vacation, go home, and cross it off your dreams. I tried; I attempted.”

Before she flew to Hong Kong that December, however, Cheung was met with a hit of serendipity. The aspiring producer had purchased tickets for her and her family to see Hong Kong singer Alan Tam in concert at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

By some stroke of luck, the Cheungs were seated a row ahead of Karen Quan, a university friend of Cheung’s brother who happened to be Tam’s niece. Quan invited them to have dim sum with her and the superstar performer—her uncle—the following morning. Cheung, eager to somehow get a copy of her bubbly Cantopop song, “Color of Love”, into Tam’s hands, agreed.

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Cheung remembers being so nervous she didn’t step into the room where Tam and his family were dining at Richmond’s Red Star Seafood Restaurant until almost the end of the meal. She eventually managed to pass on her CD and snap a photo while briefly exchanging remarks with Tam’s niece.

When Cheung flew to Hong Kong at the end of 2012, she ended up reconnecting with Quan, in the city, when Quan called Cheung’s hotel room asking her if she’d be interested in—what else?—dim sum. During that lunch, Cheung met Kapo Chan, a respected artist manager who’s helped propel talents such as Jacky Cheung to celebrity status.

Kapo offered to help Wendy Cheung promote her music. “I was just going for the ride,” states Cheung, who recalls being ecstatic at the time. “I didn’t know what to expect.”

Cheung, after producing the Alice Lau Vancouver Show at the River Rock Theatre in 2013, dedicated three years to her composing career, producing albums and regularly flying between Vancouver and Hong Kong to play in concerts, writing theme songs, appearing at events as keynote speaker, conducting interviews in cities such as Beijing, Taipei, and Shanghai. She rubbed shoulders with

Hong Kong’s hottest stars at awards ceremonies and after-parties and saw her songs hit charts around Asia. “Big Love”, performed by Khloe Chu and written and produced by Cheung, was even nominated for Song of the Year at the C.A.S.H. Award Ceremony in Hong Kong. Being so engrossed in such a high-pressure industry, however, soon began taking its toll on Cheung, and after three years of transpacific living, she returned to Vancouver permanently.

“The reality was a different perspective of what she imagined as a childhood fantasy,” she says of the Hong Kong music industry. “It’s so fast paced, a lot of hard work behind it and maybe the media only shows a section of that. The experience gave me self-growth, self-confidence.

It put my inner inquisition to rest: that was the main thing.”

Although she was now home in B.C., her time in Hong Kong inspired Cheung to continue her career in music—this time, through a Broadwaystyle project that would allow her to flex her com-

position and song-writing skills without creative limitations. In 2017, she served as music director for “Love for Sale”, a Cantonese comedy-musical-drama akin to the Christmas-film classic Love Actually that features a number of intertwined love stories; and penned the plot and tunes for “Seasons: A Magical Musical”, a Phantom of the Opera–esque production presented in partnership with the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra.

“Love for Sale”, which was performed at the Norman Rothstein Theatre last October, is now in discussion to be filmed, while “Seasons”, which enjoyed standing ovations from crowds during its November showing at the Centre for Performing Arts, may be reproduced for more audiences. The pieces offered Cheung an opportunity to cross another item off her bucket list as well as to prove to herself—and her music peers—that she had it in her. “I just wanted to do something on a larger scale,” she says, “and show the world what I can do to, hopefully, lead the industry to know who I am as a writer.”

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Never one to sit still, Cheung has also written a book in the short time since she’s been back on the West Coast: titled Create Your Life’s Masterpiece; the tome details Cheung’s experiences in music and real estate, and offers tips on how to create financial success that allows readers to pursue their dreams, live to their full potential, and find happiness. One hundred percent of proceeds from the book go toward the Wendy Yau Sum Cheung Fund, a perpetual endowment that provides scholarships to students at Capilano University, which Cheung attended after high school. “I wanted to thank the institution that made me who I am,” she says.

