6 fashion artisans to shop at Vancouver's holiday craft markets

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      The season’s artisan markets have become much more than places to find funky holiday ornaments and eclectic artworks. They’ve also become serious sources of one-of-a-kind local fashion.

      Here are just a few of the style highlights, from cool headwear to handmade shoes, at the upcoming week’s wave of craft shows.

      Recycle, revive, repurpose

      Ever stumbled upon your pop’s old ties and wondered what it would take to don them in a more modern fashion?

      Enter Benjamin Bayle, a locally run company dedicated to locating and repurposing retro designer ties from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s that would have otherwise spent the remainder of their lives rotting at Value Village.

      So how does one take paisley, floral, geometric, plaid, and polka-dotted neck ties into the 21st century? Each tie is opened up, trimmed to modern standards, and resewn to create a statement piece that colleagues at your office Christmas party will undoubtedly grow envious of.

      Benjamin Bayle also sources fabric from local suppliers to create classic and contemporary pocket squares that will instantly take your suit from formal to fabulous.

      Ties range from $49 to $69, while pocket squares are $9 or $19. Check them out at Got Craft? December 10 and 11 at the Pipe Shop Building (115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver).

      > Amanda Siebert

       

      Head start

      Claudia Schulz’s hats are made for the minimalist on your holiday list. Each coolly sculpted design is like a contemporary artwork in itself.

      This season, the Berlin-born, Vancouver-based designer is showing hand-felted Helga cap styles—sleek wool felt numbers that mix a mod-Brit silhouette with playful earflaps and oversized tassels.

      She’s also fashioned some new brimmed numbers for the season: we love the Harlow, a hand-blocked wool felt or wool-velour bolero style that comes with handmade ceramic beads by studio ceramik b. in Montreal or in simple, stunning camel.

      Prices range from about $189 to $249. Find her at the Shiny Fuzzy Muddy sale December 10 and 11 at Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street).

      > Janet Smith

       

      Grown-up tie-dye

      Lexi Soukoreff started Daub + Design when Vancouverites were at the peak of their yoga pants–wearing phase in 2010. While she appreciated the emphasis on comfort, she knew she could create tights that combined that laid-back vibe with something that looked a little more luxe than plain-black Lulus.

      Leaning on her experience with textiles, Soukoreff began making fashion-forward leggings, and expanded to include bathing suits, shorts, seamless panties, dresses, and more.

      Her signature hand-dyed garments are made from a moisture-wicking nylon/spandex blend, while her designs start with an environmentally friendly dyeing technique, making each piece truly unique. Her fresh patterns will confidently take you from the yoga mat to the brunch table.

      Leggings range from $98 to $118. for Stop by Daub + Design’s booth at Make It! or Shiny Fuzzy Muddy.

      > Amanda Siebert

       

      Made to order

      Both stylists and podiatrists will argue that shoes should be the most important aspect of any outfit, but for different reasons.

      They should both be excited by the creations coming out of Westerly Handmade Shoes, where one-woman shoemaking machine Renée Macdonald prioritizes fit and comfort as much as style. Utilizing old-world practices and traditional shoemaking methods, Macdonald designs, shapes, and assembles all shoes and their respective components by hand.

      Constructed with reliability, longevity, and beauty in mind, she sticks to only the best materials when building sandals, boots, and everything in between. As they are custom-made, prices vary depending on style. Check out Westerly Handmade Shoes at Shiny Fuzzy Muddy.

      > Amanda Siebert

       

      From Tofino with love

      When it doesn’t exist, make it: surely this was the thought that ran through Julie Boocock’s mind in 2014 as she fashioned her very first leather bag—not for a customer, but for herself.

      Fast-forward to today, and Boocock’s stylish yet minimalist hand-crafted leather bags are sold under her line, Market Canvas Leather, a nod to her roots at Tofino’s local Saturday market. Her timeless, one-of-a-kind designs highlight structure and sophistication while maintaining a level of functionality suited for everyday use.

      Creating totes, bucket bags, backpacks, weekend carry-ons, wallets, clutches, and more, Boocock says no two pieces are alike. Smaller items like wallets and clutches start at $25, while larger bags start at $185.

      Pop by Market Canvas Leather at Make It! from next Thursday to Sunday (December 8 to 11) at the PNE Forum (2901 East Hastings).

      > Amanda Siebert

       

      Picture perfect

      There are few articles of clothing that will ever go out of style, and silk scarves certainly make that list.

      Two Vancouver artists, photographer Tehya MacKenzie and clothing designer Jordanna Leah, have joined forces to bring a fresh look to the staple by combining MacKenzie’s ethereal photographs with Leah’s eye for patterns.

      Under their brand, Hermit & Anemone, the duo creates beautiful, structurally sound handmade scarves with as little impact to the environment as possible. Fresh florals, trees and leaves, honeycombs, and other abstract, nature-influenced patterns act as stunning prints that will have the your outdoorsy friends looking for a reason to dress up.

      Prices range from $35 to $150 at Hermit & Anemone’s booth at Got Craft?.

      > Amanda Siebert

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