Nicole Bridger’s breathtaking collection was unveiled to a packed house at the Salt Building Thursday night. Models sporting elegant, clean, feminine designs sauntered down the runway to the beat of deep, soul-gripping music. A stunning combination of neutrals and rich colours such as burnt-orange, forest-green, aubergine and deep-yellow were set dramatically against the model’s fresh, porcelain skin.

Nicole Bridger uses fabrics from natural and renewable resources, minimizing the impact on our planet and contributing towards a positive change in our modern world, while still helping us look fabulous!

I managed to sneak in a quick snap with Nicole herself in between mingling with a few super stylish guests.

Photographer credit for runway photos: Yvonne Chew Photography

By: Nicolette Lang-Andersen, Vancouver

Vancouver is a green city, but don’t let all the mountain bikes and Birkenstocks con you into believing that us Earth-lovers get decked out in granola-garb. Luckily, Eco Fashion Week in our city has proven otherwise. With a mandate to inform the public about responsibility and sustainability in fashion, EFW recently presented top eco-fashion designers from all over North America.

I had the pleasure of attending night two of EFW, with Vancouver’s own Red Jade, Peridot Kiss, Lara Presber and a personal favourite, Nicole Bridger. Expert draping, impeccable tailoring, unique shapes and attention to details made every collection definitive of true fashion. Seeing so many talented artists and great people behind EFW was inspiring – a step towards sustainable style.

1, 2, 3 Red Jade Spring 2011
4, 5, 6 Lara Presber Spring 2011
7, 8 Nicole Bridger Spring 2011

Photos courtesy of Kris Krug.
KrisKrug.com
StaticPhotography.com

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Eco-fashion fans are true lovers. When it comes to giving back to the planet, we go all out – especially when it involves shopping the night away. Eco-conscious stylistas recently united at Vancouver’s Body Politic for Eco Shops for a Cause, a shopping event to support the David Suzuki Foundation. With some of North America’s most chic sustainable fashions, including labels Noir Bonbon, Nicole Bridger and Lara Miller, it was difficult to resist my shopping temptations.

The night also marked the Canadian debut of Dutzi Designs (above), a line of handcrafted handbags that supports entrepreneurship for women in Mexico.

Munching on mini cupcakes and wine (all organic, of course!), I was happy to be amongst some of Vancouver’s most stylish. Vintage jumpsuits, 50’s throwback styles and bold pops of colour were a few of my favourite style spottings of the evening.

Body Politic is located at 208 E 12th Ave at Main, Vancouver.

1. Gorgeous ladies! Cyndi Hunter of Silver Spoon Food Tours, Regina Noppe of Green Sapphire Imports, Kristin Janishefski of Vanguard PR, and Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess.

2. Nicole Ritchie-Oseen, Owner at Body Politic and friend Jenna.

3. Fashion Designer Nicole Bridger.

4. Britney Rae-Douglas, Shoe Buyer at John Fluevog, gives Fall 2010 a test drive with brand new stock from the store. Love the silhouette and draping of this Noir Bonbon dress!
5. Accessories are my weakness, and these bold pieces are no exception. The necklace by Green Sapphire Imports would be the perfect addition to any outfit.
6. Nadia Chu of String Magazine.
7. Kathy Nguyen, Assistant Editor at String Magazine.

8-11. Dutzi Designs

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Gone are the days when we Vancouverites would slip on our track jackets, yoga pants and Birkenstocks! Although our city has been renowned for our less-than-trendy fashion choices, Vancouver is growing more stylish by the second. A trip to the city’s burgeoning neighbourhoods of Gastown, Yaletown and Main Street will prove that old stereotype wrong. But don’t fret – weekend attire in Vancouver still remains cool, casual and laid-back. We have simply reserved our sporting gear for, what else? Sports. Whether you are strolling through the park, running errands or brunching with the girls this weekend, think basic pieces, easy-to-wear fabrics, layering and clean shapes.
Check out our top picks for weekend wear in Vancity:

1.The ideal dress for a weekend in the city is one that can easily transition from day to night. Try the Pezo Dress ($149) with strappy sandals for running errands, or cinched in with a belt and heels for dinner. Noir Bonbon is available at Body Politic, Life of Riley, Lord’s and Fine Finds in Vancouver.

2. What better word to describe the perfect look for weekend style than “slubby”? Pick up the Perspective Cardigan ($197) from Nicole Bridger.

3. Weekend wear is all about soft, comfy and wearable fabrics. Noir Bonbon has a great selection of basics with modern and edgy details in natural eco-friendly fibres. One of my favourites is the Nerd Top ($130) – I love the contrasting silk shoulder detail!

4. The cropped hemline and the lace detailing on the Belle Bomber ($218) by Lily + Jae are the perfect upgrade from that old hoodie. Available online at the Lily + Jae Online Shop.

5. Trade in those stretchy yoga bottoms for a great pair of relaxed shorts or pants. My pick is the Carel Shorts ($140) fromDace. The folded waistband and the rolled hemline give off a casual vibe – perfect for warmer weather! Available at Violet Boutique in Vancouver and online at the Dace Online Shop.

6. The Boudir Zippered Jumpsuit by Hidden Spectrum ($292) is relaxed, casual and cool. The exposed zipper allows you wear it alone or layered on top of a white tank. Available online at Light Vision Store and online at Hidden Spectrum Shop.

By: Valerie Tiu, Vancouver

Eco-friendly fashion isn’t just for Birkenstock-wearing hippies anymore. Trailblazers such as Stella McCartney have taken sustainable fashion from granola to haute couture. This is, I think, the environmentally conscious fashionista’s dilemma: we don’t want to sacrifice our style quotient to go green. The fashion gods are finally listening it seems, as more and more chic, trend-conscious local and international designers are taking eco-friendly production practices into consideration when creating their lines, using up-cycled and organic materials. From local labels such as Nicole Bridger, Adhesif, and Lav & Kush, to big names such as Edun, Bono’s label, designers everywhere are urging people to take their efforts to help the environment beyond the recycling bin.

Vancouverite Joscelyne Schroeder, who will be launching her eco-friendly online boutique and resource center Naïve Boutique on Earth Day (April 22nd), states that not only are you helping the environment by shopping eco-friendly, but you’re also benefiting your personal health and well being. The farming practices used to create materials such as organic cotton and bamboo, which feature prominently in the lines she will be carrying, not only drastically reduce production waste, but also rid clothing of the toxic pesticides and chemicals that are harmful to the body and are present in a lot of the clothing we usually wear. Yes, it might be a bit more expensive to shop organic, but only until more people start doing it and the trend catches on, increasing demand for the product. The movement extends beyond clothing: look for vegan accessory lines like Matt & Nat and Navoh. I think it’s time the fashion world began to take the environment, and our health, seriously. Who’s with me?

Left to right: Adhesif dress is available at Forsya Boutique in Vancouver and in Toronto at Distill Gallery and online at adhesif.supermarkethq.com. Edun one-piece available online. Lav & Kush cape, shorts and jumper available in Vancouver at Fine Finds, Tenth and Proper, Life of Riley and Body Politic and in Toronto at Trixie, Lou Lou, and Mudshark. Nicole Bridger cardigan is available in Vancouver at Twigg and Hottie and Ingenue, in Toronto at My Bump and Frock and online. Stella McCartney dress. Matt & Nat Cleo handbag available online and Warren Boutique in South Surrey.

By: Chloe Berge, Vancouver