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Cheung is back into real estate by helping a respectable friend market a lavish, $7,995,000 (USD) Las Vegas property. She’s found a happy balance between her family, music, and business lives over the past year—even adding “published author” to her many hats and accomplishments— though you shouldn’t expect to see her scaling back on the multi-tasking anytime soon. “When we’re on Earth, there’s only a certain amount of time that we’re here and we have to make it as meaningful as possible,” she says. “And, hopefully when we go, we can say we’ve done what we came to do. That’s always a component of who I am.” n

THE MANY FACES OF

ENDY YAU SUM CHEUNG

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1210 MacDonald ranch Drive, Henderson, Nevada www.simplymoneyinc.com

By Lucy Lau B O U L E VA R D

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endy Yau Sum Cheung, known in real estate circles as the “Money Maestro”, is not only an international award winning composer, but also the author of her new book, “Create Your Life’s Masterpiece”, which shares her proven strategies for investing successfully in real estate. As a Medallion realtor, Cheung has recently taken on a task of a grand scale: helping a friend market an impressive $7,995,000 (USD) property at 1210 MacDonald Ranch Drive, Henderson, Nevada.

Measuring an expansive 8,494 square feet and situated within the prestigious guard-gated community of MacDonald Highlands, the luxury private residence comes fully-furnished. This is a turnkey home which features a chef’s kitchen, a state-of-the-art 10 seat movie theatre, and a 2,000 + sq ft lifestyle deck that offers sweeping views of the Las Vegas Strip and skyline. A number of exquisite guest suites, a floor-to-ceiling temperature-controlled wine cellar stocked with over 400 bottles from around the world, and a wellness spa retreat that gives the manor its name: Serenity.

When you’re there, you don’t even have to go to the spa,” states Cheung, “because you’re actually living there.

Designed by luxury interior designer Donna Johnson, the ultramodern, newly built residence features sleek lines, hand-cut stone and marble accents, and generously sized windows that offer plenty of natural light while seamlessly connecting the indoors and outdoors spaces of the home with the surrounding mountaintops and natural terrain. Serenity also overlooks the Dragon Ridge Clubhouse and its world-famous 18-hole pro golf course, giving dwellers and guests an easy way to unwind recreationally. What’s more, the property is located mere minutes away from both Las Vegas McCarran International Airport and Henderson Executive Airport, making it an ideal investment for those looking to come in and out of the city.

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It could be someone looking for a second or third home, who wants to play at the casino, who likes the nightlife and wants to host parties,” says Cheung.

“It’s really an entertaining home.

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Other features at Serenity include a spectacular 1,961 sq ft master bedroom and ensuite which opens up to its own deck and sitting area, just steps away from the resort-style infinity pool. His-and-hers walkin closets, outdoor living space complete with flora and fire pit, one-of-a-kind furnishings, lighting fixtures, and decorative accessories, all convey opulent 5–Star class living. From sought-after fine-art canvases to authentic Hollywood reels and framed images of Tinseltown’s biggest names, along with a curated selection of wall décor, this is all about celebrity lifestyle luxury.

“Given the high-end finishes, innovative conveniences, and show-stopping design of the property, this property offers tremendous value. You can’t even ask for anything more”, Cheung says.

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Vegas is a place known for world class hotels, casinos and entertainment, some of the most exciting nightlife there can be. Serenity allows the best of both worlds, while tucked away next to a private golf course, at the same time so conveniently located to the strip. Vegas has become not just a destination for 42 million people annually, but the “it” city where all the hottest a-list famous V.I.P.’s come to play. This is especially with the best economic news…professional sports teams like the NHL Vegas Golden Knights, and Raiders NFL football team — to play in a new $2 billion stadium, now call Vegas home.

What makes this home more special for Wendy Yau Sum Cheung is her good friend Dave Lambert, the developer of Serenity and owner of Ventana Beaumont Inc., a subsidiary of Canadian-based Aspen Creek Investments Ltd. Cheung said, “Their philosophy is to put people before profit and deliver exceptional, well thought value real estate to the market place”.

Serenity is awaiting its first lucky owner to experience priceless enjoyment, to revel in the special interior design touches, and to create wonderful memories both inside and outside this spectacular property.

As an incentive, the seller is gratuitously including a brand new Tesla electric luxury vehicle, and a one year private membership to the neighboring pro golf course, in total valued over $160,000 (USD).

Cheung said, “Interested clients can contact me for a private tour showing of the home and we can arrange that easily through our team both in Vancouver and Vegas.

