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Vancouver is home to a thriving fashion industry made up of individuals committed to its growth and success. Get to know these personalities in The Inseam and discover what makes the Vancouver Fashion scene so awesome. |
Photo: courtesy Nicole Dennis Durnin
A wall of books, oxidized charm jewellery, products called “i love my muff” and a closet of carefully curated pieces. These are just a few of the things that you will find at Gastown’s LYNNsteven, a boutique with just enough assortment to peak the curiosity of both mothers and daughters, and enough style to satisfy the fashion hungry.
I chatted with owner Nicole Dennis Durnin about LYNNsteven, her inspirations and why Gastown is so special.
Valerie Tiu: Who is Lynn Steven?
Nicole Durnin: LYNNsteven is the first name of my Mom and younger brother. A lot of people assume that my name is Lynn so I just roll with it now.
VT: Did you always know that you wanted to open up your own store?
ND: I think fashion and retail have always been in me. Ever since I could talk I insisted on picking out my own clothes. Back in the day it was Esprit or nothing! I have worked in retail for over 20 years and after trying a job in a completely different industry I knew it was time to open my own store.
VT: Who shops at Lynn Steven?
ND: Great question. I think it’s one we are still trying to answer ourselves. We have all sorts of people who shop at LYNNsteven. We have the girl in her early 20s looking for a fabulous party dress, to a woman in her 40s who is looking for some great basics with a twist to add to her wardrobe. I like to think we have something for just about everyone. I like to tell people the story about a sweater that I own. My Mother, who is 70, and my Grandmother who is 93, owns it and we all wear it in our own way.
VT: You have a great eye for unique and versatile pieces. Where do you get your style inspiration from?
ND: I get my style inspiration from my friends, plus whenever I visit a different city I am fascinated to see what the women are wearing. I am also a magazine junkie (just ask my husband) and am constantly tearing out looks to add to a file I have.
VT: What makes you want to carry an item in store? What do you look for when you are buying?
ND: It is non-stop research when owning a store. You are always on the lookout for new lines to pick up for the shop. I try to find lines that are not carried at a lot of places in Vancouver, which makes the collections that we do carry ever evolving.
VT: Your retail space has a very unique design. You even have a fitting room made of paperback books! How does the store's design reflect on the LYNNSteven aesthetic?
ND: I always knew that I did not want a regular looking store. It is easy to throw up rolling racks and call it a day but we wanted LYNNsteven to be special and a place that people would remember. We are no doubt known for our book wall but now I think we are becoming known for having some unique lines, which are not found everywhere in Vancouver.
VT: Do you have any favourite local fashion designers?
ND: I love Dace and Nicole Bridger! I am thrilled that Nicole just opened up her own shop on West 4th. I wish we could carry Dace at the shop but it is already carried at another great Gastown boutique, The Block. For jewellery I love Shereen de Rousseau and TOODLEBUNNY, which you can find at LYNNsteven.
VT: What makes Gastown so special?
ND: From the beginning I knew that I wanted to open LYNNsteven in Gastown. I love the character of Gastown and I could see the potential of this great neighbourhood. There is a great sense of community in Gastown and everyone wants the other person to succeed. If you are a fashion lover, there are endless boutiques to peruse and if you are a foodie like me, there is no place like Gastown with its endless list of amazing restaurants.
