Not everyone dreams of a career in fashion, but for those who do, walking into the 10 showrooms of the Parker Building is like walking into a dream. One you can work in.
Based on the theory if you build it, they will come, the 10 Parker agencies are a joint force, representing more than 50 high-end designers, and drawing retail buyers from across the country to their showrooms.
Stylists and buyers can sit down in an overstuffed wing chair with a Perrier and their iPad, and be pitched, or pull from the racks and play, and then place their orders. And they can do that nine more times without leaving the building.
The additional perk of gathering all these labels in one place is that it makes local shoppers more aware of Vancouver boutiques that carry the brands they love. In fact, Id had no idea some of these lines, such as United Nude, were available in Vancouver until the Parker Project party last month.
WE Vancouver dropped in on Day 1 of being in market, kind of like TVs Sweeps Week, when next seasons hottest collections are rolled out to the masses who have flown in to view them.
At some of the larger showrooms such as Skout and Dakota, it was a veritable bee hive of neon-lipped, high-bunned (which will be low-slung buns by summer), suit-jacketed young things running product numbers and garments for the managers and the clients.
In the more intimate showrooms, some managers sat regally behind lacquered desks, overseeing their stylish domains and tapping out emails, while others walked their serene, white-on-wood aisles with a buyer and an assistant.
Designer Joyce Ma founded her agency, Edit Space, for one simple reason: Fashion hates families. Fashion Week is during Spring Break, and then it happens again when its opening week for school.
After having children, she wanted to remain in the industry, and found that running an agency that helps designers get exposure has been much more family friendly.
It might sound competitive, but there is an innate camaraderie to the collective.
We had to set everything back up after being on the road in Edmonton, and we ended up hand-bombing 12,000 lbs of goods off the truck as a team, says Jason Phillips, co-founder of Skout.
Glamour, adds his business partner, Lindsay Wallis, with an eye roll.
But it is. Those crates carried lace-and-leather cut-out clutches, suede booties that literally kick ass, and racks upon racks of clothing, smoothed out to dazzle once again under the showroom chandeliers.
But what every showroom loved to point out is that it was all just a fish factory a handful of years ago.
This was the freezer, says Wallis, gesturing to the sunlit corner of Skout where we sat, flanked by an Ilse Jacobsen boot display.
It took the vision of Dakota Groups Allan Loomer and Libertys Glenn Bailey in 2009 to transform the industrial space at 1355 Parker Street.
And while no shopping can be done in the building, they do open for sample sales (50 per cent off retail!), one of which is approaching on April 4, 5 and 6.
BRUNETTE SHOWROOM
Created by Miriam Alden
Labels represented: Desigual, Seychelles and BC Footwear, BB Dakota, Birds of a Feather Jewelry, Lisbeth Jewelry, Alden Rae Bracelets, CPAK Jewelry.
Pictured: BB Dakota Tenesa top and Litzy short; available at Plenty, Fine Finds, Kiss & Makeup, Muse, Privilege Clothing.
What Brunette is known for: Founded on Aldens simple, but strong, business and personal values, Brunette Showroom is an agency built on honesty, loyalty, solid relationships and a true love for fashion, people, creativity, travel, growth and life.
Twitter: @BrunetteShowrm
SKOUT
Created by Lindsay Wallis and Jason Phillips
Labels represented: Many strong mens and womens collections, notably Gentle Fawn, Left on Houston and Fidelity Denim, which are owned and operated in Vancouver.
Pictured: Bed Stü Bonnie in Coral Lux; available at Edge of Fashion.
What Skout is known for: Skout staff has built a reputation for excellent customer service, while nurturing the integrity of their lines. With a combined 30 years experience in the field of wholesale fashion, Skout has cultivated relationships with Canadas top retailers.
Twitter: @SkoutAgency
KENT BITZ
Created by Kent Bitz
Labels represented: Naked Boxer Briefs, Agave Denim, Marco Nils, No Brand shoes, Lief Horsen.
Pictured: Agave Whidbey Indigo French Terry pant (online only). Agave denim is available at Finns, Quorum, Brascias, Harry Rosen, J Gregory and So Blu.
What Kent Bitz is known for: Bitz has been in the clothing business for over 40 years and endeavours to be an innovative supplier of contemporary to high fashion menswear from medium- to high-end price points, and to provide cutting edge merchandise to not only the urban but also the rural retail base in Western Canada.
YBRANDS APPAREL
Created by Yasmin Akmal, with Kathy Sinclair joining as a partner in 2011
Labels represented: Fluxus, Line knitwear, One Teaspoon, Bloch London, Black Orchid, 525 america, Ted Baker, La Mer watches.
Pictured: Gypsy 05 print silk top; available at Twist, Hollys and Kiss & Make Up.
What YBrands is known for: Ybrands has always focused on choosing to represent leading designers with a strong brand identity and strength in design and aesthetic. The team is well-rounded with experience in sales, merchandising, social media and buying.
Twitter: @YBrands
EDITOR
Created by Kenda Haga with sales by Nora Marvin
Labels represented: Mimi & Marge Jewelry, Harriet Grey Jewelry, Chandi Scarves.
Pictured: Mimi & Marge sterling silver Bullet earrings; available at Blue Ruby, BeautyMark, and House of Jewels.
What Editor is known for: Being one of Canadas leading fashion accessory agencies, and supplying retailers worldwide with sterling silver jewelry, costume jewelry and scarves.
Twitter: @EditorAgency
EDIT SPACE
Created by Joyce Ma
Labels represented: Collection Iris, Ca Va de Soi, 10 Feet Amsterdam, Jensen Denmark, Solow, St-Martins.
Pictured: St-Martins Juliacardigan and Fuji dress; available at The Urban Rack, Courtneys and Lut Boutique.
What Edit Space is known for: Ma and her associate transitioned their design background into representing Canadian designers and forward European brands.
CHERYL LINTON
Created by Cheryl Linton
Labels represented: Marc Aurel, Betty Barclay, Monari, Kapalua, LuckyLu.
Pictured: Cecile Benac cape; available at Spill It Sister, Fine Finds and Prelude.
What Cheryl Linton is known for: The agency specializes in European collections from Germany and Italy. The showroom also represents Cecile Benac, a Vancouver designer.
DAKOTA GROUP
Created by Ava Loomer
Labels represented: Matt & Nat, Soia & Kyo, Hudson Jeans, Chinese Laundry shoes, Kangol hats.
Pictured: Soia & Kyo Benetta trench; avail. at Fine Finds and Twigg & Hottie.
What Dakota Group is known for: A great work environment and fashion know-how with strong customer relationships, and creating a positive and profitable experience for our clients.
Facebook: /DakotaGroup
CAMILLE KELLY AGENCY
Created by Camille Kelly
Labels represented: Gentle Fawn, Lifetime ladies, Plush Apparel.
Pictured: Left on Houston Station sweater, available at Moule, Hills of Kerrisdale and Charlie&Lee.
What Camile Kelly Agency is known for: CKA focuses on West Coast contemporary womens collections and thrives on providing quality goods with superior service.
Facebook: /CamilleKellyAgency
BROCK AGENCY
Created by Sharon Brock
Labels represented: Salt and Pepper, Makers denim, Babakul, Body Frock.
Pictured: Lolitas knit dress; available at Cest Moi.
What Brock is known for: Contemporary European brands that exude style and quality for the busy woman. Brock has forged 20-year relationships with independent boutiques that are as individual as the brands she represents.
Twitter: @BrockAgency
You can follow style reporter Kelsey Klassen on Twitter @kelseyklassen.