Visit www.simplymoneyinc.com, where you can also experience our virtual tour of this magnificent home.” n

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Kits

fashio n

Diane’s Lingerie Hits a High Note

| By Lisa Manfield | Photography / Alfonso Arnold

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t a time when social media movements have brought a heightened awareness to activism around cultural and gender issues — from female empowerment to body positivity to cultural appropriation — it’s getting harder for retailers to hit the right note with their marketing messages. But one local retailer has found a way to “make beautiful music” for its customers. The key? Embracing every body, offering quality products and services and emphasizing health and wellness. And of course, let’s not forget its sumptuous lingerie.

For over three decades, Diane’s Lingerie has given Vancouver women a sanctuary and safe haven to celebrate their bodies, and to adorn them with well-fitted, quality garments. Their mainstay — bras — come in every shape and size, just like their customers. “We carry demi-cup bras, T-shirt bras, seamless bras and full-cut bras,” says Diane’s owner Sharon Hayles. “We also offer sports bras, after-surgery bras and nursing bras.” And, as the largest independent lingerie store in Western Canada, Diane’s also carries panties, shapewear, camisoles, sleepwear and loungewear.

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But Hayles says she’s seeing more and more women embrace beautiful lingerie in addition to their practical pieces. “Most of our bras come from French, German and Belgian suppliers that have been around for 150 years. The quality is exceptional, and the Canadian market is finally taking hold of European flare.”

Another trend, Hayles says, is in technical sports bras — something that seems fitting for the Vancouver athletic scene. “You want to wear the right bra from an impact perspective,” she says. “There are incredibly technical products now that help with wicking so you don’t get the chafing.”

Ensuring the right fit is where Diane’s has set itself apart from other undergarment retailers. Diane’s customers enjoy a personalized fitting to ensure they’re wearing the right bra size. And, as it turns out, most women wear the wrong size, which can lead to back pain, shoulder pain and neck aches.

“We want you to have beautiful lingerie, but it’s also about your health,” Hayles says. “We offer workshops in the store and speak to groups in the community. Plus we’re educating women in our fitting room day in and day out.”

Orchestrating a rebrand This year marks 35 years that Diane’s Lingerie has helped local women to get their perfect fit. And it’s been five years since Diane, the original owner, sold the business to Hayles, a retail veteran who has made the store more relevant than ever.

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Hayles led a rebrand in 2014 that put the spotlight on the beauty of real women’s bodies — a message it continues to promote. “With the recent focus on body shaming and the #metoo campaign, we’re taking our brand to the next level, using real bodies, continually treating our customers with respect and embracing our differences,” Hayles says, emphasizing the role her team plays in creating a thriving business culture.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is the group of women working for me in the store,” she says of her staff of 12. “They are passionate and give 110 per cent. We have a good time with our customers.”

But staffing is actually one of Hayles’ biggest challenges when it comes to offering the level of customer service that has given the store its reputation and fuelled word-of-mouth referrals. “It’s a tough challenge because Vancouver is very expensive, and you’ll hear this from most retailers,” she says. “I can’t just hire someone off the street and teach them how to put a wardrobe together. It takes one to two years to be solidly effective at fitting. You have to understand the product and know what bras will fit which breast types.”

Hayles developed a training program that allows new hires to learn the product and the principles around selling it. “They spend time in shipping and receiving learning the product. Then they shadow the other fitters for up to six months.

Then they go into the fitting room and we shadow them,” she says, adding that all team members support one another, particularly when they get a challenging fit.

Team members also pride themselves on their sensitivity and expertise around post-surgery fits for breast cancer patients, Hayles says. “We offer compression bras, and the right kind of bras to help people feel like they’re back to normal again. It’s a very rewarding part of our business — making a difference in someone’s life.”

Hayles says it’s important to her and her staff to give back. “We do that in a number of ways.

We’re involved in the BC Cancer Foundation’s Hope Couture Luncheon and we donate bras to Dress for Success in Vancouver.

We also do fittings on the Downtown Eastside, and we support a group called Hope for the Nations, to which we donate sleepwear and bras that are sent to Africa.

We’re always looking for opportunities to give back.”

aiming fOr an encOre PerfOrmance As Diane’s approaches its 35th anniversary this fall, Hayles is contemplating where to take the brand next.

“Through the rebrand, we attracted a lot of new customers to the store, and brought lots of customers back to the store. We updated all of the assortment, looking for new brands that were on trend.”

“But,” Hayles continues, “in this day and age, things move so quickly. We’re now at stage where we need to take our brand to the next level. We are a destination and people have to feel proud to walk into the store. I want everybody to walk in and feel comfortable.”

Hayles says the increased attention generated by retail giants like Victoria’s Secret has actually helped stores like hers. “We were nervous when Victoria’s Secret came in, but it has only raised awareness of the whole category. There’s room for everybody here. We all know each other, and we try not to step on each other’s toes.

We just stay focussed on what we need to do to bring customers through our door.”

At the end of the day, it’s all about feeling good in the skin — and undergarments — you’re in. n

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Wig Out

The Man Who Can Make You Look Like Beyoncé

Considered the crowning glory for most people, hair defines a person and a personality just as much as clothing, makeup and speech.

For the past 25 years, Abantu in Vancouver has been helping clients find the perfect wigs to complement their look.

A good wig can cost up to $2,000, so these are not your typical costume wigs, but artfully crafted headpieces. When you see your favourite celebrity sporting a different hair style or hair colour within the span of a breath, that’s most likely due to a really good wig, says Mark Okoth owner of Abantu. “[Today’s] wigs... are very heavily influenced by movie celebrities and music artists. Wig manufacturers will come out with wigs that look just like Rihanna’s or Beyonce’s latest hairdo.”

While many of Abantu’s clients are professional performers, there are also many who are looking for everyday wigs. For these clients, Okoth strongly suggests trying on many different styles to ensure you find one that fits just right — not too tight, too loose, too bulky and, of course, flattering to your face.

If you plan on heat styling, make sure the wig is made of human hair or a synthetic that can tolerate heat. Okoth suggests starting with a monofilament top then upgrading to a handtied full lace wig, which is as good as it gets before you start entering the world of custommade wigs. And, don’t worry, today’s wigs are incredibly natural — you can even get an ombre with roots for a truly realistic appearance. n

By Catherine Tse

Striking views from The Summit

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hat has unmatched support, unrivalled comfort like a great watch, a smartphone, or a carefully selected pocket square, with an element of creative design. A luxury lounge chair?

THE UNSEEN ACCESSORY | By Harris Van

What is produced from natural fibers working in-depth with product testers solving the problem of skin-to-skin contact, supremely comfortable suspension technology? Maserati leather seats for sure? Not at all, it is the unseen accessory, equally suited for relaxing for the modern man. Whether you’re lounging at home or making things happen out in the world. It is the premium undergarment.

The forgettable fashion noticed only by not being noticed.

the forgettable fashion notiCed only by not being notiCed. We plan the night in the city, the urban lifestyle, purchase the suite, tie, and best fitting yet stylish shoes with socks that show. All complimented by a hairstyle and smoky eyes designed to evoke love.

Shave, trim, creams to level the skin tone (some of us). But before all this masculine preening we go into the drawer for the unfolded beginnings, the boxers, whites or tee shirts of your past.

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The confident masculine being that is the read by the even more confidant potential close encounters in successful urban living. Alternatively, so the saying goes, you can only sell ice to the eskimo once.

The work to toward warmth reveals the insecure the moment the unseen accessory is seen and judged.

Feel good now, go out urban man. www.nthdegreeunderwear.ca n

Close enCounters . . .

Less attention to these because of the distraction of the outer appearance accessories, the main show, the first impression, not realizing, or just being distracted by the dominant tie or shoe lace. Unaware that outer appearance comes from inner strength and comfort in ones self. The unseen accessory, the feeling inside the outer garments brings out the man in us.

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Play Today!

Burnaby’s natural beauty and spectacular golf facilities offer many unequaled luxuries for public golf right in the heart of the Lower Mainland.

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art

“The GhosT I Made You Be” Artist’s work explores contrAdictions, power structures And “pAinful, AwkwArd moments”

s Studio portrait courtesy of the New York Academy of Art

By Angela Cowan

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art

first met New York-based artist Danica Lundy when she was about 11 years old. The daughter of a friend of a friend, and living in the Gulf Islands near Vancouver, Danica was brighteyed, competitive, feisty and a driven soccer player. But her creative talents shone through even then.

As we sit and chat now, though, it all still seems a little surreal to her.

Fast forward 15 years, and the 26-yearold artist is a graduate of the New York Academy of Art and 2017/18 Chubb Fellow — the highest honour the school can bestow upon its graduates — and she is selling art and making a living in one of the world’s major arts centres.

In March, a solo show of her drawings ran in New York, and a solo show of her paintings took place in Milan, Italy. In August she’s exhibiting back home on Salt Spring Island at Steffich Fine Art.

Once the masters program began, however, she was grounded, fast and hard.

These accomplishments are not surprising to anyone who’s ever been introduced to the artist.

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“Getting into the school was a huge accomplishment,” she says, shaking her head.

“I couldn’t even dream of it for a while. It felt closer to Hollywood, just a fantasy.”

The summer between first and second years, she was chosen for a residency at the Leipzig International Art Programme, where she spent two months living and working on art in an old, repurposed cotton mill, before returning to school with a new sense of urgency.

Work on her thesis continued in earnest, as Danica laboured on painting after painting, as well as an eight-foot-wide ballpoint pen drawing.

Discussing her work, Danica’s hands fly in front of her as she tries to explain why she loves what she does, what she sees, how her work changed while in New York. She stopped painting from life and photographs, turning instead to the depths of her imagination, learned how to focus and “how to squish the spectrum of light into the spectrum of paint.”

Photo by Lia Crowe

I

s "Slit Finder," oil on canvas, 36x60

"Car Kiss," oil on canvas, 48x32

“that dichotomy between repulsion and attraction is so important to me. i walk that line constantly. i want the viewer to feel uncomfortable, to wonder if maybe she shouldn’t be looking.”

Her pieces explore the complexities of adolescence, of connection, of that feeling of being an outsider, those “painful, awkward moments that we all pivot off of.”

“I love how in painting something can be two things at once,” she says.

“It can fill you up. It can empty you. I don’t necessarily paint things I like.”

s "Head," ballpoint on paper, 8x10 s "Da Capo," ballpoint on paper, 8 feet wide

she walks a line of contradictions with every stroke of colour: the sublime and the grotesque; intimacy pressed against voyeurism.

Rather, she’s pulled to give a voice to things that hurt, or are jarring.

s "Flag," oil on canvas, 38x30

"Bar," oil on canvas, 48x32

Magnificent in their complexity, her canvases hold no playful poppies or soothing seashores to be displayed in a hotel lobby.

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art Her work is visceral, complicated, physical, uncomfortable.

She walks a line of contradictions with every stroke of colour: the sublime and the grotesque; intimacy pressed against voyeurism.

“That dichotomy between repulsion and attraction is so important to me,” she says. “I walk that line constantly. I want the viewer to feel uncomfortable, to wonder if maybe she shouldn’t be looking.”

The latest development in Danica’s artistic evolution was her Italian debut at the C+N Canepaneri Gallery in Milan, Italy. The solo show, “The Ghost I Made You Be,” includes a significant number of her most recent works, the majority of which were created specifically for the show.

s "Recently," ballpoint on paper, 8x10

“I am grateful for their confidence in my work," adds Danica.

Though still at the beginning of what is surely meant to become a significant and impactful artistic career, Danica has already honed in on a delicate balance of contradictions in her work.

Possessed of an incredible talent, kind-hearted, gorgeous, Danica has an otherworldly quality that shines through until it seems as though sparks should fly from her fingers as she talks about her passions. But there’s no mistaking, this woman has a core of iron.

s "Bonefire," oil on canvas, 60x72

“It’s a bit of a battlefield,” she says with an offhand smile. “I’ve always been able to make it with drive and determination and work ethic.” n

The gallery — which has purchased two of Danica’s pieces already — describes the work succinctly, as representing all of us: “uncertain and fluctuating identities suspended between amusement and latent violence, pleasure and abuses, freedom and surveillance, frustration and unexpected poetical impulses, individualism and communion.”

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Photo by Lia Crowe

“The title…comes from a Leonard Cohen lyric from a song called ‘Treaty’ off his final album before he died last year,” she says. “The full line is ‘I’m sorry for the ghost I made you be/only one of us was real and that was me.' This line struck me as incredibly poignant. To me, it relates to the power structures built in the space between people, and the slow unfolding of oneself into another person, and back. I think it relates to the work I’m doing right now.”

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Paolo Fazioli playing the “Butterfly� piano.

Photo by: The Collective You

Piano Forte

Fazioli pianos grace Vancouver and the world

By Helen Siwak

B O U L E VA R D

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I

t was always Paolo Fazioli’s dream to build pianos. He fell in love with the piano as he learned to play it in his childhood and by the time he earned his master’s degree in Music Composition at the Academy of St. Cecilia, he was ready to realize his dream.

By the end of the 1970s, Sacile, Italy was home to the Fazioli Piano Factory (Fazioli Pianoforte) and by 1979, Fazioli had assembled a small team and designed his first prototype for a baby grand piano. Continually associated with creating and innovating, the Fazioli name has now graced concert pianos shipped all over the world, including Holland, Australia, Brunei, the USA and China.

Vancouverites are also familiar with the Fazioli name, as Paolo Fazioli has travelled to this West Coast city many times as the guest of Manuel Bernaschek, founder of Showcase Pianos.

As one of the top dealers in Fazioli pianos — selling over 100 in the Lower Mainland in the last 10 years — Bernaschek says he was drawn to the “special aura that surrounded the Fazioli piano.”

He knew from the beginning that “there was something legendary about what Mr. Fazioli was doing.”

He says, “There was something perfect about his story of a pianist-turned-engineer that wanted to enter the piano world at the very top. If anyone could pull this

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off, it would be someone who shared the same heritage as [instrument makers] Cristofori and Stradivari — someone from the North of Italy with an inborn drive to reach perfection. Paolo Fazioli is exactly that man.”

With so many Fazioli pianos envisioned, designed and made-to-order, local piano aficionados may not realize they could have crossed paths with one of these gorgeous instruments. There are three, and soon to be four, Fazioli in public areas in the city.

The most accessible is in the open and airy Lobby Lounge at The Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, which

attracts not only international visitors but also locals who enjoy a custom cocktail by the fireplace. In this comfortable and sophisticated space, the bold white piano — with intricate walnut inlay under the lid and the immediately recognizable FAZIOLI in gold on the side — is always the centre of attention.

The warm, natural tone piano in the TELUS Garden lobby is made from Douglas fir and the V-shape legs were designed to reflect the repeating “V” feature of the building. It sits next to an indoor koi pond.

Paolo Fazioli with Yana Levkovich Fazioli Vancouver

A black lacquer Fazioli at the Shangri-La Hotel has the colours of dark, rich chocolate with caramel tones and complements the lush interiors of the hotel.

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Photo by: The Collective You

The Butterfly piano was unveiled amid great fanfare as the centrepiece of Westbank Corporations Fight for Beauty exhibit, created within the parking lot of the Fairmont Pacific Rim. Designed by the late Bing Thom, The Butterfly by Westbank building — currently under construction at Nelson and Burrard in the West End of Vancouver — will ultimately be home to this piano.

This is the first piano that the company has crafted out of beech wood; it’s reinforced by steel, and heavily enamelled. As Paolo Fazioli explained, “Beech wood can be carved, warped and bent,” but it is not strong enough to hold the guts of the piano together without the steel. The finished piece is a glorious interpretation of butterfly movement and has been embraced by a city that cherishes beauty.

Although his company is a mere 39 years old, Paolo Fazioli is determined to create a legacy that will transcend generations.

“Through my son and our young collaborators, Fazioli Pianoforte will continue to create and push boundaries. We have a great climate in the factory with many strong and motivated people. We will have one place in history and that will be because we are doing great things with the piano and will continue to do so.” n

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Paolo Fazioli chats with Paul Mann, Publisher of HLM magazine

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C a l en da r

DANCE & EVENTS Until April 2

PLAYDOME Western Canada’s largest indoor carnival is back for spring break 2018 with games, sweet treats, and more than 45 rides and attractions all under one roof.

BC Place 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver Tickets $9.95-$14.29 at www.ticketmaster.ca April 3-29

VANCOUVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL The Cherry Blossom Festival unites Vancouverites in happy celebration of this unique seasonal phenomenon. Schedule includes Sakura Days Japan Fair, Cherry Jam Downtown Concert, an outdoor picnic, and a haiku invitational.

In parks & neighbourhoods around Vancouver Up-to-date cherry blossom viewing map at www.vcbf.ca

April 13 & 14

TRIPLE BILL Lauded as “…a concert for the eyes [and] contemporary dance for the ears”, the acclaimed tap dance troupe Dorrance Dance returns to Vancouver to fill our senses with mesmerizing rhythm, gravity-defying physicality, and dynamic live music.

Vancouver Playhouse 600 Hamilton Street, Vancouver Tickets from $35 at www.dancehouse.ca April 13-15

RIVERDANCE 20 YEARS Riverdance celebrates its 20th anniversary with this touring show that revolves around the intricate footwork of traditional Irish dance set to the haunting melodies and rousing rhythms of the nation’s musical identity.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver Tickets $30-$100 at www.ticketmaster.ca

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MUSIC April 6 & 7

THE DOO WOP PROJECT Stars of Broadway’s smash hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical join together and harmonize the classics of some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history, including The Flamingos, Smokey Robinson and The Temptations, as well as newer hits from Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse.

Orpheum Theatre 601 Smithe Street, Vancouver Tickets $19-$95 at www.vancouversymphony.ca April 11

CHE MALAMBO A sizzling evening of virtuosity, athleticism, and percussion with this all-male Argentinian dance company. Combining lightning-fast footwork with the smouldering intensity of flamenco and tango, Che Malambo storms the stage with a breathtaking new program of fleet-footed precision and intensity.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver Tickets $28-$72 at www.caravanbc.com

April 26-29

WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL Internationally renowned musicians from around the world gather for this four-night event dedicated to the diverse culture, language and history present in this country. Featuring Calle Verde, Zimbamoto, The Boom Booms, Locarno, Zazu, and Kutapira.

At various Vancouver venues Tickets $15-$25 at www.worldmusicfest.ca April 28-May 6

VANCOUVER OPERA FESTIVAL The much-anticipated second edition of the Vancouver Opera Festival is a celebration of the vocal and theatrical arts, featuring the tragic romance Eugene Onegin by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky; The Overcoat – a musical tailoring, a spectacular new musical treatment of Gogol’s beloved story; and Requiem for a Lost Girl, a stirring chamber musical about homelessness.

At multiple venues Tickets $35-$165 at www.vancouveropera.ca

B O U L E VA R D

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April 25-May 5

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THEATRE April 5-May 5

MISERY In this stage adaptation of Stephen King’s chilling novel, successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car crash by his “Number One Fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up in her secluded home in the mountains of Colorado. Paul soon finds himself writing for his freedom… and his life.

Granville Island Stage 1585 Johnston Street, Vancouver Tickets from $29 at www.artsclub.com April 12-May 6

ME AND YOU Liz and Lou are sisters who go through life mostly as friends. Liz is a steady-minded biologist while Lou is a free-spirited painter, and their personalities clash over pretty much everything. Their stories come alive through the acclaimed mask work of Melody Anderson in a comedy that gives a unique face to sisterhood.

Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre 162 W 1st Avenue, Vancouver Tickets from $29 at www.artsclub.com

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A comedic, heartbreaking and unpredictable performance piece that recounts the journey of a young Métis man (Sheldon Elter) finding his way out of a destructive circle, through music, comedy and inventive story-telling.

Firehall Arts Centre 280 East Cordova Street, Vancouver Tickets $25-$30 at www.firehallartscentre.ca April 26-May 5

THIS From House of Cards writer Melissa James Gibson comes this unapologetic and fiercely intelligent glimpse into the lives of five friends approaching middle age. Funny and honest, the play rides the edge between comedic and deeply painful.

Studio 16 1555 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver Tickets $33 at www.kindredentertainment.com

Sabrina Furminger (www.yvrscreenscene.com) is a busy Vancouverbased arts and culture writer. Follow her on Twitter @sabrinarmf.

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Russian-themed VancouVeR opeRa festiVal

By Kelly Bai

T

he Russian-themed Opera Festival presents two newly choreographed and renowned Russian opera productions and a series of spectacular Russian-themed programs.

Following the success of last year’s festival, the second annual Vancouver Opera Festival will be held from April 28 to May 6, 2018. In celebration of Russia’s Midsummer White Nights, this year’s Opera Festival is named under the banner of the Russian White Nights in Vancouver’s musical world, bringing with it classic Russian operas, a series of celebration activities, and much more.

s Photos: Courtesy of the Vancouver Opera

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en terta i n m ent

s Courtesy of Calgary Opera, Photo by Trudie Lee

Two newly choreographed and composed opera productions are the highlights of the festival. In collaboration with Calgary Opera, Tchaikovsky’s famous opera “Eugene Onegin” will be directed by Tom Diamond and performed at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre featuring Russian baritone Konstantin Shushakov playing the role of Onegin. Jonathan Darlington conducts the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and Chorus in this production.

s Photo by Trudie Lee

s Courtesy of Calgary Opera, Photo by Trudie Lee

s Photo by Dahlia Katz

“The Overcoat – a musical tailoring” is an adaptation of the 1998 smash-hit play of the same name. This newly choreographed opera based on Gogol’s short story “The Overcoat”, will be played on the Vancouver Playhouse stage.

Music by award-winning composer James Rolfe and conducted by Leslie Dala, Morris Panych, the creator of the original play, will return to direct this new opera. s Photo by Dahlia Katz

In addition to these two Russian-themed operas, also featured is the “Requiem for a Lost Girl” which is a chamber musical that explores homelessness, addiction, and the plight of missing and murdered women. The musical is performed by members of Yulanda M. Faris Young Artists Program of the Vancouver Opera and members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and Chorus.

The Kettle Society, an organization which supports people with mental illness to lead healthier lives, has partnered to provide performance material and will participate in the performance.

en terta i n m ent

This 9-day opera festival is packed with a series of magnificent special events. The first day of the festival, on April 28th, is dedicated to various aspects of Russian culture and will kick off with street performances, food trucks, and a big-screen projection at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza.

On May 1st, an evening concert entitled “From Russia with Love to Jonathan Darlington”, will celebrate the 15-year term of Jonathan Darlington as music director of the Vancouver Opera. On May 2nd, the young and outstanding opera singers from the Vancouver Theatre Training Programs will bring a Russian folk songfest. On the closing day May 6th, the Vancouver Opera will collaborate with Early Music Vancouver and Pacific Baroque Orchestra to host the “Russian White Nights: Opera Arias from 18th Century St. Petersburg” event at the Chan Centre for Performing Arts where the famous Baroque soprano Karina Gauvin will present Russian Baroque music.

Karina Gauvin by Michael Slobodian

A series of short chamber music concerts by Russian composers and Russian inspired artists at CBC Studio 700 will feature performances from members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and invited guests.

Jonathan Darlington by Tim Matheson

This 9-day Russian-themed event, will also include an array of discussion seminars, keynote speakers, and community events. May 5th will be packed with a full-day of activities for all ages, i cluding the beloved children’s orchestra fairy tale, Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf”.

There will also be an Opera Bar for adults who are welcome to socialize with performers and artists, complete with DJ and artist performances as well as delicious snacks from local gourmet food trucks.

Kim Gaynor, General Director of the Vancouver Opera, says, “This year’s festival is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the sounds of Russia across the ages. We have streamlined our festival compared to last year, and curated nine days of music for opera lovers. We invite audiences new and old and from near and far, to participate.” n 92

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DANCE YOUR PANTS OFF

F

rom the dance marathons of the flapper era to the gut-tightening Twist to having glittery disco fever, how we dance has evolved and changed tremendously throughout the years. As a form of art, dance lifts us, from the music to the culture and the history behind it, it has always been a way people could express themselves.

Our cultural identity in Vancouver has always been tied to how we spend our leisure time and the seemingly never-ending search for perfection. Now in 2018, the haute crowd is seeking a new way to show how fit and stylish they are, and the level of nirvana achieved.

Dubbed the ‘Dance Your Pants Off’ movement with enthusiasts called ‘DYPOs,’ the city’s latest obsession can be traced to its beginnings last summer at the Fairmont’s Notch8. Late night loungers sought an elevation from the tired Chardonnay-induced swaying in small groups, to from expressing their devotion to fitness and all things Namaste, all by emulating Jennifer Beals in 1983s Flashdance. The spark that created a movement is thought to have occurred when a wardrobe malfunction saw a Diane von Furstenberg wrap-dress being a cast-off and soon chic evening wear was everywhere.

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The city’s luxury hotels quickly adapted their coat-check service to accommodate this new work-out craze and offer a pricy ‘clothing concierge’ service with specialty staff who gather, steam/iron and sometimes repair, clothing discarded by DYPO’ers. Other imbibing guests are also forewarned with a sequence of flashing lights – when word of a DYPO mob may be descending – with guides escorting patrons to safe spaces until the threat of injury is over.

While there is no way to predict how much longer DYPO’ers will be terrorizing the city, the trend has already been immortalized on the internet, where no danced-off Gucci is truly lost. n

By Helen Siwak Publisher of BLUSHVancouver Magazine helensiwak@yahoo.com

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